Music Blog

The news broke last night that The Artistery is shutting its doors after 10 years of curating live music and art for Portland's all-ages community. Following the recent closings of Berbati's Pan and Satyricon, this is a sad development in a city where opportunities for under-21 show-goers seem to dwindle by the month.

Even though I just moved to Portland last summer, this news is heartbreaking. I admit, in many legitimate ways, it's easy to poke fun at the setting of my adolescent years in suburban New Jersey. But the wealth of all-ages venues in close proximity to my hometown (in nearby New York City, further away Philadelphia, and, yes, in New Jersey itself) made my otherwise unremarkable high school years feel vital and exciting. No one can knock that. As all-ages venues continue to close in Portland, I hope those who advocate the local music scene will find new ways to involve everyone in the city's rich music offerings. And in the interim, that we continue to support the excellent all-ages venues that we still have.

The Artistery will celebrate their 10-year run with a string of shows during the second week of March. There's more information in the press release copied below.

Do you have any special or specific memories from seeing music at The Artistery? We would love to hear your rememberances in the comment section.

Friends of The Artistery,

I really don't know how to write this. The Artistery has been a central part of my life for the past 8 years, so it is hard to describe what it's passing means in words, but I will try.

The Artistery has been a steady member of the "All-Ages" or, more accurately, the "art-should-be-available-to-everyone" community since 2001 and will undoubtedly be missed. As George says, though, "All Things Must Pass". So, in the spirit of letting things go, we are announcing that The Artistery will be closing its doors in March 2011. In short, the development company who owned 4303 and 4315 SE Division sold the properties last week to a much larger developer who has plans to level the property. The Artistery will not be looking for a new location. It was a tough decision to make, but we feel as though The Artistery has run its course, and now it is time to make way for new and fresh ideas within the All-Ages community. While The Biz Records & Tapes looks for a new home we will have some of our inventory available at Red Fox Vintage on 3014 NE Killingsworth.

Though we knew the day would eventually come, we had no idea we would be given such short notice. We are taking rapid steps to wrap-up business around here, but wanted to take the time to address all of you first and foremost. We are currently planning on having a week-long celebration in the second week of March. We ask you to stay tuned for more details in hopes that you will join us then.

I feel incredibly thankful to have been able to form relationships with so many amazing people as well as being able to host events involving the most brilliant and influential artists in Portland for the past 8 years.

Thank you.

Love,
Aaron