Emerson Space Case

"Velvet Tiki" - Velvet Paintings by Juanita

2011-11-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

Come by Emerson Space Case to see the fabulous and fascinating works of Juanita, the velvet painting queen! In this series, Juanita explores the glorious kitsch of tiki aesthetics, paired with Day of the Dead imagery. Also displayed are Juanita's marvelous painted velvet coats and pillows.

Juanita's paintings have graced the walls of Voodoo Doughnut (three locations!), Laughing Planet, and Portland Mayor Sam Adams. She has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Oregon Art Beat, and "Black Velvet Masterpieces," a book of velvet paintings.

Living in Portland Oregon, Juanita loves to paint on black velvet. She keeps busy with commissions and has shows of her paintings throughout the West. She now paints on velvet coats, pillows, jewelry and paintings. For commissions, contact her via her website.

As a sidenote: Did you know that Portland was once home to an entire velvet painting museum (where several of Juanita's paintings were once displayed)? Those of us who had the privelege of visiting Velveteria will never forget.

Li'l Orphan Art: A Showcase of Found Objects

2011-11-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen it, you missed it, because this blog post is late (sorry!), but in October we had a fine little showing of found art. Those lovely and ugly things you can't resist at thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales. We gathered things from our friends and put them all together in a tribute to the sincerity of orphaned art.

Big thanks to our contributors:
Chelsea Appel
Kristen Bilous
The Emerson House
Kendra Hadlock
Lettie Jane Rennekamp
Ilan Schraer
Swoops
Kevin Witmer
Benjamin Parrish & Amber Smythe

The show was curated by our resident owl sous-chef, Percival May.

(these chickens have real feathers attached!)

(all the way from Denmark)

Highlights from BEST SUMMER EVER

2011-11-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

This post is quite belated, but here it is! Lettie Jane Rennekamp and Amelia Pillow's BEST SUMMER EVER events were officially a success at Emerson Space Case.

Here are some photos to prove it.

First, here are some shots of Lettie's fantastic colorful paintings and exquisite hand-lettering which adorned our windows for the duration of the project.

And a bike wash in the hot hot sun of summer. Perfect.

A bake sale as well, though it was more of a bake-share than a sale. Lovely treats and joke-telling abounded.

BEST SUMMER EVER - happening now!

2011-08-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Lettie Jane Rennekamp wants you to have the BEST SUMMER EVER, so she has masterminded an art show with her lovely painting and illustration skills, and series of events here at Emerson Space Case!

In her words, "BEST SUMMER EVER is the idea that if we all put a little energy towards having a good time and enjoying the sunshine, our short, special summers here in Portland might last a little longer, and the sun might shine a little more."

Here's the schedule of events, all of which take place on the sidewalk & in the garden at Emerson Space Case on NE 30th & Emerson. We hope to see you there!

BBQ

Thurs 8/25

6pm - 9pm

Come take refuge from the noise of Last Thursday! Featuring homemade sausage by Jeff Garritano

LEMONADE STAND + gentle dog petting zoo

Saturday 8/27
noon to four

Bring the little ones for some lemonade and dog love.

BIKE WASH

Saturday 9/3
noon to four

We can wash some of the dirt and debris off people's bikes, pump up tires and grease chains (boy do I hate a squeaky chain). Possibility for other light maintenance. We would welcome any maintenance help from folks who are bike savvy!

BAKE SALE / extravaganza

Saturday 9/10
noon to fourThis is less a bake sale and more a bake extravaganza. It is more about making treats and sharing them with your friends. Bartering, tipping and donating are strongly encouraged as we don't want bakers to feel that they are wasting their time or resources. However, the main benefits of this event will be a GOOD TIME, hanging out and sharing snacks in the neighborhood.

SURPRISE!

Saturday 9/17
noon to four
The last event in this BEST SUMMER EVER showcase will depend on the participation and excitement of the preceding events. Amelia and I have hatched a couple of giant plans and we will be feeling them out with you guys as the events progress. I do know that this event will be rad and summery. Hopefully, if all our good energy is going to good use September 17th will be hot and sunny. We will announce this event at the BAKE SALE one week prior.

"Just To Tell You Once Again" - Art Inspired By Michael Jackson (now showing thru August 10)

2011-07-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

lovely velvet paintings by Juanita

musical entertainment at the opening event! (here's Stephanie Brachmann singing "Who Is It?")

