New Adventures Ahead for 2015/16 Mentees
L>R: Ivan Carmona, Ben Skiba, Thomas Orr, Aleka Tomlinson, Joanna Bloom, Jordan Pieper
It is hard to believe that we are headed into the fall and a new cycle at the Ash Street Project already! A catchup is long overdue on some of the major events of this past spring!
May and June at ASP saw the consecutive exit exhibits of all four 2015/16 mentorship participants. It was bittersweet to say the least. These events were accompanied by exit talks, all of which illuminated how much these four had achieved in their short 11 months with us. Though they all hold so much promise, they have become like family to us, and it will be hard to see them go. For now, they will all remain in Portland.
In brief, here is what is next for each of them, as well as links to where you can find their work. Please click on each name below for a link to the artist's website.
Ivan Carmona having developed a new, more personal body of sculptural work at Ash Street Project, Ivan is headed to Thurman Street Studios in northwest Portland to continue his practice. Ivan will also continue teaching at Oregon College of Art and Craft.
Ben Skiba explored his ideas through a variety of media this year at Ash Street Project. His exit show involved his explorations in both 2 and 3 dimensional work. Ben will be staying on at Ash Street Project as our studio assistant, while continuing his studio practice and working at Mudshark.
Aleka Tomlinson focused her time at Ash Street Project on developing a line of pottery, as well as an website and on-line shop. She is headed to Penland to assist potter Birdie Boone for the early fall, and then will return to work in her newly created studio in southeast Portland.
Jordan Pieper shifted his focus, over the course of his time with us, from making to curation. His exit show acted as his curatorial debut. Jordan will stay on part time at Ash Street Project as Gallery Assistant, where he will oversee the gallery's involvement in the Ray Grimm Legacy Project in November and multiple exhibits during NCECA in March of 2017. In the remaining months, he will curate several exhibits of his own design. Jordan has set up a studio in northeast Portland, and will continue to teach at Oregon College of Art and Craft.
Please watch these artists' websites and social media pages (as well as ours) for their news and events. All of our past participants will be invited to participate in our Winter Open House event, scheduled for Friday, December 2nd. Please mark your calendars, details to follow.