Alice Ronald, Chair of the Artworks Committee, discusses her approach to art curation
Alice Ronald
Terwilliger Plaza Member, Chair of the Artworks Committee
What brought you to Terwilliger Plaza?
My husband and I lived in Pocatello, Idaho for 45 years and when we retired from Idaho State University, we decided that we wanted to live some place which had a major airport, public transportation, major medical facilities and didn’t require a meal plan. After looking at many facilities here in Portland, seven years ago, we chose to live at Terwilliger Plaza. We love it here and are very satisfied with our decision.
How did you become involved in the Artworks Committee?
Soon after arriving, I was recruited to be a member of the committee, primarily for my skillset to cut mats! This requires a keen eye and a level of strength. Over time I was promoted, or perhaps, volunteered to be the Chair of the committee.
What is the role of the Artworks Committee?
The committee has been in existence for about 20 years. Our ten person committee is responsible for selecting and exhibiting artwork tastefully and professionally in common spaces throughout the Plaza, maintaining records of all the artwork and their locations, repairing and maintaining the collection, curating exhibits in four exhibit areas, and receiving donations from Members and evaluating them for addition to the permanent collections.
Are there specific galleries and exhibitions?
Yes. We have four rotating galleries which present exhibits for four months at a time. We stagger the installations so that there are always new exhibitions being presented. There are two galleries for two-dimensional works, including the Auditorium Foyer Gallery which features 25 – 30 pieces, and the Skybridge Gallery which is located between The Tower and The Heights. Then, we also have two areas which offer secured display cases in which we can present three-dimensional pieces. One is located in The Heights café and the other is in the elevator lobby of The Terrace.
Can you talk more about the art at Terwilliger?
The art comes from a variety of sources: posters which feature familiar French Impressionists (ie. Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne), early cave paintings and Egyptian art or abstracts (Braque, Picasso, Rothko, Frankenthaler). We have original art donated by Members and local art that we have purchased. Featured local artists may be on exhibit. There are beautiful hanging scrolls, landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and large-scale rubbings done by one of our former members.
How are the gallery exhibitions curated?
There are many ways in which exhibitions are developed. Members of our committee will choose a theme and then collect the artworks from throughout the building to create an exhibit. For example, recent exhibitions have focused on water, animals or Asian art. We have an upcoming theme of women artists, and then, umbrellas. We also feature artists who live at Terwilliger. Currently, we have a Member who does photography, and she is preparing to hang a selection of her work. We also present local artists, including a current exhibition that presents abstract art alongside poetry.
There are also Members who have very unique collections – such as a current exhibit that features leather items and tools from a Member who, along with his father and grandfather, had a leather business here in Portland. We just had an exhibit of Stone Art items and in the near future we will have a collection of beautiful hand held fans and another of masks from around the world. When possible, there is a reception in the auditorium where the artist or members can talk about their pieces.
Do you enjoy being a part of the Artworks Committee?
I do. The variety of the artwork throughout Terwilliger speaks to our vibrancy. It is unique and authentic. The vibe here at Terwilliger is all about engagement. The interests of members in education, social and cultural issues result in the many varied activities here. The committees which are member generated reflect the wants, needs and interests of the community. The people here at Terwilliger MAKE our unique community.