Portland Open Studios is an annual self-guided studio tour of 100+ artists studios across the metro area during the second and third weekends in October. Participants range from emerging to well-established artists. Studio is defined broadly as any place where someone makes art (e.g., in a dedicated art workspace in an apartment, office, or professional building, but also in a living room, basement, or garage). First and foremost, Portland Open Studios is about education, inviting the public to observe, ask questions, engage with the artists, try activities, and experience different kinds of creativity. It’s not everyday that you get the opportunity to talk to an artist about his/her creations in the place where the art is actually being created.
One of the participating artists is David Friedman, a Beaumont-Wilshire resident (4316 NE 38th Ave. 97211). Mostly known as a painter and photographer, he started working on papercuts two years ago with the intention of someday exhibiting this work, and these will be the first exhibits of this new body of work. He also will be demonstrating techniques. (David adds that if people are interested in seeing how a rundown one-car garage was renovated into an art studio, that might be of interest as well, along with his three chickens—Chica, Foxy, and Rocco.)
David Friedman’s studio will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 10, 11, 16 and 17. Admission to David’s studio and all participating studios throughout the metro area is only $5 for a “map ticket” or $15 for a “tour guide ticket” (one ticket good for two adults; 18 and under free). Details at www.portlandopenstudios.com. Portland Open Studios is a 501(c)3 non-profit, with revenues spent promoting the Tour and the organization.