Portland Looking Up – Artwork by Chris Donnelly
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 
NEMO Presents: Portland Looking Up -Artwork by Chris Donnelly
Join us Friday, August 7, 2009 for the opening reception of Portland Looking Up – featuring the paintings and carvings of artist Chris Donnelly.
Portland Looking Up will highlight Chris Donnelly’s work of paintings and carvings. The exhibit will focus on Donnelly’s travels through Portland, where he became captivated by the shapes of the industrial water towers, and their contrast to the neighborhoods below.
Discovering Portland by bicycle last summer, Chris noticed the shapes quietly looming overhead. Like floating ships or low-tech space ships at rest just above the neighborhoods, these water towers have a presence. As if monuments from a bygone era, they fade into the landscape despite their size and visibility. These giant vessels venerate our most precious resource. The striking blue sky of Portland summer provides the backdrop for these strong shapes. While strong and industrial looking, their round shapes and patina create a friendly character. Painting these pictures helped Chris get to know Portland.
