This convening explores Black arts stewardship, collecting, and caretaking practices through a multitude of artist, collector, curator, community and institution voices. Presented in connection with the Black Artists of Oregon exhibition, this day and a half program includes panel discussions, lectures and performances that address the connection between nurturing Black artistic legacy and scholarship within the larger work of Black institution building in Oregon.
Registration for the Convening is on a sliding scale cost. If you have access needs, please fill out the Google form attached in your registration confirmation email or contact access@pam.org and 503-276-4284.
Saturday February 24, 2024
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Power Prayer for the Community: Open Studio with Adriene Cruz (Stott Gallery, Main Building)
In an open studio format, artist Adriene Cruz will use the Stott Gallery stage as a workspace fashioned with textiles, adornment, a sewing machine, and talismans or amulets gifted by invited regional Black artists. Like all of Cruz’s work, the threaded rituals in bringing materials together will be used to publicly complete Power Prayer for the Community, an artwork to be featured in Cruz’s upcoming solo exhibition at The Black Gallery. Commissioned by the Portland Art Museum, Power Prayer for the Community will enter the museum’s collection after exhibiting at The Black Gallery.
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Black Artists of Oregon Curator Talk with Intisar Abioto (Kridel Grand Ballroom, Mark Building)
4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Policing Justice Artist Panel Discussion (Portland Institute for Contemporary Art)
This panel discussion is a program hosted by the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art presented in conjunction with the exhibition, Policing Justice (guest curated by Nina Amstutz, Associate Professor of the History of Art and Architecture at the University of Oregon, and Cleo Davis, local social construct artist, designer, educator, historian, and community leader). Black Artists of Oregon Convening attendees are encouraged to attend this program. Reservations are strongly encouraged for the panel discussion due to limited seating. Please see the PICA website to reserve your seat.
Sunday February 25, 2024
9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Caretaking for Black Arts Legacies (Kridel Grand Ballroom, Mark Building)
With panelists Abdi Al Sharif, Aaliyah Azeem, Tracy Drake and Jennifer Viviano and moderated by Intisar Abioto and Bobby Fouther.
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Collecting Black Art (Kridel Grand Ballroom, Mark Building)
With panelists John Goodwin, Tai Carpenter, Samantha Wall, and Darian Anthony Patrick and moderated by Teena Wilder and India Lovejoy.
12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m. – Lunch Hour
1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Storytelling the Black Arts Institution (Kridel Grand Ballroom, Mark Building)
With panelists Kimberly Moreland, Isata Yansaneh, Ashley Stull Meyers, Kayin Talton Davis, Cleo Davis and Ella Ray and moderated by Intisar Abioto and Sharita Towne.
3 p.m.-5 p.m. – Closing Gathering and Performances (Stott Gallery, Main Building)