HANS COPER—LESS MEANS MORE features the sculptural work of Hans Coper (1920-1981), a radical Jewish artist of the mid-twentieth century who was at the vanguard of British studio ceramics, pushing the boundaries of clay and forms of abstraction in his work. Guest curated by Sandra Percival, founding Director and Curator of Zena Zezza, the exhibition presents nearly 50 works by Coper including his Spade, Thistle, Ovoid and Cycladic forms drawn from an extensive collection of his work in England’s York Art Gallery, a rarely seen Portland collection, and a cluster of works from collectors and California institutions. Coper left Germany for England as a Jewish refugee in early 1939. The exhibition also includes works by celebrated ceramicist Lucie Rie, also a Jewish refugee, along with a small selection of related contemporary and modern artworks. Coper was described as “gentle, yet shattering” and Less Means More opens a conversation into the complexities and contradictions embedded in his life and work.
ALSO:
Betty LaDuke: EARLY WORK: curated by Bruce Guenther, Adjunct Curator for Special Exhibitions, features works created in the 1960s by one of Oregon’s most internationally recognized artists, Betty LaDuke, recipient of the Governors Art Award 1993. Centered in her identity as a first generation Jewish American, the early graphic works are based on memories of the vibrant street life of the immigrant neighborhoods of New York and stories from the Jewish bible. The works form a foundation for understanding the evolution of her long career as a narrative, image-based artist driven by deep social and political engagement.
Jonathan Levy is leading a bike ride on Puget Island, WA. The ride will be about 20 miles along flat roads along the bucolic countryside. To reach Puget Island, drive to Westport, OR, and take the ferry to Puget Island. Puget Island has less traffic than Sauvie Island and is often much cooler than Portland in the summer. Contact Jonathan Levy at jal@wysekadish.com to sign up.
Taught by Eddy Shuldman, Judaic artist and teacher.
If you grew up Jewish, it’s probably always been there at your front door. If you’re a non-Jewish Rose Schnitzer Manor resident, you may have wondered about the diverse little gems of art marking most of our apartment entryways.
The mezuzah is one of the more prominent examples of Jewish material culture. The word mezuzah means doorpost, but it has come to mean the parchment scroll placed on the doorpost that is inscribed with verses from Deuteronomy that start with, “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”.It goes on to command us “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” “Thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates.” These are the watchwords of our faith.
Some people believe that the mezuzah provides special protection over the residents of the home where it hangs, and when they pass by a mezuzah some people have the custom of kissing it (usually touching the mezuzah with their hand, then kissing their hand).
Who better to answer all your questions about these lovely pieces of art than our own multi-talented Eddy Shuldman. Our beloved volunteer and arts activist, Eddy will discuss the “Art of the Mezuzah: loving, kissing, binding and teaching”. We’re certain you’ll come away a little more enlightened about a captivating subject.
Jewish Heritage Night at the Hillsboro Hops
Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and the Mittleman Jewish Community Center for Heritage Night as the Hillsboro Hops take on the Tri-City Dust Devils!
Monday, August 19
7:05 pm
Ron Tonkin Field
4460 NE Century Blvd., Hillsboro, OR
Unity Through learning.
Study Torah with a partner and make connections with Jews from across Portland. Hot drinks, light snacks, and study resources will all be made available.
Join Portland as we learn one on one. Bring your learning partner or ask us to provide one.
Mah Jongg for Beginners – now offering 6-week-long session!
Learn to play this ancient game. It will give your mind a workout!
Tuesday Mornings
July 16 – August 20
10:30 am – 12:30 pm, CG400
Cost: $110. Member Cost: $90.
Register: oregonjcc.org/registration
Mah Jongg for Intermediate Players – now offering 6-week-long session!
Take your game to the next level.
Tuesday Afternoons
July 16 – August 20
1:30 – 3:30 pm, CG401
Cost: $110. Member Cost: $90.
Register: oregonjcc.org/registration
Join us on a public tour with Bruce Guenther, Adjunct Curator for Special Exhibitions, as he takes you around Betty LaDuke – EARLY WORK. Centered in her identity as a first generation Jewish American, the early graphic works in this exhibition are based on memories of the vibrant street life of the immigrant neighborhoods of New York and stories from the Jewish bible.
Israeli Dancing
Join us for a fun, introductory Israeli dance class. All levels are welcome. Six people needed to run class.
Wednesdays, July 17 – September 25 (NO CLASS ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11)
7:00 – 8:00 pm, CG402
Cost: $100 Members + Guests.
Drop-in Fee: $15 per class.
Register: oregonjcc.org/registration