Cloisters Gallery – Current Show
You may visit the gallery Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon; Sunday mornings; or by appointment.
“Sotto Voce” by Mark Mardon
Photographer Mark Mardon is a former neighbor and good friend of Westminster member Joanne Engels. Mark has frequently shown his work in our biannual art show, and four of his photos permanently hang in Room B below the sanctuary. He just moved to Portugal, but before he left, he gave this series of photo art to us.
Mark says, “I’m interested in those moments when a scene becomes more than light and shadow, people and place. When it reflects and exposes your secrets, your longings, the conversations you’ve had with yourself in the dark. They’re about the distances between what happened and what you carry forward—blurred and beautiful and impossibly heavy with everything you can’t quite say.” Come to the gallery and see Venice in a way different than you have seen it before. This show will run October 18 through November 19.
HARK! Gallery Show
The holiday show in our Cloisters Gallery is a group show featuring the creativity of several Westminster artists and their artistic interpretations and imaginings of the word “hark.” HARK! It’s exclamatory, meaning, Listen Up! Pay Attention! Something Important is Happening! However, many of us probably best know the word “hark” as in the beloved carol, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”—but visit the gallery and you will see it can be much more. We are thankful for all of the participating artists showing their work for this holiday season, and for all the encouragement and support this congregation gives our artists. HARK! opens November 22 and runs through January 1.
CALL TO ARTISTS: CREATIVE SPIRIT SHOW OF FINE ART & CRAFT
You are invited to participate in Westminster Cloisters’ 11th Biennial Show of Fine Art & Craft, which runs February 19-28, 2027, and features an opening gala on February 19, 2027, at 7 p.m. To submit art, fill out the form online at https://forms.gle/aAsgTRs4CBJ1mecT7. The registration deadline is January 22. Art should be delivered February 17 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and picked up February 28 (12 p.m. – 2 p.m.). You will receive detailed information after receipt of your entry form. Questions? Contact Louise Jones or the church office (info@westprespdx.org).
Neighborhood Vibes – A Call To Youth Artists Ages 10-18
The Biannual Westminster Presbyterian Church Cloisters Art Show is taking place this February 19 – 28, 2027. Youth artists ages 10-18 are invited to submit an art piece that depicts something special about the neighborhood they live in or participate in. What do you like about your neighborhood? Is there a pet that greets you often as you walk by? Maybe your best friend lives nearby? Is there street baseball or soccer going on routinely? Is there a big incredible tree that has fabulous fall colors? Ask yourself, “What makes this neighborhood special to me?” then share it through the artistic expression of your choice: painting, photography, sculpture, collage, etc.
Important dates:
- Intent to show by 12/15/26: Notify Sally Woolley via email that you intend to show; spots cap out at 40 participants, so notify early. (Contact info@westprespdx.org if you need Sally’s email address.)
- Catalog information due by 1/15/27: Submit your art piece title, short description, media, and size. Receive guidelines for art to be display ready.
- Deliver art piece, 2/16/27: Drop off in the Cloisters Art Gallery, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock, Portland, Oregon.
Art Studio News
The Cloisters Art Studio has moved! We are now located in the lower level of the education wing, just inside the doors at the 16th Avenue (elevator) entrance. We always welcome artists and artist wannabes using any medium to join us; just bring your own supplies. Our new studio hours are Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Writing Group
We have a small peer group of writers working in various genres with diverse skills and experience who meet regularly. Contact the church office for more information.