James Dean Kindle doing "Muscles" (a Michael Jackson-penned song written for Diana Ross to sing)

Liberian Girl does "Ben"

Thank you Joey Edwards for taking photos at the event!
lithograph by Rita Alves

coming June 30th to Emerson Space Case...

2011-06-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

“ J u s t t o T e l l Y o u O n c e A g a i n ”

Art inspired by Michael Jackson

a group show at Emerson Space Case

Featuring artwork by:

Rita Alves
Stephanie Brachmann
Eddie Butler
Joey Edwards
Sarah Flores
Kati Green
Laura Hensley
Juanita
Angela Marks
Chrissy Ortez
Karen Radd
& Ilan Schraer

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please join us for the opening reception

JUNE 30, 2011
7pm – 9pm

with live music by Pendleton's favorite playboy, JAMES DEAN KINDLE,
and special guests Liberian Girl

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Celebrating two years since the birth of Emerson Space Case

- and -

commemorating two years since the death of Michael Jackson.

----------------------

The art will continue to be displayed in the space JUNE 30 – AUGUST 10, 2011. The gallery is viewable at all hours of the day from the sidewalk.

Emerson Space Case is a window art gallery on NE 30th Avenue & Emerson Street in Portland, Oregon.

Call for Art! This time in color!

2011-06-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Check out our colorized flyer!

With only a couple of weeks left before the submission deadline, we're working on getting some musical entertainment for this show's opening, which will be on June 30th. Also, we've already received two excellent art submissions! It's going to be marvelous.

Here's the call for art again:

CALL FOR ART

Emerson Space Case is seeking Michael Jackson-inspired art for a group art show, Just to Tell You Once Again: Art Inspired By Michael Jackson, to celebrate our two-year anniversary! This show will open June 30, 2011.

All media will be considered! Send us your art! Drawings, paintings, sculptures, doodles, poems, whatever it is that you do!

Deadline for submissions is June 17th, 2011

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

You may be wondering to yourself, "Why Michael Jackson? Why now? What has this got to do with Emerson Space Case? Where's my sweater vest?"

So here's the story. We opened our first Emerson Space Case art show on June 25th, 2009. As we were scrambling to cross all the t's and dot the lower-case j's of that show, on that lovely summer afternoon, we heard the sad and shocking news of the death of Michael Jackson. He was in our hearts for the remainder of the day as we installed that first show, and we can't help but think that a hint of his spirit somehow lives on in that space forever more.

And that's why we've decided that for our two-year anniversary show, we should commemorate and celebrate him with a group art show. Can you get on board with that?

Kendra Hadlock's PAPERCUTS - now thru June 26th

2011-05-25T00:35:00.000-07:00


K E N D R A H A D L O C K P A P E R C U T S Please join us for an opening reception Thursday, May 26th 7:30 pm Including magical intricacies and a papercut tent!

CALL FOR ART! Announcing our Two-Year Anniversary Show!

2011-05-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR ART

Emerson Space Case is seeking Michael Jackson-inspired art for a group art show, Just to Tell You Once Again: Art Inspired By Michael Jackson, to celebrate our two-year anniversary! This show will open in late June.

All media will be considered! Send us your art! Drawings, paintings, sculptures, doodles, poems, whatever it is that you do!

Deadline for submissions is June 17th, 2011

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

You may be wondering to yourself, "Why Michael Jackson? Why now? What has this got to do with Emerson Space Case? Where's my sweater vest?"

So here's the story. We opened our first Emerson Space Case art show on June 25th, 2009. As we were scrambling to cross all the t's and dot the lower-case j's of that show, on that lovely summer afternoon, we heard the sad and shocking news of the death of Michael Jackson. He was in our hearts for the remainder of the day as we installed that first show, and we can't help but think that a hint of his spirit somehow lives on in that space forever more.

And that's why we've decided that for our two-year anniversary show, we should commemorate and celebrate him with a group art show. Can you get on board with that?

Dylan Toomey & John Tolles bedazzle the Plywood Project wall

2011-05-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Currently we have two talented plywood artists' work on the Plywood Project wall! Dylan Toomey's colorful graffiti-style art, and a three-dimensional stenciled piece by John Tolles, which must be viewed from different angles to get the full-blown effect.

"Night Portraits" by John Ryan Brubaker

2011-05-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Mr. Brubaker installed fantastically giant prints of black & white photos on the windows of the Emerson Space Case.

Here's what it looks like during the day....

but it really shines at night!

This show will run until May 23rd! Catch it at night while it's shining bright.

