Featuring beautiful imagery that will wrap the east and south windows of The Reser and connect to the Beaverton Building at City Hall, guests and visitors will enjoy our first ever large-scale “printstallation,” Across Oceans by artist Kanani Miyamoto.

Miyamoto, an individual of mixed heritage and who most identifies with her Hawaiian and Japanese roots, has combined Eastern art aesthetics and techniques with Hawaiian philosophy to create a dramatic and expansive installation in the Central Cultural District of Beaverton. Miyamoto shares and celebrates her unique mixed background and represents her community and the beauty of intersectional identities.

Activating the expanse of the building’s facades, Across Oceans signifies the coming together of people from distant lands across bodies of water that connect, not divide us. Imagery will embrace themes of our common bonds and relationship with nature. Through supplemental programs and offerings, visitors will learn to have a deeper understanding and awareness of a diversity of cultural expressions and in turn share that with others in their community.

As an artist and educator, Miyamoto organizes and participates in many community arts programs and events. Valuing accessibility in the arts, Kanani’s work is driven by and created for the community. Throughout the summer months, Miyamoto will facilitate FREE workshops and community engagement programs at The Reser. A limited number of seats are available and will need to be reserved.

Beaverton ranks second in Oregon for its largest AANHPI population. The installation will include motifs from AANHPI culture that symbolize and celebrate our common connections.

Featuring Miyamoto’s work allows the entire community to see themselves reflected and included in our city’s cultural identity. The Reser has become a community gathering space known for its focus on equity, inclusion, and accessibility to the Tri-County area. Viewable from the Max Blue Line, Across Oceans will be an invitation for all to explore and learn about the artworks on display. For individuals of AAPHNI communities, seeing culturally specific iconography and symbolism prominently presented on the building makes a visual statement and gesture of welcoming and belonging. As guests view the installation, it will encourage exploration around the Beaverton Central District where at any time of the day one can see the gallery and other public artworks by local, regional and national artists with a strong emphasis on BIPOC representation.

Sponsored by the City of Beaverton and the Ford Family Foundation.

Photo: Mario Gallucci

 

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INSIGHTS:

Fri. May 3 – First Friday Art Walk & Reveal Party  |  6 – 9 pm

Thurs. May 9 – Artist Talk with Kanani Miyamoto  |  6 – 8 pm

Wed. May 15 – Printmaking Discussion & Demo with Kanani Miyamoto  |  6 – 8 pm

Sat. June 1 – Shine the Light  |  11 am – 4 pm

Fri. June 7 – First Friday: Get Your Art On  |  6 – 9 pm

Tues. June 18 – Members Only Mokuhanga Printmaking Workshop  |  6 – 8 pm | This event is currently sold out.

Sat. June 22 – Mokuhanga Printmaking Workshop  |  1 – 3 pm

Sat. Aug 17 – Night Market hands-on activity stations  |  5 – 9 pm