Neighborhood Notes

Today I visited what surely must be one of Portland's most unique spaces -- a new boutique art gallery tucked quietly into Northwest Portland. The Life Jacket Design Shop & Gallery, which opened about 6 weeks ago, is home to all things original: one-of-a-kind artwork, mixed media, accessories and home decor.

Owner and resident Carol Christensen, a Seattle native who recently relocated to Portland after spending 18 years in New York, is both curator and artisan of this little museum. She will proudly guide you on a tour of her small space, telling you many of the stories that accompany her creative expressions.

Carol named the gallery, Life Jacket, at least partially in reference to the fact that it's her new project aimed at taking her mind off of her son going away to college. In essence, it is her "lifejacket," though she is sure to note that she is not quite that desperate! A lifejacket, she thinks, tends to wrap itself around you and keep you above the "storm," much like the feeling of much of her artwork - positive, engergetic, fun and creative.

Lifejacket is tucked into the resident-scape of NW 23rd Place, between NW Thurman and Vaughn.

1905 NW 23rd Place

(503) 720-7263

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