Unlike most art scenes Portland's Summers tend to bring extra activity. To that a bunch of new shows have arrived and a few worthy ones are entering their last days. Catch these shows and of course that Ann Hamilton is still up, I felt it was a bit cobbled together and needed some more tailoring to fit its site but decide for yourself...

here are my picks:



Carnation Contemporary is a new collective and they are launching their gallery venue today. I love their studio space off Interstate ave but they are also opening up a proper gallery space in the Disjecta Compound. The inaugural show is called First Date and has my full attention. Portland needs to support these artist driven initiatives to retain its enviable edge as a creative epicenter.

First Date | August 31- September 30
Opening Reception: September 1 | 6-9PM
Carnation Contemporary
8371 N Interstate




As a domestic house that converts to a gallery Indivisible is perhaps the most intriguing of Portland's alternative spaces. Their latest show Encounters by Jeleesa Johnston should not be missed. The opening vibes are always pure Portland.

Encounters | September 1 - 22
Opening Reception: September 1 | 6 - 9PM
Indivisible
2544 SE 26th



America Likes Me at Linfield Gallery

Though the opening was a a very difficult time last Wednesday (5-7 in wine country) Ameerica Likes Me looks like the the most interesting art show Linfield has put on since losing their exceptional curator Cris Moss (who was then treated like crap by the U of O). Featuring, "six Oregon-based artists whose work explores ideas of shared histories, American identity, and the legacy of trauma." With the title it is obviously evoking the 1974 Joseph Beuys piece and artists; Julie Green Kai'la Farrell-Smith, Daniel Duford, Sidony O’neal, Marie Watt and Demian DinéYazhi in collaboration with Noelle V. Sosaya bring an eclectic and multifaceted look at where we are now. I complain a lot about Portland being terrible about curating group shows but this looks like an exception. If you are having a drive out in wine country, stop in. (pro tip: sometimes if the gallery isnt open you can get security to get you in).

America Likes Me | August 29 - October 5
Linfield Gallery | Open Saturday 12- 5PM, M-F 9-5PM
900 SE Baker St, McMinnville



It is also your final weekend to catch John Einarsen's Kyoto photography at the Portland Japanese Garden. What could be better than visiting the garden this weekend?

Kyoto Stillness | July 21 - September 3
Portland Japanese Garden




Last but not least is the post apocalyptic work of Julia Oldham and Angelee van Allman called After. Both artists present a dystopia gone feralwith works based on the presumption that beasts inherit the earth after we make ourselves extinct. Curated by Cris Moss, who usually does a great job.

After | September 1 -
Olympic Mills Commerce Center
107 SE Washington