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An Unaffiliated Exhibition of Student artwork
By and for Students of Color
Febuary 22 - March 7
What is art without activism? What is art without resistance? What is art without protest?
For Artists of Color is an exhibition showcasing artwork from local Portland-Based artists. This exhibition is curated exclusively by and for students of color. On February 14th, 2025 a letter was sent out by the United States Department of Education. This letter imposed a view of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as being discriminatory towards white students because they cannot "equally benefit” from race and ethnicity based measures that intended to create a more equitable playing field for students of color.
Fatimah Hobaish, Vimto/Abu Walad, 2023, Ceramics
Many universities and arts organizations pushed back and fought against this letter, suing the Department of Education. The students in this exhibition were told that their institution wasn't fighting for them. Rather than support their community of student artists and defend their right to hold exhibitions solely for the Black, Indigenous and community of color they were told they couldn't. This exhibition stands as a counter, a push back against them, if you don’t want our community then you won't have us.
Exhibition Dates: February 22nd, 2026 - March 7th, 2026
Artist Talk with Ozias Lapsys on March 4th, 2026 from 4pm - 5pm
Opening Reception: First Thursday, March 5th, 2026 6pm - 9pm
Email info@theblackgallerypdx.com to schedule your visit.
Divaa Charles, So.-Okay- So., 2023-2025, Audio Exploration
Ozias Lapsys, No Small Act, 2026, Oil paint on wooden plank