Portland Day 2: Art & Beer

We had a slow start today, but managed to arrive at the splendid Portland Art Museum before noon, and viewed the excellent Rodin sculpture exhibit, which closes in a few days, before enjoying a late lunch.

I found the second exhibit we saw today particularly interesting for both its theme and the variety of works shown. "Constructing Identity" draws from the Petrucci Family Foundation of African-American Art, bringing together paintings, sculpture, prints, and drawings by more than 80 prominent contemporary African-American artists, as well as a selection of historical works from the 1930s, 1940s, and Civil Rights era.

The diverse works are organized into the categories of "Spirit," "Gender," "Abstraction," "Community," "Focus," and "The Land." The artwork I chose for my blip today, "The Madonna of the Stoop," was painted in about 1940 by Palmer Hayden (1890-1973), and was in the "Community" category. I love its simplicity and the children's varied activities, and wonder if the two "angels" might represent children who had died. This fascinating show runs through June 18; I encourage you to see it if you're in Portland!

Just as we left the museum, the skies opened and we realized that we hadn't brought umbrellas. We sheltered under a building overhang for a bit, then ran for our bus when it appeared. We warmed up at Cascade Brewing with a flight of their wonderful sour beers, followed by light supper choices... and a litttle more beer, highlighted by the Kentucky Peach beer that had matured in bourbon barrels -- superb.

Time to stop and get some sleep!

Blip 1779

(Note: Some of the narrative above about the "Constructing Identity" exhibit was taken directly from the museum's website.)