First Presbyterian Church maintains a revolving Art Exhibition in the Chapel.
The chapel will reopen once the church reopens to the public.
Robert Gleason: Portland from an Artist’s View
As an artist, Robert has been greatly influenced by urban life and paints mostly cityscapes. He loves the thrum of life in the streets and the rush of humanity. Robert’s influences include Edward Hopper, Wayne Thiebaud, Henk Pander and others.
After a twenty-year career as a prominent illustrator in Los Angeles, he has developed a bright color palette, which he uses to convey the beauty and excitement of urban existence. Especially Portland on days that are partly cloudy, the bright sunlit areas contrast with the reflections off water, glass, stone, metal and are enhanced by the contrasting dappled shadows.
Robert’s illustration career included extensive work using the human form in movie posters, magazine illustrations, greeting cards and even included mural painting. His training as an illustrator taught him to be careful with detail, while his growth as a fine artist has brought him to a broader world of expression and more freedom with his brush.
Hope in Every Step: An Invitation for Artists Born Outside the US
Hope In Every Step is an exhibition sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church, Portland, Oregon under the supervision of the Visual Arts Committee. First Presbyterian Church is a member of the 7×7 Consortium of 7 art galleries in 7 downtown churches.
In the fall of 2020, each gallery will present a different exhibition on the theme of immigration as part of its FOOTPRINTS series of exhibitions. 7×7 supports the work of artists and affirms the creative spirit through art exhibitions. Each gallery will offer a Wednesday evening educational event focusing on immigration, migration, the art in its gallery, and doing justice in today’s world. All events are free and open to the public. Click here for the Hope in Every Step Exhibition Prospectus 2020
Upcoming Exhibits
Late Spring 2020 Tones of Nature & Beauty
Photography by Joanna Ceciliani and Maureen Love
September 6-October 25, 2020 7×7 Immigration Themed Art Exhibition
Artwork from Immigrant artists focused on their experience- that which they left behind, adjusting to a new reality, struggles to assimilate, building community in a new country.
September 20 Display of Immigrant Children’s Art and Educational Program
Rev. Dr. Gregory and wife Nohemi Cuellar will present a theologically driven perspective on the current immigration crisis along the southern U.S. border.