The Art of Fernando Minera & Cancer Patient Benefit

Ever feel like art in this town is just a little bit of the same old thing? How about blurred photographs and abstract expressionism expressing nothing at all except "sometimes I feel like that". "Sometimes I feel chaotic" like this one, or "life's all out of focus" like that one. It seems at times that Portland has this blanket of abstraction whisking vacuously amidst our self proclaimed city of arts. Very rarely do we see art that actually challenges us to respond. To think or to feel anything whatsoever in regards to the art we're observing.

Isn't art supposed to create a reaction? Isn't art supposed to inspire something in the viewer? What happened to art with significant meaning or purpose? Is it that all Portland has to offer is pieces of art that match the decor of one's living room? Can't you buy that at Ikea or something?

The Portland Artist Network believes they've found something different. There is a vast stream of true artists flowing underneath this city. We have tapped into that stream and plan to pour it into the cups of everyone in this city who thirsts for such art. We are beginning it with shows at Ella Street Social Club like this month's artist Fernando Minera.

The work of Fernando Minera represents the ever constant universal themes that plague and inspire everyone in this world. Through his own developed technique, his interpretation of these struggles comes together in many different but deeply felt ways. Whether dealing with famine, hunger, corporate corruption, militaristic oppression or unjust wars, he never relents in expressing it in his work, his most heartfelt passion: that revolutions are made possible by ideas, and most importantly by the same people that these unjust acts affect.

This opening event being held Thursday Oct 8th from 8-11p is also a benefit for Lymphoma patient Ashley Roth.

Ashley Roth began her third round of Chemo on Tuesday, September 1 at Doernbecher’s Hospital at OHSU. This began a grueling 3-6 month in-patient and out-patient therapy, which will, with your prayers, hopefully eradicate her lymphoma once and for all. Her employer offered to continue paying her health insurance through the coming months. However, her insurance is limited and without prescription coverage. Portland Artist Network and Fernando Minera have come together with Ella Street Social Club to put on an art show benefit for Ashley. All proceeds from this event will go to help with her continued fight. Please join us from 8-11pm at the Ella Street Social Club. Follow Ashley’s journey and stay in touch through her blog at www.caringbridge.org. Use “ashleyroth1” for the blog page log in.