I seriously don't know how Brian Wilson finds the time to sleep. The owner of Tribute Gallery, tireless local arts supporter, and champion Twitter-er (and not one of the Beach Boys) has made his corner of the Everett Station Lofts a must-visit every First Thursday with shows that, well, pay tribute to both the familiar and esoteric. Amidst the ever-evolving and always exciting creativity that is drawn to the Old Town live/work art space like a magnet, Brian's keen eye for combining fine art with pop culture.
This week and next two cute 'n clever Portlanders are making their debut at Tribute Gallery. This First Thursday, February 4th, photographer Tyler Kohlhoff, who is known for his sexy band photos, will open his first Portland solo show, "Inland Empires." The images, mounted in light boxes and connected with wires evoking a circuit board, depict an abandoned home and the dry, empty landscapes of Southern California. It's manmade technology meets the manmade marks left on nature. And one or a set would look great at home, a great place to start your local art collection.
A week later, on February 12th, Small Victories, "a little shop for handmade goods," will open upstairs at Tribute with a party full of music, drinks, and free Valentines. Erin Houlihan found this home for her dream on a serendipitous walk with her dog around the neighborhood. Now she's dealing in handcrafted and functional works of art that will become meaningful—that will be small victories rather than clutter—by talented designers and artists including locals like Erin Dollar (felt and knit beards), Stephanie Simek (cheeky jewelry), and Pigeon Toe Ceramics (hanging votive holders cast from Mason jars).
My favorite part? Unlike some of the small galleries that are only open on First Thursday and during periodic weekend hours, this space will be open a lot, which means I can (and you) can go shopping and support local art a lot. See you on First Thursday!
Tribute Gallery + Small Victories
328 N.W. Broadway #117
Portland, OR 97209
www.thetributegallery.com
www.smallvictoriesshop.com
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
