HOYT

Upcoming Pearl District Art Projects to be Unveiled at Hoyt First Thursday Event

03/21/2007

Inspired by newly planned Pearl District art projects, Hoyt Realty Group is hosting a community celebration to unveil details about future art sites while encouraging the community to also explore art history in the Hoyt urban renewal zone. Featuring a special exhibition, artist receptions, and a self-guided neighborhood art tour, the visual arts event will include a behind-the-scenes look at The Metropolitan Artist Project, commissioned work slated for The Encore, and educational opportunities illustrating art’s continuing presence in Pearl District buildings and parks.

A First Thursday reception will kick off the weekend-long celebration on April 5th, 2007, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Spanning between The Pinnacle Pavilion and Hoyt Realty Group headquarters (1130 NW 10th Avenue, Portland, 97209, 503.227.2000), guests will have the opportunity to meet the talented artists behind upcoming Pearl District projects amidst vibrant displays of proposed plans and art samples.

“Our First Thursday reception will be an exciting way for the community to learn more about the artists who are creating original works for new buildings such as The Metropolitan and The Encore,” said Marilyn Andersen, Principal Broker of Hoyt Realty Group.

The First Thursday event will feature an exhibition and artists’ reception in The Pinnacle Pavilion, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes, and outcomes behind The Metropolitan Artist Project. The event will showcase the work of talented competition finalists, Kelly McLain and Naomi Shigeta, plus a display presenting the nationwide work of Ann Gardner, whose glass mosaic proposal won the commission to create site-specific art for The Metropolitan. Over 110 applicants from all corners of the Pacific Northwest applied for the opportunity to render one-of-a-kind work for the building’s sweeping two-story lobby, a prominent site for building residents and Pearl District pedestrians. The First Thursday event will provide an opportunity for guests to learn about the project finalists’ work by engaging with the artists.

The Pinnacle Pavilion First Thursday event will be further enlivened by the urban sounds of popular Portland DJ, Mr. Mumu. Festive edibles and beverages will be provided. Entry to the exhibition and reception will be free of cost, and the entire community is encouraged to attend.

The Metropolitan Artist Project exhibition will remain on view through the weekend. The Pinnacle Pavilion will be open to the public Friday, April 6th through Sunday, April 8th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Another artist open house will simultaneously occur at the adjacent Hoyt Realty Group showroom. The reception will feature Portland glass artist, Juno Lachman, whose reflective contemporary installation will grace the exterior entry into The Encore, Hoyt’s newest Pearl District project. Guests will have an opportunity to meet the artist and learn more about his fascinating medium, methods, and vision for The Encore.

In addition to the artist receptions, First Thursday guests will have an opportunity to obtain a Pearl District art map, which will offer art enthusiasts a self-guided tour of existing and upcoming neighborhood art sites. The map will highlight numerous installations representing a vast array of media, illustrating the continuing history of art in the Hoyt urban renewal zone.

“We have always made a point to carefully incorporate original artwork into our buildings and community parks,” said Tiffany Sweitzer, President and CEO of Hoyt Street Properties. “Sites on the art map include anything from the “Go by Street Car” sign to the fence at Tanner Springs Park, which was crafted from metal salvaged from the rail yard that once ran through these blocks,” Swetizer added. “With art interwoven into its buildings, streets, and parks, the Pearl District has become a fun, enriching place for residents and visitors from around the world. We hope that the First Thursday event and community art maps will enhance their enjoyment.”

Maps will be available at Hoyt Realty Group and online for those interested in enjoying the Pearl District art tour beyond First Thursday.