"When Donna Guardino passed away at age 81 this past April, artists and fans alike mourned the extraordinary woman who created not only an artistic community, but also brought together a troubled Northeast Portland neighborhood. They also wondered what would become of her eponymous gallery, a landmark destination at the corner of NE Alberta Street and NE 30 th Avenue since 1997."
"'It's been a real roller coaster without her,' says Gail Owen, Guardino's longtime assistant and an artist herself. The future of Guardino Gallery and even the building it resides in, known as the Guardino Complex - home to Claudio Starzak Jewelry (silver & gemstones), Redbird Studio (card shop, stationary, hand silkscreened clothing), DarSalam Restaurant (Middle Eastern/Iraqi food) and Side Door Ceramic Gallery (functional ceramics) - remained unknown for months."
Donna Guardino died at 81 in April, leaving a beloved Portland gallery and a neighborhood landmark uncertain. Gail Owen, longtime assistant and artist, had prepared for the transition and handled most administrative duties by 2020. The Guardino family initially wanted to close the gallery, while Owen sought to preserve the website, exhibition history, and support Portland-area artists through growing online sales. An arrangement was reached: Owen will inherit the business, the gallery will continue in a new identity and format, and the Guardino name will be retired at the end of the year. The Guardino Complex houses several small businesses and studios.
Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News
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