"Welcome to Everywhere" by Skye Sarenana-Velten

2011-04-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

"Welcome to Everywhere" by Skye Sarenana-Velten

now thru April 25th

at Emerson Space Case

"Look through a lens, a keyhole, at a painting or photograph. Restrict your perspective to a single space, concentrate on the details of that space with a new intimacy. Reality is where you are when you are done looking away from where you know you're not. I'm talking about something that doesn't exist, an isolated world. Look through a lens and fall into a little dream."

Using clay, watercolors, paper, yarn, boxes, and other mixed media, Skye Sarenana-Velten has created lovely things to peek at through the windows. Some things are tiny, and some quite large.

Here's what you will see if you look inside:

Tess Bidelspach

2011-04-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

In March, the Emerson Space Case was decked out with the fashion creations of Tess Bidelspach.

"Focusing on texture and material, Tess Bidelspach makes wearable creations that blur the line between garment and art. With an emphasis on the process of making, Tess begins each piece with a single material and employs unconventional hand techniques that transform it into something entirely new. While remaining mindful of the human form, Tess's pieces elude to her thought process and allow the viewer a glimpse into her unique world view."

This show occurred with the help of Jen Erickson at Project Grow.

The Fantastic Ocean - an art installation by small people

2011-03-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

February at Emerson Space Case was teeming with sea life! The kindergarteners & first graders of Beverly Cleary Hollyrood's after-school Camp Fire program created a masterpiece of paper, paint, and cardboard.

It happens to be my job to teach arts & crafts to these kids, so I decided to introduce them to the world of installation art. We worked for three weeks on making creatures, water, sky, and boats. It all came together to create a gigantic scene that filled the windows with bright colors and fantastical imagery.

We also created masks for the kids to wear, in which I photographed them. Each kid's photo was inserted into the scene, to show them frolicking around in their own art.

Sara E. Pavao & Jasmin Cross at Emerson Space Case

2010-12-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

You really must see this to believe it. Sara Pavao & Jasmin Cross have created a masterpiece of yarn, wood, light, and lovely. You will want to climb inside this place and snuggle up for winter.

Catch this show throughout the rest of December, and on into January! 24 hours a day! 7 days a week!

come see "Crystal Crag" before it's gone!

2010-10-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

This stunning installation will only be up for another week. Come look! It's better at night, by the way.

" Crystal Crag " - - - - - by Emily Nachison

2010-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Join us for the opening reception!

Wednesday, October 6th

7:00 - 9:00 pm

NE 30th & Emerson

Look forward to refreshments & radical art.

Emily Nachison says:

"My  artwork explores space, natural growth and the human perception of  nature. I create naturalistic environments out of man-made materials by  mimicking plant growth patterns and geological accumulation. This  juxtaposition of natural versus artificial is an investigation into the  cultural creation of landscape.

"My aesthetic combines imagery from New Age culture, the Victorian era, storybook illustrations and the natural world. I use monochromatic color palettes and surface treatments to classify, illustrate and group objects. This system suggests a shared narrative about environment, origin and history."

now in progress...

2010-09-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneek peak at what Emily Nachison is creating at Emerson Space Case. It is icy, white, cave-like, and gigantic. And we've heard rumors that it may involve swans. Oh my!

We are so excited to be hosting this installation, and can hardly wait to see it completed in all its crystalline glory.

Please join us for the opening reception:

Wednesday, October 6th

7pm - 9pm

Fresh Plywood Art on the Wall!

2010-07-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to present a new pair of plywood artists, whose work will be on the south wall until the end of August.

Spaced by John Tolles
Mixed Media and Spray Paint on Plywood

John is a Portland based artist currently attending Lewis and Clark College and majoring in Studio Art. His work has a wide breadth of focus from photography to installation. His first influences were the graffiti and street art of the 1970's onward. Spaced focuses on contemporary issues of identity and consumerism in a world dominated by visual deception. Contact artist for purchasing inquiries.
johntolles.com

Setl by Max Zapf-Geller, also known as Setal

Max Zapf-Geller is a young artist from NE Portland, who is soon leaving for college in Wisconsin. He creates graffiti styled artwork in his free time and is available for hire on any text/ graffiti related artwork during his breaks from school. Check out more of his work here. Contact him about purchasing this piece here.

"Artofficialinsemination" by William Rihel & Sanna-Lisa Gesang-Gottowt

2010-07-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Mysterious orange submarine-like shapes, rotating mirror balls, and egg dioramas are taking over the space for the month! It's magical. Look for it from now until August 24th.

