Janet C. Gilmore (Independent Folklorist) and Dee Vadnais (Artist)
“Arts Rooted in Oregon” introduces curatorial players who shaped a successful, complex exhibition at a small cultural center near Portland, December 2021-January 2022. It builds on the remarkable example of Oregon artist Dee Vadnais who flourishes in combinations of localized ancestral and professional “families” such as Aurora Colony settlers and the late 1930s-early 1950s war-time University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts “Ancient Architects” collective with their interwoven multi-genre threads of artistic expression. Their example overlaps evocatively with folklore perspectives and modes of professional practice, offering models that engage local audiences inclusively and foster equity and social justice.
Part of 07-08 Revisiting the Museum Structure/Archives, Saturday, November 04, 8:30 am–10:00 am