The Fields Ballroom and Miller Gallery were alive with imagination and youthful strokes of artistic brilliance last night at the 2nd annual HEART of Portland: A Portland Public Schools K-12 Arts Showcase reception. The evening featured music and dance performances by Portland Public School students and a visual arts exhibition. The exhibition is free to the public, and will remain on view through April 16.
The reception and exhibition were organized as a thanks to Portland voters for supporting the Arts Education and Access Fund. Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith, City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, and Museum Executive Director Brian Ferriso spoke about the importance of arts education funding, and commended the inspired work being done in the schools and across the city to bring the true spirit of the Arts Tax to life.
As a recipient of general operating funds from the Arts Tax, the Museum is able to strengthen and deepen our education and outreach programs, including expanded access for underrepresented communities through new programs that reach veterans, LGBTQ youth, Latino youth, people with dementia and their caregivers, and the blind and low vision community, among others.
The Museum is honored to display and celebrate the artwork made possible by Portland voters and the dedication of arts educators in the Portland Public School District.
Learn more about the arts tax has impacted school districts in Portland.
Watch KGW’s Cassidy Quinn reporting live from the HEART of Portland: A Portland Public Schools K-12 Arts Showcase reception.