Programs:
Portland Art Center has two key programs that provide access to arts-related information and services, and exposes both artists and the community to the latest in contemporary art.

The Visual Arts Program focuses on independent, emerging and established artists exhibiting installation and site-specific art. The gallery and exhibition space strives to present work at the highest level of quality. In addition to installation art, the program accommodates guest curators who have a strong idea, concept or opinion that they want to express through visual art., helping them to explore a strong personal vision or concept. Guest curators are not limited to any one medium.   All artwork goes through a submission process that is reviewed and selected by a programming committee. The gallery hosts six major exhibits a year, each running for six weeks, as well as numerous smaller events.

The Resource Program focuses on providing services to the entire contemporary arts community, including dance, film, theater, design, and the visual arts. A resource and meeting room includes a display area that is dedicated to housing all exhibition announcements from the arts community. It provides space for workshops, artists' round tables, and lectures. An interactive website will include a comprehensive calendar of events for all of Portland's arts community. The website's list of resources will be continually expanding, encompassing   links to resources, arts organizations, arts related businesses, galleries and an artists' data base featuring artists' statements, resumes and examples of work. Artists may submit work at no cost.

History:
Since January of 2003, Portland Art Center (then Portland Center for the Advancement of Culture) has created and hosted large-scale temporary art installations and experiences. Know Portland, a synthesis of visual art, local dining and performance art, took place at four different restaurants and art spaces throughout the city, exposing participants to a diverse perspective of the city both culturally and artistically. In early 2003, the organization received its first grant, $5000 from the Morgan Foundation based in Cleveland, Ohio, funding its first major exhibition, The Modern Zoo.

The Modern Zoo included 80 exhibitions in a sprawling 120,000 square-foot warehouse. Over 200 artists participated in the event which drew 10,000 visitors over its two-and-a-half-month existence. Next came Process, an exhibition produced in a 20,000 square-foot warehouse donated by the City of Portland. This show documented and exposed the artistic process of 12 individual artists. Lastly, there was Reed College Art Week. Six artists were invited to create sight-specific work using material from a giant role of diaper fabric. In October, 2004, Portland Art Center acquired its current, permanent space in Southeast Portland which functions as a hub for artists and the community.

Portland Art Center
Executive Director:
Gavin Shettler

Board:
Gavin Shettler
David Mosher
Brigitte Dortmund
Marcia Bizon
Val Brown
Michael Schlicting

Resource Council:
Rod Pullium
Lawrence Cotton
Jeff Fontaine
Mark Woolley
Darren Warwick
Rhoda London
Patrick Puopolo
Ann Marie Nafziger
Lindley Morton
Marne Lucas
Nora Archonovich
Patricia Gardner

Site Sponsors:
Art Media
The Falcon Apartments
Gamblin Oil Colors
Katayama Framing

Sponsors:
Pro Grass
Crow Bar
Basement Pub
Green Gables
Art Media
The Falcon Apartments
Katayama Framing
Miller Paint
Sunbelt Rental
Sign Wizards
Cathedral Park Place
Full Sail Brewing
Willamette Week