This content was published: September 30, 2013. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Kim Manchester’s photography centers on portraits of local self-defense instructors
Photos and story by James Hill
During the month of October, PCC visual arts instructor Kim Manchester’s photography show “Force for Change” will be on display in the North View Gallery, Sylvania Campus. This exhibition is comprised of a series of photographic portraits of the women who are certified self defense instructors in the Portland area in the Indonesian martial art Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. This particular martial art is led by a woman who started her training when she was only 12 years old. The local schools are all led by women and unlike many martial arts, there are no weight classes or segregation of male to female sparring partners. This form is fluid and whip-style and the self defense instruction places a strong emphasis on not only reaction time and forward force, but also addressing and dispelling the socialization and myths many grow up with concerning what it means to be feminine.
If you want to hear more about how she created this exhibit, Manchester will host an artist’s talk at 1 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 3. If you miss that, there will be a special reception from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5. Both events will be held at the North View Gallery, located in Room 214, CT Building. Everyone is welcome to attend. Or just visit the gallery anytime. North View Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Manchester will host demonstrations and workshops throughout October. A full schedule of these can be viewed at her website.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »