The work of Brian and Wendy Froud is legendary, and as a creative force they  have shaped the imaginations of many a young mind seeking a doorway to other worlds. Brian Froud's illustrations were already well known before he teamed up with Jim Henson to design the amazing films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, but since those days his work, along the transcendent work of his wife Wendy, has become a benchmark of excellence. Watching these films as a child left and indelible mark on my imagination which has stayed with me far into adulthood. It can be seen in my art style, and in my belief in the power of the imagination. The beautiful sculptures of Wendy Froud proved to me that the fantastical creations of our minds could truly exist in the real world. This knowledge made the real world seem that much more magical. Little did I know that it was something Josie and I had in common. She has been a true fan of faerie since she was a little girl, so naturally she was drawn the Wendy's gorgeous sculptures. 

Very few people get a chance to meet their heroes in their lifetime. I'm proud to say that I've met mine, and they were delightful. Brian had wisdom to share, and did it such sincerity and kindness. Josie got a chance to talk with Wendy as well, and she was incredibly sweet and welcoming. Thanks Brian and Wendy for showing us that dreams can be real.

First Thursday exhibition at Compliance Gallery, and BCC: BrownHall Community is in the house Believe In Wonder Publishing too.)

BCC:Brownhall in residence at Compliance Division
Opening Night: First Thursday, August 6, 2015, 6-9pm

Featuring: Andre Middleton, Analise Smith, Brian W. Parker, Bre Gipson, Carolyn Anderson, Elijah Hasan, Jamondria Harris, Jomo Greenidge

Performance Nights: Every Thursday in August, 7pm
Featuring: Darlene Solomon-Rogers, #BlackLivesMatter Portland and others TBA

Black Creative Collective:Brownhall is comprised of Black artists and creatives that produce interdisciplinary art programming to address the dearth of Black art and creative spaces in Portland. We work with institutions, non-profits and both traditional and alternative art spaces to make visible Black artists’ work, while engaging the public at large in issues of race, equity, and shared space, providing a chance to celebrate, interact, experiment, and share resources. We seek to engage diverse audiences to honor the intersectionality of interests and histories within our own communities. We also seek to support each other as individual artists and creatives with unique experiences and practices.

BCC:Brownhall is supported by the Precipice Fund, The Calligram Foundation/Allie Furlotti, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts