Portland’s Welcoming Vibe Lures Scores of Artists
Published Feb 13, 2009
A visitor to the Rake Art Gallery in Portland’s Pearl District views paintings by artist Marcus Gannuscio from his “People Watching” series.
A couple of years ago, Richard Wolfson was looking to open a fine art gallery in a diverse, cosmopolitan city. Portland seemed the obvious choice.
“Portland offers a thriving arts scene in a way that is more relaxed and inviting for an art lover than perhaps other cities,” says Wolfson, who moved to the area with his family from Carmel, Calif.
He opened Portland Classic Gallery in the upscale Bridgeport Village shopping center in 2008.
Portland Classic joins an array of galleries displaying regional artists’ work as well as the creations of national and international artists in the Pearl District, Alberta Street and Bridgeport Village.
“We’re getting more and more artists all the time,” says Eloise Damrosch, executive director of the nonprofit Regional Arts and Culture Council. “Many young people are moving here because it’s a progressive city. It’s a very livable and accepting place. You don’t have to swim upstream to be a creative person in this community.”
Wolfson already had customers in the Lake Oswego area, which helped draw him to Portland. His gallery focuses on representational and impressionistic fine art, and he fosters a warm atmosphere that caters to both experienced connoisseurs and beginning collectors.
“Feedback has been tremendous and very complimentary,” Wolfson says of his gallery. “As we have a very relaxed atmosphere, we are able to take the time to talk to people about our artists and their techniques.”
The gallery’s laid-back feel reflects Portland’s general welcoming vibe, which continues to attract the creative set.
“We are blessed with a new generation of very creative people who need to be supported, employed and celebrated so they will stay,” Damrosch says. “Artists seem to be drawn here for the vibrant arts environment, the natural surroundings, relative affordability and liberal attitudes.”
Story by Rebecca Denton
Photo by Jeff Adkins
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