Disjecta Heads For The Hills

Well well well, as if we didn't see this one coming. We all love the arts. We all love art promotors, artists, institutions, and wonderful spaces, but when it comes down to it, its what is actually getting done. For over two years Disjecta has been a host to a few dynamite exhibitions. These exhibitions have always been brought in from an outside source. With no solid crew it has always been the talk...Who is programming Disjecta? Sure we have seen some great rock shows there, but where is this grand vision? How long do we have to wait to see some true visual arts programming. I love Portland! I really do. We have some of the hardest working artists and organizations in the country. However, we have to tally the facts and look at what is actually getting done. Byran Suereth does work hard, its just that nothing has really seemed to come of it. The public has been hanging on for quite sometime now, waiting for that moment when they really hit it out of the park, and well only a few shows have stood out. Check out http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/ to see some of the comments written. Every is wanting to see some good come of this organization, but will it ever happen. It looks as though Disjecta's support from Portland is circling the drain. Disjecta we wish you luck.

Is it Farewell Dear Templeton?

Disjecta has some startling news—we may say goodbye to the Templeton Building! Yes, it’s true. After nearly two years of programming the immense building, testing the premise of “large-scale contemporary art center”, working with the city, raising money and bringing together tenants we have come to a crossroads: Remain in limbo as the building owner, Lance Robbins, puts the Templeton up for sale; or choose a new location to serve the mission of the organization with immediacy and stability.

Well, we haven’t quite decided yet, to tell you the truth. The issues and decision making process surrounding the development of the Templeton are very complex. It’s a difficult decision to walk away from the Templeton. I love the building, the location, the vitality it could bring to the city. I love the concept of getting foothold in the neighborhood before the Bridgehead casts its juggernaut shadow. Sometimes, though, enough is enough. We’ve accomplished all our goals. We’ve raised our money. We’ve put together one of the strongest business models possible. So, instead of waiting for a decision from the ever-shifting building owner, we began looking at other opportunities. And, alas, we have found several intriguing alternatives.

We’re not prepared to make any decisions just yet however. But consider this fair warning—we may leave the Templeton—either being forced out by the sale of the building, or choosing to exit for a better, more secure opportunity elsewhere. Either way, we are prepared and good things are on the horizon. We thought you should know…after all, your support has meant more to us than you could possibly imagine. And I promise we will provide Portland with large scale, year-round, completely gorgeous contemporary visual and performing art space in the very near future.

In the meantime, please join us this Wednesday for one of the last (for now or for ever) shows at the Templeton—The Marvelous Rob Scheps Big Band. This is a guaranteed party. And the lecture on May 30th with meteoric art superstars Lead Pencil Studio is a must see.

If you have questions about the status of the Templeton, want to ask how this could come to pass, or want to know what the future holds, please call me. I’d love to hear from you.

My best,
Bryan Suereth