Portland comes to Newport

Portland’s Pearl District will come to Newport this Saturday, April 1, with the opening of “Creative Diversity Abides,” a new exhibit from Portland’s Blackfish Gallery.

The exhibit, highlighting the extraordinary range of Oregon artwork being made in the first quarter of the 21st Century, will be on display at the Newport Visual Arts Center through May 28.

An opening reception will take place from 2 to 6 pm on Saturday, with light refreshments and a talk from artist Clint Brown at 4 pm.

The Blackfish Gallery showcases artists from an eclectic mix of backgrounds, genres, and mediums. Formed as an artist collective in 1979, and committed to presenting and promoting innovative art, Blackfish is owned and operated by artists who represent a rich cross-section of the Oregon art community. Throughout the years, the gallery has represented some 160 artists and mounted more than 600 shows. This new exhibit celebrates 45 years and features work by all 33 current gallery artists. Artwork on display will include ceramic and fiberglass sculptures, acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, watercolor on paper, pastels and charcoal on paper, wax and pigment on paper, wood sculpture, collage, and cardstock.

“We’re excited to feature the many artists and mediums of Blackfish Gallery,” said Newport Visual Arts Center Director Chasse Davidson, “from realism to fantasy, total abstraction to figurative works, and even landscapes, the exhibit is a celebration of finding commonality of purpose through our differences.”

“Creative Diversity Abides” will be available to view from noon to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday until May 28 in the center’s Runyan Gallery. The Newport Visual Arts Center is located at 777 NW Beach Drive.

For more information, go to www.coastarts.org/events/blackfish