Ash Street Project

Ash Street Project, the vision of artists Thomas Orr and Joanna Bloom, encompasses art studios, visiting artists, gallery space, community programs and a clay-based emerging artist mentorship program.  Our site also hosts an on-line gallery shop.

Changing Topics Conversation: The Direction of Art

For our recent 3rd Thursday conversation group, we wanted to probe the question "where is art going", as a compliment to Ash Street's up and coming exhibit " "Purple".  Purple (see gallery page), program participant Aldin Huff's curatorial debut, is a sampling of work he has chosen to represent youth culture in art.  By luck gen x, gen y, millennials, boomers and the "greatest generation" were all represented.  Suffice it to say we did not agree on every point, which left our conversation lively and thought provoking.  Thank you participants!  

This month's artists:  Aldin Huff (ASP mentee, clay/glass), Ned Siegel (Shoemaker), Thomas Orr (Ash Street), Joanna Bloom (Ash Street), Brett Binnford (Mudsharks/Portland Growler, Ceramics),  Matt Causey (ASP visiting artist, clay).

Visiting Artist: Matt Causey!!!

We are so excited to have Matt Causey joining us in the studio next week!  Matt is a prolific maker/illustrator, typically using cups and plaques as his palate.  He will be exhibiting at Eutectic Gallery with Lauren Mabry in June, but in the mean time he will be trying out some new ideas at Ash street.  He plans to work on a "Portland Portrait Series",  a series of illustrations of local influences based on the "Famous Potter Plaques" he has been creating for Garth Clark's CFile shop.  We are excited to have Matt infuse Ash Street with his energy and aesthetic.   

Changing Topics Conversation: Authentic Voice

Last night we hosted our second "conversation" dinner.  This rotating monthly series, designed to supplement the mentorship program, addresses a wide range of topics as they relate to the studio artist.  We are so grateful to the rich community of artists Portland has to offer.  Many thanks to our diverse panel of artists who kept the topic of  "authentic voice"  lively and thought provoking.  What a great topic, may have to revisit.  This month's artists:  Thomas Orr (Ash Street), Dave Tinman Edgar (Painting), Joanna Bloom (not pictured, Ash Street), Karl Burkheimer (wood, mixed media, installation), Eli Osborn (multimedia, resident builder), Spencer Brewer (ASP mentee, clay), Jennifer Anable (ASP visiting artist, clay, mixed media), Lisa Kaser (Sculpture, 2D), Aldin Huff (ASP mentee, clay).

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Tom Beardman Memorial Scholarship

Tom was our dear friend and studio partner in the early days of Ash Street.  He loved the space, and would spend most of his days there.  He was a prolific maker, and even after his diagnosis of leukemia, would continue to come to the studio daily to work.  We lost Tom in 2011.

In Tom's honor, we have created a scholarship fund.  One hundred percent of Ash Street T shirt profits will go towards supplementing the education of our mentorship artists.  Typical use of funds would be to help send students to the NCECA conference, supplement their materials, bring in speakers, or simply help defray tuition costs.  Non tax deductable donations are also gratefully accepted.  

You can find T shirts to purchase ($15) at our studio launch party, February 14h from 5-8, at our on-line shop at ashstreetproject.com, or by contacting us at info@ashstreetproject.com.  Thank you.

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Ash Street Project T Shirts Have Arrived!!

These new beauties are hot off the press and and the boys say they are "sick". They will be ready for their debut at our February launch party, and available at our on line shop.  100% of proceeds to benefit the Thomas Beardman Scholarship!!  Specifics on scholarship fund will follow in next post.

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