Director's Note:

Welcome to 2009 at Disjecta. But, in retrospect, what a 2008! After all, taking a 12,000 sf building in North Portland, removing 25 tons of debris and converting it into working artists' studios, a big, bold visual arts exhibition space and, as of January 23rd, an intimate performance studio during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression isn't for the feint of heart. And while there is much work ahead, I do want to take a moment and celebrate the christening half-year of this place we call Disjecta--Portland's contemporary art center.

Damien Gilley and Dr. Gregory Carroll combined forces (Gilley curated, Dr. Greg funded) to give the visual arts program at Disjecta the proper type of ignition--the visionary Immaterialized exhibition. That was followed by Diane Jacobs' sublime solo exhibition The Writing's on the Wall. Finally, the brilliant, inimitable work of Dan Gilsdorf and his exhibition Interiotrope rounded out a stellar season of visual art. Throw in the go-go show of the literary world, Kevin Sampsell's Booty Call, some high-octane Italian poster art and mix with the theatrical meanderings of eccentric playwright Charles Augustus Steen III and 2008 turned into a rather interesting concktail.

We received some very generous support in 2008 as well. Without the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, the Portland Development Commission, Homer Williams, Dr. Gregory Carroll, Meagan Atiyeh, RACC and Work for Art, Disjecta would not be poised to jump full speed through the fiery rings of 2009. These foundations, agencies and individuals made significant contributions to Disjecta and undoubtedly placed this organization on solid footing as we face the challenges of the new year.

What we have to share with you below is merely the tip of a massive arts programming iceberg for 2009. Focusing on the events coming up in the immediate future. There is music. There are words. There is radio to be heard. And keys to the factory for one lucky winner. So read on! (If you'd like to preview programming highlights for the rest of the year, view the 2009 preview PDF.)

We wish everyone the best in 2009 and look forward to seeing you in Kenton!

Bryan Suereth, Director