03/10/2026
Once again, IDS Portland is bringing all the fun, education, and inspiration. ✨
Our March chapter meeting at Blackfish Gallery was one of those experiences that reminds me exactly why this community matters so much.
We spent the morning surrounded by incredible artwork, meeting the artists behind it, and learning how designers can confidently bring original art into our projects. From navigating relationships with galleries to understanding how to curate pieces for a space, we talked through the real questions to ask clients, how to spark their interest in collecting, and ways designers can help support working artists.
Founded in the 1970s, Blackfish is one of Portland’s oldest cooperative galleries, and stepping into that history—while being surrounded by such thoughtful, contemporary work—was incredibly inspiring. The cooperative model means the artists themselves are the heartbeat of the gallery, which made the conversation about art and design feel even more meaningful.
Experiences like this are exactly why I’m so grateful for the community that the Interior Design Society brings into my life. Getting to learn, connect, and be inspired alongside other designers while supporting local artists? That’s the good stuff.
If you’ve ever wondered how designers weave original art into their projects, this was such a powerful reminder: art isn’t the finishing touch — it’s part of the story.
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