Installation by William Rihel & Sanna-Lisa Gesang-Gottowt.

Delectable Island, here now!

2010-07-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely little celebratory gathering at Emerson Space Case on Last Thursday (June 24th) to unveil an installation, entitled Delectable Island, created by Stephanie Brachmann (that's me!). The work is inspired by the creatures and imagery of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan stories, which I encourage you to read immediately, if you haven't already.

This installation will be on display until the end of July.

Ilan made a beautiful Lite Brite sign for the occasion, and we made a cake shaped like a crocodile!

Here are photos of the finished piece...

detail of the tree trunk (including wolf!)

This giant tree trunk (papier mache with fabric/paper attached as bark) is the entrance to the underground dwelling of Peter Pan and his entourage of children. The light inside flickers like firelight.

Here's the nest of the Neverbird, which Peter Pan turns into a boat when he is being rescued by the bird.

And here is the Neverbird herself. Peter thinks she is a piece of paper drifting on the water when he sees her from afar, but alas she is paddling over to come to his aid.

Here's the silly crocodile who wanders around the island hungering after the Captain. She makes a tick-tock sound everywhere she goes.

This crocodile also has a whole world of men playing at war upon her back.

I had to adjust some lighting during the opening celebration....

Croc cake!

Last Thursday: "Delectable Island" by Stephanie Brachmann

2010-06-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

Delectable Island
an installation by Stephanie Brachmann

Opening Reception
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
8 - 10 pm

"Do you want an adventure now, or would you like to have your tea first?"

Please join us for a celebration and the unveiling of "Delectable Island," an art installation by me, Stephanie Brachmann.

Inspired by the creatures and imagery of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," this shall be an atmospheric display for innocent passers-by to view and be enchanted. There will be critters, lights, festivities, snacks, delights!

We would love to see you there.

Get this!
We are also celebrating the 1-year anniversary of Emerson Space Case. Twelve magical months of this! Michael Jackson passed away the day we installed the first show. Neverland indeed.

********

"Of course, the Neverland had been make-believe in those days; but it was real now, and there were no nightlights, and it was getting darker every moment... "

"Delectable Island" is in progress...

2010-06-22T00:49:00.000-07:00

So the Sea Cave is gone from the Space Case; we've said our tearful goodbyes to those mysterious cave walls and eels. That reminds me: Does anyone know what to do with a giant papier mache whale's head?

It's now my turn to create some ridiculous objects, which I've been diligently doing. This next installation (by me, Stephanie Brachmann) is inspired by the imagery and creatures from J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. There are a giant bird and a crocodile involved; also a nest, a papier mache tree trunk, and lots of fabric, branches, and yarn.

Here's a sneak peak at some critters and textures:

Piñata - a performance by Emma Lipp

2010-06-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night, join us for a performance! In fact, it's the first performance Emerson Space Case has ever had the pleasure of hosting. As the audience watches from the sidewalk, the performers will perform inside the space.

" P i ñ a t a "
by Emma Lipp, featuring Elizabeth Jaeger & Erin Perry
Thursday June 17, 2010
8:30 pm (running continuously in a loop until 9:30)

it may look something like this...

New Plywood Art, Courtesy of "Art Not Crime"

2010-05-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

This month, Emerson Space Case and Art Not Crime are teaming up to place new plywood art on the south wall of the Emerson building!

This project incorporates four artists, and four pieces of plywood, creating two gigantic pieces. The art was done live on Alberta Street during the Art Hop on May 15th.

Art Not Crime is headed up by DeAngelo Raines. (He's the guy pictured painting the ghetto blaster above and below.) Here's their mission statement from their website:

Art Not Crime is the place where individuals create urban inspired pieces of art, and display them in places where their art is appreciated as the language of this new culture, and not classified as crime. This organization is an effort to build positive relations with the public, and create awareness to the necessity of alternative arts programs for local street artists. We organize bi-monthly live art events/fundraisers to showcase talent and sell art creations. We specialize in restoring vandalized properties, and installing mural art that builds community, and discourages future vandalism.

And here are the finished pieces on the wall! They'll be up until the end of July.

by Raskoe & Sektr 1

by Delo MFK & Simple

Ilan Schraer's "Sea Cave" Makes a Splash

2010-05-06T23:33:00.000-07:00

Using papier mache, sea ephemera, paint, cardboard, lights and magic, Ilan Schraer has transformed the Emerson Space Case into an underwater wonder world of creatures, textures, and whimsy.

