December 23 - Cottage Grove artist Uyen-Thi Nguyen has been selected to share her artwork from "Garden of People, A Portrait of Cottage Grove" at the Portland International Airport for the first half of 2023. "I was so happy to get this opportunity to share the people of Cottage Grove with folks in Portland, and all those people traveling too," says Nguyen.

Headed by Art Director Wendy Given, PDX has been investing in visual arts and awareness programs. The airport has been undergoing enormous renovations as the number of passengers has outgrown the space.

With these changes, PDX has made art a priority, adding beautiful, massive 3D hanging installations, woodworked inlays celebrating native culture and natural components of Oregon, and even has a little movie theater where people can watch shorts made by Oregon filmmakers.

This no-cost film experience opens doors for travelers to be entertained while waiting for flights and provides a touchstone for what Oregon artists are exploring, questioning and sometimes just making jokes about. PDX currently has four designated areas for displaying rotating artwork.

Each year, hundreds of submissions by artists seeking exhibit space come through. Good news came when Given found an opportunity to showcase the portrait series in Concourse B across from the Alaska Airlines terminal. 

This is the busiest terminal at the port and serves many locals who commute to and from different states. Nguyen was ecstatic! Both women were excited about displaying the many varied portraits of this small town to welcome travelers from all over the world to Oregon. 

Roughly 77 feet of space across from the terminal will be filled with oil paintings and quotes from the people in Nguyen's book. The art program at the airport offers pick up and installation of the exhibit, printed signage, an artist's stipend and opportunity to sell artwork with no commission.

"Wendy's been amazing, her enthusiasm shines a light showing the PDX arts program really invests in and supports artists, it's awesome." Nguyen said.

The artist also recently announced through her Facebook page that her art prints are displayed in New York City.  She said, "I’m so thankful for this opportunity to share my work @cafegrumpy in the Financial District."

Nguyen will also be showing a new series entitled "Day After Day" in Jan 2023 at New Zone Gallery at 110 E. 11th, Eugene and will be at Eugene’s First Friday Artwalk Opening on Jan 6 at the Gallery. 

She recently wrapped up a show at the Springfield City Hall Gallery entitled, "A woman's story (told through many faces)." The narrative exhibit explored womanhood, beginning from birth through adulthood.

To learn more about other artists featured at the Portland International Airport please visit their website at: pdxart.portofportland.online