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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (April 2, 2004)
Ya gotta have art Tips for enjoying and being enjoyed at Cascade AIDS Project fund-raiser by F lo yd S klav er magine 1,500 people milling in an atrium decorated to look like a French museum. Add outstanding ftxxl from Portland’s finest restaurants, hundreds of works hy both emerging and well'established artists and one really terrific cause and you have Cascade A ID S Project’s annual Art for Life auction, April 10 at Montgomery Park. Admittedly, rubbing shoulders with high society while trying to understand mexiern art can he nerve-wracking, so I’ve prepared this handy guide to navigating the shoals of the Saturday night scene. First, and most importantly, the evening is about raising money (some $350,000), and the way C A P does this is hy selling art. Lots of it. This year there are works hy such luminar ies as Portland painters Kim Osgcxxl, Lucinda Parker and G. Lewis Clevenger as well as from people you probably haven’t heard of yet (hut certainly will), like Barbara Gilbert, a striking mixed-media artist, and Deborah Gillis, a Port land painter. Still, art can he pretty intimidating. I mean, how can you really tell if that thing that looks like your nephew’s finger painting is good or not? First off, trust your instincts. Sim ply ask yourself how the piece makes you feel when you kx)k at it. Don’t he embarrassed. If “ ick” is the first thing that comes to mind; that just means it’s probably not the one for you. Playwright Lucinda Miller's "Shipyard" is waiting for just the right bid at the April 10 Claudia Shearer once said: “Art should have a smell. That way, from anyone hut me: If you think a piece is if it’s had you wouldn’t have it in your house.” ugly, chances are it is. But that doesn’t mean Veteran collectors recommend speed. someone won’t find it appealing. (There’s no Walk into a gallery and take a quick look accounting for taste.) Even so, it’s best to whis around. If nothing captures your attention per your snickering comments rather than immediately, move on. And that’s particular offend others. ly good advice for this event, where more If you must speak them out loud (and if than 380 items will he vying for your atten you’re standing close to me, then you absolute tion and your purse. ly must), always use SAT-level words arranged Speaking of purse strings, he sure to ask in a pompous and pretentious fashion. yourself, “Would I like to lixik at this piece over Of course, the same tone should be affected and over again.7” This is important because, let’s for critiquing all things that evening. For face it, once you’ve splurged on the tickets instance, when evaluating the artichoke heart ($100 for the pancakes from Imbibe, one of more than 35 eateries donating auction and canapés and desserts, describe hors d’oeuvres or $250 with it as “an explosion of flavors patron dinner), that remind one of summer the clothes strolls on the Champs Elysee.” (event co- chairman and low for tips on bidding: Saks Fifth If there’s a piece you Avenue general ifall in love with (and manager Jeff with so many, there’s hound Miller suggests to he), stake out a close his store has spot and, like a jealous just the right lover, keep a watchful eye. outfit for you) My first year, I hid on one I adored, hut and the art, with so many pieces on display, I couldn’t find you’ll probably it again later to monitor the bidding. Lesson learned, last year I made sure to jot down the have no money left for any location for a particular favorite, hut every time thing else. I checked back, I was outbid. Here’s a lit Finally, I spied my friends Phyllis and tle secret you Warren hiding behind a pillar. As soon as I Art for Life co-chairman Jeff Miller promises “ a great party* won’t hear increased my bid and walked away, Phyllis Art for Life raced over and raised me. 1 finally conceded the piece hut then got hack at them hy putting their bidder number down for another paint ing. Hey, it was for a gcxxl cause! The highlight o f the evening is the live auction, where 23 of the best works are sold hy auctioneer extraordinaire Steve Talbot. These pieces have been painstakingly select ed hy Art in America editor and critic Peter Selz. The only advice I have for bidding at the live auction is not to sit near me, because I’ve been known to reach over and tickle my neigh bor in the armpit so that his or her arm flies into the air just as the auctioneer announces, “O nce.. .twice....” Finally, plan to arrive early because that’s when most of the socializing occurs. A t that point, no one is paying much attention to the art. It’s all about the dresses (from Saks, of course), the hair (Mr. Paul from Ziva Salon) and the shoes (Louis Vuitton in Pio neer Place). But don’t he intimidated. A s Jeff Miller says, “ It’s going to he a great party. ” j n If there's a piece you fall in love with, stake out a close spot and, like a jealous lover ; keep a watchful eye weddi ngs receptions events me e t i n g s specializing in event rentals tents, canopies, arches, candclabras. gazebos, dance floors, stages, chairs, tables, linens, china, glassware and flatware and more. EAST 10101 SE Stark St. Portland, OR 503-252-3455 CENTRAL 1211 N Loring St. Portland, OR 503-292-8875 call or visit one of our showrooms today or visit us on the web at www.portlandrentall.com A rt for L ife is 5:30 to 11 p.m. April 10 at Montgomery Park, 2107 N.W. Vaughn St. Tickets are $100 or $250 for patrons, which includes dinner and an art preview, from 503-223-9255 or www.artforlifekintera.org.