You must see this to believe it! Bring the kiddies! Like most installations here, it looks especially stunning at night. This installation will exist throughout the month of May, and is visible 24 hours a day (although the gallery lights turn off around 2am).

Thanks to all the folks who stopped by Monday night for the opening/unveiling/snacks. We had so much fun putting this project together; it was truly a labor of love and we're so happy with the final product. Also thanks to Sarah Goodchild Robb for pitching in with the papier mache-ing!

Here are more photos to get you excited:

Ilan hot glues some stuff to the cave wall:

Here's lookin' at you, eel:

Welcome to the octopus's den:

Starfish:

School of fish:

The eye window:

And finally, what you've all been waiting for: the whale!

SEA CAVE preview! Join us for the opening on Monday!

2010-05-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ilan Schraer is working on an installation of monster proportions.

Join us Monday, May 3rd, 8pm - 11pm
for the unveiling and opening celebration.
We'll have a fire if the weather allows it!

Here's a preview of the papier mache madness that has been ensuing.

Launch of Plywood Project

2010-04-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

This month marks the launch of the Emerson Plywood Project!

Here's how it works:

Each month, we supply two spray paint or graffiti artists each with a large piece of plywood. They paint and do their thing all over the plywood. We hang it on the outside of the building for a month.

We're excited to be providing the neighborhood with fresh murals to enjoy each month! The pieces hang on the south side of the building, facing Emerson Street. They're at eye level for pedestrians to touch and witness for close encounters with art.

Throughout the month of May, we have two spectacular pieces by Dylan Toomey and Jocelyn Jillett.

Dylan's piece, "Steez":

And Jocelyn's piece:

This piece has a lot of details that you need to see in person. Like cupcake sprinkles:

Sarah Goodchild Robb Installation, through April 23rd

2010-04-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

During the month of April, we have on display an installation by Sarah Goodchild Robb! As you can see, it's a papier mache, red and green, newspapery affair. In three dimensions, with textures and shapes all over the place. Come see it! The night's shadows complement it the best.

Jess Hirsch & Elizabeth Jaeger Installation

2010-03-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

February 25 - March 21
Last week we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil an installation by Jess Hirsch and Elizabeth Jaeger. Their installation is a lovely accumulation of driftwood, sand, glass, shells, and other beach imagery. It evokes the coast, the meeting of land and water, the two artists' mutual near-drowning experience of being pulled into the tide, which is always stronger than one guesses.

This installation will exist until March 21st, so please stop by and see it if you can! It looks best at night, with all its mysterious shadows.

cutting the ribbon:

Luke Forsyth Installation!

2010-02-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

Showing this month in Emerson Space Case is a spectacle envisioned by Luke Forsyth, local artist and optimistic enthusiast.

This installation is a re-creation of a scene from a Curious George story where that mischievous little monkey gets a job as a window washer, but quickly gets himself into trouble by sneaking into a room and painting it to look like a jungle, complete with jungle animals. Chairs are transformed into leopards, a ladder and a broom become a giraffe, and a rocking horse is suddenly a zebra.

Five of us worked together to bring Luke's vision to life, and here it is! The kids love it. The adults aren't sure. It looks especially cool at night.

*Post Script* Here's a blurb from Luke's blog about something that happened the day he un-installed the set-up:

'Yes, unfortunately, I had to take down the Curious George show at the Emerson space case. As I showed up a young couple was walking with their kids past the space and the wife praised the show saying "hey kids its the Curious George guy. Are you the Curious George guy" and went on to tell me that it had been one of the more exciting shows for the kids that had been in the space. when the older kid understood what was going on he asked, " but mommy why do they have to go? where are they going? why can't they stay here?" I wondered the same thing and felt very complemented.'

Homeschool Installation Throughout January

2010-01-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010! With the new year comes refreshing possibility, and a new art show at the Space Case, of a whole new kind.

Recently, I was lucky enough to find out about Homeschool, a Portland art collective whose motto is "Affordable Art for Everyone." They installed a group show at Emerson Space Case for the month of January, which is quite a thrill as the first ever group show in the space! Jess Hirsch and Jacqueline Mention are the headers-up of the group, and they did a fantastic feat setting up and coordinating the whole thing. I don't have a complete list of artists involved, but here are the artists I'm sure of:

John Kelting
Sarah Goodchild-Robb
Elisabeth Mention
Kristen Flemington
Andrea Loeffler
Ashley Sloan
Elizabeth Jaeger
Shawn Creeden

This is the most atmospheric installation we've done at the space so far. They set it up to appear like rooms in someone's house, with discarded orange peels and high heeled shoes strewn about amidst furniture and leftover New Years party hats.

