Founded in 1937, Museum of Contemporary Craft (MoCC) in partnership with Pacific Northwest College of Art is a vibrant center for investigation and dialogue that helps expand the definition and exploration of craft. Through dynamic exhibitions and provocative public programming, supported by the Museum’s collection and archives, the Museum advances the conversation on the role of craft and design in contemporary culture while at the same time honoring the history of the studio craft movement.
The Exhibition Galleries, 4500 square feet on two floors, at any time feature multiple exhibitions that look to the present, future and past of craft through the focused viewpoint of today. Along with featuring some of the leading contemporary national and international artists, exhibitions frequently draw from the rich archives of the MoCC collection, a public legacy of over 1000 objects that documents the active role of both the Museum and the Pacific Northwest in the evolution of craft over the last seven decades.
In addition to the exhibitions on view, the MoCC experience is complemented by The Gallery at Museum of Contemporary Craft—one of the primary destinations in the Pacific Northwest for purchasing exceptional contemporary crafts. The Gallery represents craft artists from across the nation working in ceramics, glass, wood, metal, fiber and mixed media. Gallery artists routinely visit the Museum for public gallery talks and hands on demonstrations.
Review:
ShowPDX: A Decade of Portland Furniture Design
Created by Jennifer Jako and Christopher Bleiler of fix studio
October 31, 2014 – January 31, 2015 Curated by: Nicole Nathan
ShowPDX Innovative + Functional Furniture Design is a biennial exhibit presented by fix studio. Show2014 displays over 60 examples of unusual and stimulating furniture design while providing designers/fabricators/makers with a place and resource for peer and public recognition, support and dialogue.
In 2001, small group exhibits by local designers and fabricators inspired the birth of a regular venue for furniture design in Portland. Created by designers Jennifer Jako and Christopher Bleiler of fix studio, Show2002 was the first of its kind in Portland. The exhibit was a curated show of furniture design, featuring local designers, fabricators, and makers. Through the spirit and support of the ShowPDX curatorial group, Show2014 continues to fuel collaboration, inspire students, create dialog amongst colleagues, promote business and inspire events by other independent designers and regional designers at locations across the country.
In October, Show2014 opens to the public. ShowPDX: A Decade of Portland Furniture Design at Museum of Contemporary Craft is the first retrospective of this landmark juried invitational. The exhibition will bring together ten-years of ShowPDX, showcasing the evolution of furniture design in Portland.
I loved the space at the Museum of Contemporary Craft and especially the ShowPDX: A Decade of Portland Furniture Design. It was easy to navigate without a hipster nose up in your business. I really enjoyed Portland’s ode to nature and the using of natural fibres and materials. This makes so much sense and I feel drawn to waning to create by observing a tree stump made of manmade materials, an interesting coffee table to house art books, a woven stool, a bark desk nook and a fantastic purposeful desk.
The works were contemplative, interesting and rich with ideas that perhaps you can emulate into your home and workspace. It’s always since to see what designers are bringing to the table. Perhaps we may not be able to afford it (just yet) but we sure can ponder its relevance in our lives.
Museum of Contemporary Craft in partnership with
Pacific Northwest College of Art
724 NW Davis Street
Portland, Oregon 97209
Tel: 503.223.2654
Fax: 503.223.0190
Thirty Four Flavours 