The “brushes” from the Pod post removal on their way to being repaired. 

The iconic Pod sculpture, sitting across from Powell’s City of Books since 2002, is undergoing some well-deserved tender, love, and care. Pete Beeman, the artist behind the work, crafted the sculpture as a reflection of Portland’s structural and cultural vitality. However, after noticing a concerning bend in its structure, Beeman collaborated with our Public Art team to conduct maintenance. While the sculpture's main tripod currently remains on site, its “brushes” or counterweight is in repair, and slated to return this summer. 

Keith Lachowicz, our Public Art Collections Manager who has been with RACC since 2007, led the recent conservation effort. With a deep understanding of the complexities of public art and preservation, Lachowicz worked alongside Ivan Salcido, Public Art Collections Specialist at RACC, and Tanner Smith to ensure the sculpture’s intricate parts were meticulously and thoughtfully handled. Their work, often unseen, is essential to preserving our region’s cultural landmarks, renewing each piece’s connection with the public through routine care. Learn more about the process here. 

The Pod sculpture temporarily without its pendulum.

Celebrate the power of community and creativity at your Regional Arts & Culture Council on First Thursday!

As the days grow longer and the flowers begin blooming, we invite you to meet our team, enjoy complimentary treats, and support local vendors. Nestled in the vibrant North Park Blocks, RACC is surrounded by arts and culture at every corner. You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to engage with local creatives and discover what our neighborhood has to offer. Are you an artist with objects or ephemera to share? We're looking for vendors to table at our events! Please submit photos of your work to mdawson@racc.org with the subject line “First Thursday Tabling.” 

When: April 4th, 5-7 pm

Where: 411 NW Park Ave, Suite #101, Portland, OR 97209

RSVP here

From crafting a personal brand to thinking through artwork sustainability, we’ve got you covered with a series of professional development programs! Led by industry leaders, these programs will cover essential topics for creatives at any stage of their careers, providing you with the tools you need to flourish. Spaces are limited! Learn more about each program and sign up now here.

Upcoming Programs:

April 9th. Making it Happen: How to Build Your Creative Project - A participatory workshop on applying project management principles to creative projects. Participants will learn budget creation, timeline development, and funding strategies, leaving them with a list of supportive resources. Presented by Eleanor Sandys, founder of @lotusartservices, bringing 15+ years of experience in museum and arts admin including managing Oregon’s public art program and multiple grant programs at the Oregon Arts Commission. 

April 10th. Theater Expert Talk - Do you have a script that is ready to be taken to the next level? Are you curious about what possibilities are out there for aspiring actors, playwrights, and more? RACC's expert talk series offers a unique platform for emerging to established artists to receive tailored advice and feedback from professionals in their field. Sign up to speak with Benjamin Fainstein, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the professional theater industry, including significant roles at Portland Center Stage and Yale Repertory Theater; or Cristi Miles, a versatile theater artist bringing a wealth of experience in acting, teaching, and collaborative creation, particularly through her work with the Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble.

Learn more about the experts and secure your spot!

A draft of the region’s new cultural plan will be published on March 25, opportunities in April to share your feedback. The City Arts Program is accepting written feedback online through April 15th, and is hosting two Town Hall meetings for community members to discuss the plan and give feedback. Follow ourcreativefuture.org for the latest updates.

Your contributions to RACC help support RACC’s robust arts and culture advocacy agenda, equity initiatives, arts education, programs, new community projects, and public art maintenance. Support arts and culture in your community!

As part of our commitment to facilitate participation in arts and culture for all members of our community, RACC offers numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year.