Urban Honking

Saturday, February 23

7:00pm Leaf Litter #3 Release and Reading @ Leaf Litter

Signal Fire recognizes the “wood” anniversary with an artist retrospective and release of the third issue of their annual print project, Leaf Litter

Portland arts group Signal Fire celebrates five years of bringing artists on backcountry expeditions and hosting the unique outdoor residency, Outpost. A retrospective of visual art featuring thirteen of the nearly 100 artists who have participated in the group will be on display at Marylhurst University’s Art Gym throughout the month of March. In conjunction with the show, a reading from work published in Leaf Litter #3, Signal Fire’s annual print journal, will be held at Division Leap in Portland. This year’s issue includes previously unpublished work by novelist Peter Rock alongside written and visual pieces by Signal Fire participants.

Wood Anniversary: Five Years of Signal Fire
Preview Reception Sunday, February 24, 3-5pm
Marylhurst University, The Art Gym
February 25 – April 3

Leaf Litter #3 Release and Reading
Saturday, February 23, 7-9pm
Division Leap, downtown Portland

The show has been curated by the nationally-acclaimed Director of the Art Gym, Terri Hopkins. “When Terri approached us about a Signal Fire show, we knew it would be a thought-provoking way to look back at the brilliant and talented people we have attracted over the years,” said Ryan Pierce, Signal Fire’s co-founder. “A new community of creative minds is examining our relationship with the natural world, and Signal Fire strives to be a catalyst.” The show includes work by Miguel Arzabe, Zachary Davis, Dan Gilsdorf, April Marie Hale, Ellie Irons, Kendra Larson, Guillaume Légaré, Sarah Meadows, Rebecca Najdowski, Jennifer O’Keeffe, Julie Perini, Kyle Riedel and Jillian Vento.

Signal Fire was founded in 2008 by visual artist Ryan Pierce and environmental activist Amy Harwood. The group’s trips involve immersion in the natural world, challenging artists to rethink their creative processes in the context of a wild landscape. Signal Fire programs take place on public land, highlighting the potential of this important resource, and fostering a creative community dedicated to its protection. “Our public lands need creative advocacy,” says Harwood.