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Write Around PAM: Marie Louise Feldenheimer

August 15, 2021
Image description: “Rhododendrons.” Marie Louise Feldenheimer. 1933. Bronze. 19 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 6 inches. A rectangular, monochromatic, bronze plaque with four rhododendron flowers in relief. A tight bud appears in the upper left corner, fringed with leaves and pointing toward the corner. Two, fully open flower clusters form a diagonal from the lower left corner to the upper right corner, each framed by large, smooth leaves. In the lower right corner, a partially open flower is seen from the side, facing toward the edge, the edges of its leaves curve gently. Strong sunlight on the relief creates deep shadows and glossy areas, suggesting the shine of actual rhododendron leaves.
Marie Louise Feldenheimer (American, 1894-1993), Rhodedendrons, 1933, bronze, 19 1/2 in x 15 1/2 in x 6, Museum Purchase: Helen Thurston Ayer Fund. Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon, 45.11

This sculpture by Marie Louise Feldenheimer, mounted in the Museum’s outdoor sculpture court, captures the beauty of the rhododendrons native to the Pacific Northwest. It also offers an opportunity to reflect on all that this piece sees as it rests in downtown Portland. We invite you to take some time today writing about this piece’s place in the city, or even from its perspective, watching all that happens in and around the Museum. We also invite you to come see this work in person at the Museum and take a moment to write with it there.

We have two prompts to help you get started. As always, you can use one, both, or write whatever else comes. Just set a timer for 12 minutes and keep your pen or pencil moving.

In the middle of the city… / I can see…    

Writing in community is powerful. We are grateful to our longtime partner Write Around Portland for the writing prompts and inspiration. You can revisit past Sunday posts and look for continuing weekly posts through the year. Please share your work with us!  @writearoundpdx @portlandartmuseum #RespectWritingCommunity #WriteAroundPAM

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