‘Impressions of the Northwest’ show opens in Historic Parkrose NPI office

If you missed this art exhibition’s opening night, here’s good news: You can view it Tuesday through Thursday afternoons …

The community room inside the Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative office now also serves as a gallery from local print-making artists.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Guests were invited to “Dive Into Creativity at ‘Impressions of the Northwest’ – An Art Exhibition Like No Other!” That, according to the organizers of a new and unique art show, which premièred on Friday evening, February 7, in the offices of the Historic Parkrose [HP] Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative.

Parkrose area business people, as well as visitors from all over the greater Portland area, upon entering found the main conference section of the building set up as an art gallery, displaying art prints.

Historic Parkrose NPI Executive Director Héctor Márquez shows one of his prints at the exhibition, entitled, “What God Did You Feed Today?”.

“The exhibition is a collaboration between Historic Parkrose and Print Arts Northwest (PANW) – an association that promotes print-making and the artists who make prints, throughout the Pacific Northwest,” Márquez told East Portland News.

“The idea for this exhibit came up because I am a printmaker, myself – and I am a member of PANW,” explained Márquez. “So, because of this connection, I thought this would be a good opportunity to help connect local, print-making artists with the Parkrose community!”

Taking in the artworks at the gallery is Bob Johnstone, arriving from Lake Oswego for the opening night of the exhibition.

Admiring a wood-cut print in the gallery, this is Historic Parkrose Board Chair Leah Maurer.

One of the visitors that evening immersed in the artworks on display was Historic Parkrose Board Chair Leah Maurer. “This new HP event is important to our mission; part of which is developing this business district, and ensuring economic development here.

“One of the things we wanted to do is find ways to ‘activate’ our office space, to bring in the community,” Maurer said. “HP moved into this space just before the pandemic; since then we’ve been looking for ways to make this a place for the community congregate – as well as a business gathering resource.

“And, a good way of connecting people is by showcasing local art!” Maurer observed. “People will come here to see the gallery, purchase art, and perhaps visit other merchants and establishments here in Parkrose.”

Stop by and take a look at some of the art prints on display; you may decide to purchase one!

The art will be here on display three months. The exhibit is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. It’s at Historic Parkrose NPI, located at 10402 NE Sandy Boulevard, 97220.

Find out more about the Historic Parkrose NPI by visiting their official website: CLICK HERE.

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