Michelle Clark Graphic Design

Art on Alberta

Last night I went down to Alberta St. for the annual Last Thursday art walk event. This is something I like to go and do every month. During this event you get to walk down Alberta St. and wander into all of the little galleries and shops that are open and artists have their work lined up on the street. There’s music, (imagine a never-ending string of bongo drum and techno blast beats at once). There’s also spots where people have items piled into their front yards or on folding tables they sell for really cheap. It’s a good idea to bring cash when you go – I never have to spend much but end up coming back with a ton of cool stuff. And if I’m really watching my spending, like the other night, I collect brochures, cards, and other print freebies from artists that I like, or that just have design elements that I like.

Last night was awesome, due in part to the nice weather. There were canvases set up on the street with paint, brushes, and water so that anyone walking down the street can paint something and add to the canvases. Everyone also brought their dogs so there were lots of them to pet and play with. Two artists that I want to mention are Angel F. Matamoros, whose abstract paintings of rich color and texture I really enjoyed and Tokiko Anderson who combines abstract and whimsical, elegant illustrations. If you want to learn more about the galleries and events Alberta St. has to offer you can go to their website which always has an updated map of the current month’s art walk.

Links:

• JustSeeds.org – Posters, prints, publications, and news on radical politics, political graphics, and socially engaged street art.
• tokikosart.wordpress.com – The WordPress blog of artist Tokiko Anderson.
• angelmatamoros.com – Personal website of artist.

Collage Credits:

• Pancho Villa artwork by Hector Sanchez.
• Alberta Street brochure design by Bennet Stein and Michael Sant. Photography by Sherri Diteman, Norm Whitten, and Julie Shaw of the Oregon Historical Society.
• JustSeeds.org postcard artwork entitled “Alden” by Swoon.
• Angel F. Matamoros brochure design by Angel F. Matamoros.
• Business card artwork by Tokiko Anderson.