Since PORT has been up and running for over a week, I suppose it's time I introduced myself. This online arts journal was an idea I had last year after being inspired by the other regional art blogs popping up around the country, especially the fine folks at art.blogging.la. I had mentioned the idea to Jeff on a couple of occasions and at the beginning of the year, he pressed me to pursue the idea more seriously so I enlisted him as a collaborator. Six months and three additional staff writers later, viola!

The vision of this online arts journal is to catalyze critical discussion and disseminate information about art as lensed through Portland, Oregon. Using weblog functionality we are able to deliver you up-to-the-minute news, reviews and events. User comments are encouraged and easy to post (commenting requires a simple one-time registration, allowing us to weed out spammers and maintain transparency). You are invited to join in the discussion and interject your own supporting or dissenting ideas. Portland has a thriving art community which can only be strengthened by critical and sometimes firey discussion. So, play fair and don't be shy!

As this endeavor unfolds I'm sure there will be changes, revisions and improvements. If you notice any technical problems, please email us and we'll fix it. I will be handling the announcements of openings and events and the calls for artists. These will be centered around events in the Portland-metro area or exhibitions of Portland-based artists in other locales. To be considered for our calendar, please visit the Contact page for more information.

My day job consists of running Motel, a gallery in Portland's Chinatown showcasing up-and-coming artists and independent designers from around the country. I also work occasionally as a freelance graphic and web designer. Stop by and say hello if you're in Chinatown (we're on Northwest Couch between 5th & 6th). For more about me and the rest of the contributors, visit the About PORT section.

Thanks and welcome!