Variables’ community art installation program weaves together culture, creativity, and connection. Every month we will launch a new, interactive public art installation at our gallery in SE Portland designed around a central theme. Participation in each installation is free and open to anyone no matter their artistic skill, age, or income. As viewers enter the space throughout the month, they are encouraged to create their own piece with our free supplies, adding to the ever-evolving interactive installation.

Our upcoming project “Faces of Portland” will be a self-portrait trading card installation. Participants will create a self-portrait on a 3”x5” index card in any medium of their choice and write a bit about themselves on the back. We’ll hang the cards together in a public art installation for one month. At the end of the month, those who have created for the show will be welcomed back to the space to take another artist’s card home. This installation is designed to connect creativity with identity and encourage Portlanders to learn about their neighbors and community members.

While the themes and designs for our interactive installations will change monthly, the installations share a central goal: community connection and interaction. We use creative placemaking values including the integration of arts, culture, and design to connect people of different socio-economic backgrounds and build community relationships. By participating in each event, individuals come together for a shared experience and to learn from one another through the art prompt.

We anticipate 200 guests will participate in each monthly installation based on previous shows and events. All ages are welcome and all events are free for anyone to participate. We especially encourage people with little or no art experience to join in the fun.