Register Early for Converge 45's July Contemporaries event — an exclusive studio visit with artist Storm Tharp, showcasing the duality of his work. Experience his meticulous figurative pieces alongside spontaneous, energetic creations. For years, Tharp has balanced these modes, revealing a fresh artistic language that redefines aesthetics and narrative. Spaces are limited for this intimate event, so register early to immerse yourself in Storm Tharp’s dynamic artistry.

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Join us for a very special studio visit with artist Malia Jensen, whose captivating work has garnered acclaim nationally and internationally. Jensen's artistic journey reflects a deep engagement with the natural world and the creative process, making her a key figure in contemporary art and an inspiring presence in the Portland community. Her materially varied sculptures harness the transformative powers of humor and beauty, as exemplified by her 2023 work for Converge 45, Endless Pigeons, located in downtown Beaverton on the plaza of the Patricia Reser Center For The Arts. Jensen is currently working on a recently awarded public commission for the City of Seattle, scheduled for installation in spring of 2027.

Don’t miss this chance to share the creative energy and vision of Malia Jensen and be a part of the spirited conversations that define Converge 45. Space is limited for this event.

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Register early for Converge 45's April Contemporaries event! Join us at PICA for the premiere of Patricia Vázquez Gómez’s exhibition ‘ja’ / buuts’ / t’aan (Water / Smoke / Word). This immersive video and sound installation, created with Mayan youth from Northeast Portland, explores their link to the Indigenous language maayat’aan amid cultural preservation and personal struggle. Shot in Yucatán and featuring local audio, it reflects the experiences of the Mayan diaspora in the U.S. With multiple screens and layered soundscapes, 'ja’ / buuts’ / t’aan invites engagement with themes of language, identity, and resilience.

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Attending Converge 45's upcoming gala event, Beginnings, promises to be a reflective and exciting experience as we honor guest curator Lumi Tan. This gathering marks a pivotal moment for our community, setting the stage for the 2026 city-wide exhibition. It's not just a celebration; it's an invitation to immerse ourselves in a spirit of renewal and creativity. The atmosphere will undoubtedly be charged with anticipation for the innovations and dialogues that lie ahead.

As we gather to recognize our shared commitment to the arts, we are reminded of the power of connection in shaping our future. Converge 45 aims to cultivate a rich tapestry of voices, focusing on unknown outcomes that challenge the status quo and encourage exploration. This gala will be a testament to our belief in the collective experience—where every interaction can lead to transformative insights. Together, we embrace the uncertainty of artistic discovery, forging pathways that deepen our investment in the local ecosystem and create lasting bonds among artists, curators, and the greater Portland community.

In looking towards the next exhibition, we anticipate a journey that prioritizes collaborative experiences, inviting us all to trust in the process of creation and the knowledge that emerges from it. As we raise our glasses at Beginnings, we celebrate not only the work of Lumi Tan but also the potential that lies ahead for Converge 45. It’s a chance to honor where we've been, revel in where we are, and ignite excitement for the horizons we are yet to explore together.

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Join us for an evening with Curator Lumi Tan on April 8th at 6:00 PM in the PNCA Mediatheque, 511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209. This lecture, hosted by Converge 45 and Oregon Chapter of the National Museum for Women in the Arts (NMWA Oregon), will explore Tan's past work and current projects, including insights into the Converge 45 2026 Triennial. Engage in a discussion on the intersection of contemporary art and community, and discover how local and international voices shape our cultural landscape.

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Register early for the upcoming Contemporaries event, a unique opportunity to join Converge 45 for a private tour the renowned Bullseye Studio. Bullseye Studio collaborates with artists, architects, and designers from around the world to fabricate art glass for the built environment, including architectural, landscape, and product designs; public art projects; and art installations. We are world-renowned for our kilnforming expertise and our custom color capabilities. Don't miss this chance to engage with industry leaders and witness the transformative power of art glass in the built environment.

Space is limited so register early to secure your spot!

Please note, if registration is full, you will be added to our waitlist and contacted if space opens up. Please do not contact Bullseye Glass Studio regarding event reservation.

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Join Converge 45 for an exclusive evening at the Contemporaries event, featuring a private tour of the renowned Michael Curry Design Studios on Thursday, February 20, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. This unique opportunity invites guests to explore the innovative artistry behind the studio's acclaimed work, known for its imaginative designs and dynamic installations. Engage with the creative process, meet fellow art enthusiasts, and gain insight into the intersection of art and performance that defines Michael Curry's transformative contributions to the contemporary art landscape. Don’t miss this chance to connect and immerse yourself in an inspiring artistic environment.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Please note, if registration is full, you will be added to our waitlist and contacted if space opens up. Please do not contact Michael Curry Studio regarding event reservation.

C45 Contemporaries are headed to Reed College for an exclusive private tour of their exceptional art collection, a treasure trove of contemporary creativity and innovation. This guided experience will immerse you in a diverse array of artworks, showcasing both emerging and established artists whose visions challenge and inspire.

You'll have the opportunity to engage with art in an intimate setting, fostering meaningful dialogue about the works on display and their impact on our community. Don't miss this chance to deepen your understanding of contemporary art while supporting the vibrant creative ecosystem of the greater Portland area.

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 Join C45 Contemporaries for a studio visit with artist Melanie Flood. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the creative process in an intimate setting. Attendees can observe Flood's work firsthand and gain insights into her artistic techniques as well as the conceptual framework that informs her art.

This encounter allows for direct dialogue, fostering a deeper appreciation of her practice and the themes she explores. The artist studio visit not only highlights the value of connecting with contemporary artists in our community but also encourages a greater understanding of the role art plays in our society today.

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Exhibition from Portland based artists Lindsey Cuenca Walker, who paints abstracted botanical forms and narrative still lifes, and Brooklyn based artist  Laura Burke, whose surreal still-lifes come together through distant memories and references to her fascination with art history.

Nationale is pleased to present One Week in January, artist Carson Ellis’ sixth solo show with the gallery, featuring 19 selected original paintings from Ellis’ upcoming adult debut, One Week in January: New Paintings for an Old Diary (Chronicle Books).

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Delve into the rich history of collectives in PDX, spanning art, food, and wine, featuring insights from owners of several prominent Portland cooperative art galleries, a local wine maker, and board member of People’s Food.

SPEAKERS: Barbara Black (Blackfish co-founder), Raphael Arar & Marcelo Fontana (Carnation), Jon Gottshall & Jeff Leake (Gallery 114), Marc Brown (People's Food board member, historian and lawyer), Anne Hubatch (Helioterra Wines founder), Barbara Mason (Waterstone co-founder), Amanda Triplett (moderator and co-owner/member of Shift Gallery), Christopher Shotola-Hardt (Blackfish member).

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Welcome to the book launch event co-hosted by Blue Sky, Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts and Converge 45. We’re so excited to host this end-of-summer, rooftop celebration, featuring food, beverages, music, book signings, and a surprise performance. This special occasion will showcase the debut of the 2023-24 edition of the Blue Sky Yearbook along with the 2023 Social Forms: Art as Global Citizenship catalog from Converge 45's latest triennial program. These two publications beautifully capture the heart of the Portland art scene and are important additions to any art-lover’s collection. Save the date for a memorable evening embracing art, culture, and community.

Come out to support the work of these two incredible organizations and the artists and communities they celebrate.

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Join Converge 45 Contemporaries this August for a gallery walk in Portland's historic Pearl District, situated on the northwest side of the city. The Pearl is known for its converted warehouses, fancy high-rise condos, and its appeal to both artists and upmarket residents. Considered the city’s arts hub, the Pearl District houses numerous galleries and studios showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art installations from local and international talent alike.

Schedule

5:00 Elizabeth Leach Gallery

5:30 ILY2

5:45 The BLACK Gallery

6:15 Happy Hour @ Black Fish Gallery

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In their shared studio, the artists Jeffry Mitchell and Ivan Carmona create ceramic sculptures that push the boundaries of what we see in traditional methods. You will also learn how Ivan and Jeffry use different aesthetic approaches to develop works that explore the dualities of life including death, religion, nature, place, sex, and celebration. Learn more about the artists.

Converge 45 Contemporaries connects local professionals with Portland’s contemporary art scene through monthly curated experiences scheduled every third Thursday.

Join Converge 45 for a bespoke experience of the 2024 Artists’ Biennial at Oregon Contemporary. The Biennial is a survey of works by visual and performing artists who are defining and advancing Oregon’s contemporary art landscape. Jackie Im and Anuradha Vikram curated the 2024 edition, titled ablaze with our care, its ongoing song, explores themes of networks, community, care, and support.

Participating artists are Carla Bengtson, Meech Boakye, Srijon Chowdhury, Epiphany Couch, Megita Denton, Michael Espinoza, Marcus Fischer, Bean Gilsdorf, Patricia Vázquez Gómez, Anne Greenwood, Bridgette Hickey, chimæra/project, Horatio Hung-Yan Law, Maxx Katz, Rainen Knecht, Methods Body, Morgan Ritter, Sarah Rushford, Tyler Stoll, UwU Collective, and Vo Vo⁠.

Converge 45 Contemporaries connects local professionals with Portland’s contemporary art scene through monthly curated experiences scheduled every third Thursday.

Image: Installation view of 2024 Oregon Contemporary Artists’ Biennial⁣⁣⁠. Photography by Mario Gallucci Studio courtesy of Oregon Contemporary.

Join co-hosts Converge 45 and The Cooley for a lecture with Amanda Donnan titled Dreaming, doubting: artistic strategies within and against the museum, presented by the University of Oregon Center for Art Research’s Critical Conversation Program.

It is now widely recognized that museums are not neutral containers for art. As theorized by Brian O’Doherty and Aruna D’Souza, among others, museums are ideological constructs that legitimate art objects as commodities and reproduce dominant (and dominating) ways of seeing the world. In this talk, curator Amanda Donnan considers contemporary artistic approaches to working within and against the museum’s’ collecting, display, and programmatic conventions to propose alternative models. Reflecting on a selection of her recent projects and current research, she addresses the museum’s role as a site of colonialist extraction and Indigenous resistance through Omaskêko Cree artist Duane Linklater’s work; a space of self-care and communality in the participatory “clinic” Group Therapy (2018); and secular temple for the practice of attention in ESTAR(SER)’s collection intervention The Third, Meaning (2022).

Critical Conversations is part of The Ford Family Foundation’s Visual Arts Program. It providesa collective space for artistsand cultural producers rooted inexchange and inquiry. Led by the Center for Art Research at the University of Oregon Departmentof Art in collaboration with the Douglas F. Cooley MemorialArt Gallery at Reed College and Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University.

Join Converge 45 at Las Vegas Ikebana: Maren Hassinger and Senga Nengudi, the Cooley’s first exhibition focused on the pioneering collective and cross-genre practices of artists Maren Hassinger (b. 1947, Los Angeles) and Senga Nengudi (b. 1943, Chicago). Since their first encounter in Los Angeles in 1977, Hassinger and Nengudi have developed an expansive body of time-based collaborations that span nearly five decades. Exceeding categorization, their works are grounded in performance, conceptual ideas, and a passionate exploration of the body in motion—tied to their shared training in movement languages developed by choreographers such as Lester Horton and Rudy Perez.

Converge 45 Contemporaries connects local professionals with Portland’s contemporary art scene through monthly curated experiences scheduled every third Thursday.

Join Converge 45 for a night of celebration and recognition of Portland’s arts ecosystem while raising funds for its year-round and citywide art exhibition.

Themed Happening, the 2024 gala is a celebration of place with Honorary Chair Rukaiyah Adams and Community Honoree Halprin Landscape Conservancy.