No Vacancy Gallery Features 17 Artists in Portland's Protest-Impacted Chinatown

Portland, Oregon – The "No Vacancy Window Gallery" has transformed Portland's historic Old Town-Chinatown neighborhood into an open-air art exhibition, featuring the works of 17 local artists across 17 vacant storefronts. Launched on September 4 and running through November 30, the initiative aims to revitalize an area significantly impacted by past civil unrest and business closures. The project seeks to bring new life into a district described by some as "gutted," utilizing boarded-up buildings as unexpected canvases for public art.

The art installations directly address the visible scars left by the George Floyd protests that began in May 2020. These demonstrations, while largely peaceful, also saw instances of property damage, looting, and vandalism, particularly in downtown Portland and the Old Town-Chinatown area. Many businesses, already struggling from COVID-19 shutdowns, boarded up their windows, a measure that became a lasting visual reminder of the unrest. As one observer noted in a recent tweet, > "No Vacancy" - an art install tour in Portland chinatown happening Thurs night. Bringing life into a gutted neighborhood. This building has been encased in plywood since the first Floyd riot when a window was shattered.

Curated by Lauren Lesueur, owner of elle Gallery, the "No Vacancy Window Gallery" turns these plywood-encased structures into vibrant exhibition venues. The project was made possible through support from the Multnomah County Community Vitality and Economic Opportunity Grant program. Its strategic goal is to create a bold model for culture-driven streetscapes, demonstrating how accessible art can contribute to economic development and foster lasting change within the community.

The self-guided tour allows visitors to view diverse art installations, ranging from site-specific works and ceramics to large canvases and photography, all visible from the sidewalk. This initiative represents a concerted effort to re-engage the public with the neighborhood, shifting its narrative from one of damage and vacancy to one of artistic expression and renewal. It highlights a community's resilience and its creative approach to healing and rebuilding in the wake of challenging times.