Antiques
- Why Blue Willow Dishware Captivates Collectors
If you’ve ever wandered through an antique shop or peeked into a grandmother’s china cabinet, chances are you’ve seen Blue Willow. That crisp blue-and-white pattern with the little pagoda, the willow tree, and the birds flying overhead is one of the most recognizable designs in the ceramic world. For collectors, it’s both approachable and endlessly fascinating. A Quick Backstory Willowware… Read more: Why Blue Willow Dishware Captivates Collectors - From Doorstep Thuds to Digital Searches: Why Old Directories Still Matter
Remember those bulky phone books that used to land on our porches with a satisfying thud? Most of us barely glanced at them before they went straight into the recycling bin. But here’s the funny thing—those books we once tossed aside are now collectible, sometimes selling for anywhere from $15 to $300. And if you go back even further, before… Read more: From Doorstep Thuds to Digital Searches: Why Old Directories Still Matter - Craftsman Style Homes: Portland’s Architectural Heritage
The Arts and Crafts movement began in England, but the offshoot Craftsman style thrived in Portland. Early in the 20th century, Portland was booming! That’s apparent today thanks to the abundance of Craftsman-style homes here.It was a time when, Portland’s population skyrocketed. By 1920, the city had more than doubled in size, with new neighborhoods from Concordia to Irvington and… Read more: Craftsman Style Homes: Portland’s Architectural Heritage - Collecting American Empire Furniture: Tips and Insights
The term “Empire” in American Empire furniture refers to the style’s origins and inspirations from the French Empire style, which was prominent during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte (1804-1815). The French Empire style itself drew from classical Greek and Roman design elements, characterized by grandeur, opulence, and a sense of authority. When this style made its way to America in… Read more: Collecting American Empire Furniture: Tips and Insights - A Few Furniture Finds
Recent sightings of fabulous furniture include a 19th-century mahogany game table with floral carving, a well-preserved secretary sold at auction, two machine-made 19th-century chairs and a functional GE Monitor Top refrigerator from 1927-1938. These items were found in Oregon, offering a glimpse into historical and aesthetic treasures.
Out and About
“I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.”
Frida Kahlo
Podcasts
- Goya and the Darkness of Enlightenment
- Whispers Between the Pages
- The Talisman and the Temple
- When the Sea Wants Company
- Back Roads and Barns: A Hunter’s Tale
Portland
- May Art Openings 🎨 … First Thursday, May 7
The post details several art exhibitions in Portland, highlighting receptions at galleries like Russo Lee, Augen, and Blue Sky. A suggested walking route of approximately 1.5 miles is provided for visitors to explore efficiently. It encourages checking galleries’ websites for updates, making for an enriching evening of art.
Articles
Stacks and Stories at the Portland Fine Print Fair
The 2026 Portland Fine Print Fair rebounded impressively, attracting diverse crowds and featuring a variety of prints from across the country. Notable contributions included contemporary works by Stefanie Hofer and linocuts by Allison Saar. The fair emphasizes the accessibility of print collecting, appealing particularly to younger, grassroots collectors.
In the Woods — Jennifer Foran at Multnomah Arts Center
Two years have passed since Jennifer Foran’s last solo exhibition at SideStreet Art Gallery. Her new show at the Multnomah Art Center both extends her artistic vision and departs meaningfully from her earlier work. Where Foran once captured grandeur—sweeping vistas of the Columbia River Gorge or the mysticism of star-filled skies—her new pieces turn inward.…
Collecting
