Thursday. October 6th, 2011
Portland, Oregon

Like the corks popping from bottles of Cava, The Graeter Art Gallery burst onto Portland’s art scene with unparalleled exuberance and energy. Scheduling the grand opening of a new contemporary art gallery on the 25th anniversary of this city’s very first 1st Thursday Art Happening, on a block that has been void of fine art culture for many years, may have seemed like a risky move to some, but gallery owner John Graeter, and his seemingly “everywhere-at-once” gallery assistant Ashley Gibson, were obviously up for the task with a few aces up their sleeves. This was not to be your run-of-the-mill gallery opening.

With infectious down-tempo house beats pulsing from the decks of DJ Orbit, the vibe was immediately electric from the opening bell.

Jaws visibly dropped upon entering the space in testament to the fantastic remodel of the old Merchant Hotel Lobby, originally built in 1885. The whole team from ORANGE PDX, the firm responsible for bringing the space back to life, joined a throng of hundreds for their first peek at this impressive group exhibit.

With over 3 dozen pieces showcasing the talents of the gallery’s roster of artists, guests came face to face with the future of contemporary art, not only here in Portland, but in cities spanning the globe that offer a new perspective on the definition of the fine artist.

Anticipation, the buzz word heard again and again this evening,  increased with each conversation. Gallery artists met a seemingly unending line of enthusiastic fans. Fortunately for all, a calendar year of shows already awaits.