We held a small New Year's Eve gathering to unveil the installation, and had grand illusions of a campfire gathering, but the weather proved to be uncompromising. A cozy beverage at a nearby bar was a fine substitution. I promise future campfires for all!

Below are some snaps of the set-up process, and the final product!

Jess hammers

Jacqueline readies things for hanging

Beautiful by night...

"Squares" Photo Show at Emerson Space Case

2009-11-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Jansons' Holga medium-format photographs (above) transport you into a softer world. The Holga camera has a plastic lens with soft focus around the edges.

John Ryan Brubaker completed a project called Polaroid 366, in which he took a Polaroid photo every day for a year. And not just any year - a year in which there was an extra day. On display at the space are some selections from his year of photos.

Brubaker is currently showing work at Albina Community Bank in Portland, as part of a show called The People Behind the Paper, a photo documentary project about the vendors of Street Roots newspaper. He will also be embarking soon on a journey to Thailand! I can hardly wait to see the resulting photos.

Amy Baker's "Mending" now showing

2009-09-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

This month we have Amy Baker's spectacular large scale hand-embroidered artwork, in a show called "Mending." This show is a collection of portraits of people from Amy's life (including a self-portrait), all hand-stitched onto cotton, with thousands of threads filling spaces with color.

Amy is a graduate of the Oregon College of Art & Craft, with a major in Fibers.

This dazzling show will be up through October 26th.

Jamey Braden's "Self Helps" at Emerson Space Case

2009-08-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Seattle friend Jamey Braden is now showing work at our space!

The show is called "Self Helps," and is a series of watercolor works on paper, using text and lovely swirling color.

Jamey describes herself: "I'm a drawing/shaping/performing artist and I live and work in Seattle. I run around and act confused and draw and think words because words come in and can't be decoded in any other form than the words they come in and make it on the page as such. I studied art at Western Washington University in dreary-beautiful Bellingham."

If you're in Portland, you should swing by and check out the show! It will be up until September 21st. Emerson Space Case is a row of windows in a white building on the corner of NE 30th & Emerson.

Jamie sets up the installation:

Also, have you ever seen a Giant Schnauzer? We ran into some that day. They're huge! (for a schnauzer)

Second Show: Comics by Ben Parrish

2009-07-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

Ben Parrish is a comic book artist who lives in Portland, and creates a line of comics called "Summer 2005 Comics."

For the Space Case, he drew really large versions of them. They touch on such topics as life in Ocean Park, Washington as a teenager, an assemblage of characters in search of a lost Dr. Dre album, ZZ Top, and a dog who loves chips.

My favorite character of Ben's is a guy called W=VV, a sorry soul who thinks the letter W is two V's. If you're going to be in Portland at all in the month of August, you should check out Ben's show!

Emerson Space Case is a window art space on the corner of NE 30th & Emerson. It is viewable on all days at all hours, though it might be too dark to see between the hours of 2am and 6am, as the lights are timed to go off around 2, and the sun comes up around 6.

First Show at Emerson Space Case: "I Wish I Could"

2009-06-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

With great excitement in our hearts, we present the first art show at Emerson Space Case, "I Wish I Could," which is a collaborative show between Stephanie Brachmann (that's me) and Ilan Schraer.

Here's the big idea. We asked a bunch of friends, strangers, and acquaintances to anonymously finish the sentence, "I wish I could..." and drop their responses in this box:

After that, Ilan and I carved six linocut blocks of images of human hands, which would be rearranged to be printed in different ways. Upon each print is written a wish from our box of wishes. I completed most of the lino printing, and Ilan painstakingly performed the gorgeous cursive handwriting. We decided on the motif of hands because they represent reaching, touching, doing.

And amidst all of this: in the moments leading up to the installation of this show yesterday, we found out that Michael Jackson had just died! So I like to think that somehow this show has something to do with him, as he was alive when we began, and had passed on by the time we were finished.

I really enjoy creating art that involves a sort of interaction with other people, or at least a reaction to people's real input, thoughts, and desires. I hope I can create more art like this in the future.

Here are pictures of the show, which will be displayed until the end of July: