PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The 1803 Fund is launching Black History Month with a community celebration at the Portland Art Museum on Feb. 1.
Organized by the 1803 Fund, the celebration featured youth-centered art experiences in the afternoon, followed by an evening gathering with performances, special remarks, food, and gallery tours. The gallery pays tribute to Thelma Johnson Streat, a pioneering Black artist, dancer, and educator from Portland, whose legacy continues to inspire creativity across generations.
The gallery honors Thelma Johnson Streat, a pioneering Black artist from Portland. The opening exhibition, “Lisa Jarrett: Tenderhead,” explores themes of migration and Black hair culture.
Rukaiyah Adams, CEO of 1803 Fund, said, “This gallery is a celebration of the past, present, and future — and a reminder that these cultural spaces belong to the community.”
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D’Artagnan Caliman, Vice President of 1803 Fund, described the event as a “homecoming” and emphasized the importance of togetherness.
“It’s a wonderful turnout. At 1803 Fund, we are really focused on Black prosperity, and one of our main ingredients is really creating a sense of togetherness. What you see here today is a sense of togetherness, not only for Black Portland but for Portland overall.”
Karie Burch, co-interim director at the Portland Art Museum, expressed pride in the gallery’s opening, saying, “We are honored to welcome this celebration and to uplift the artists and stories that continue to shape Black Portland.”
“For us, Black History Month honestly isn’t just about Black Portland, but really all of Portland, so it’s extremely important to see a really diverse crowd, and children and families, here celebrating together,” Caliman said.
Caliman wanted to remind Portlanders that those under 18 years of age are granted free admission to the Portland Art Museum. He reiterated that access to the museum is important “for creativity, and culture and spreading knowledge throughout Portland.”
