howdy friends, i am back with exciting news: INITIAL issue 3 is dropping this Friday 7/31 at Word Virus Books, 7-9pm!
come join us to celebrate and get your very own copy, plus enjoy a special video art showcase screening at 8pm π₯ΰΎΰ½² (,,β‘oβ‘,,)
(fire emoji with bow, cute wow emoticon face)
in case you missed it, Initial is a new print-only magazine of art criticism and art-adjacent writing focusing on Portland artists and galleries, co-edited by me and Jaydra Johnson.
issue 3 of Initial is star-studded with some of the hottest writers and artists in Portland right now:
Anna Gray and Ryan Wilson Paulsen on the ethics of boulders; Jaydra Johnson feels alive with artist Quinha Faria; Jordan Sutherland gets to know Jordan Schnitzer; Joy Ulienne Alice returns with the latest installment of Traipsed; Stephanie Simek and NΓm Daghlian and I are your guides to some of Portlandβs best under-the-radar public art; Ash Stone joins us in a cameo as guest advice columnist; I share my top picks from the upcoming Converge 45 triennial; and more!
β¦plus weβve got artwork from all three 2026 Hallie Ford Fellowship winners: Katherine Aungier, Ralph Pugay, and Diego Morales Portillo!
we hope you can join us this Friday to celebrate the release of issue 3! this event begins at 7pm, with a special video art showcase screening at 8pm. our wonderful hosts at Word Virus will have drinks available by donation, plus you can browse their incredible selection of books! donβt miss it, this one is going to be πππ‘π (fire)
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thank you to our issue 3 advertisers: Bardo Tea, False Front, Nationale, Lowell, and Adams and Ollman.β Initial also received grant support in 2026 from the Regional Arts and Culture Council, which, along with magazine sales, allows us to pay our contributors. thank you for your support!
You just read issue #27 of the grapefruits sometimes art mail. You can also browse the full archives of this newsletter.