Brian Ferriso, Director, Portland Art Museum
PHILLIPS: In light of this global crisis, what has been the greatest pleasure for you in the community’s response to your institution?
BRIAN FERRISO (Director, Portland Art Museum): There is little doubt that a crisis of this magnitude creates a remarkable sense of community as thousands of our stakeholders, including staff, trustees, members and the larger citizenry reach out to provide emotional and financial support. The pandemic has truly crystallized the vital role of this institution in the minds and hearts of our community, and it reassures us of the essential nature of our work.
P: How can the public continue to engage with PAM and how have you steered your online platform to meet those needs?
BF: The Museum and Film Center have a number of opportunities to engage, including our website, Instagram, Facebook, and our YouTube channel, among others. On these platforms, one can find relevant, daily works of art with new interpretations and reflections by our amazing curators, weekly podcasts, virtual tours of past and present exhibitions, and recommendations of streaming films to watch.
Maude Kerns Late Afternoon, California, 1935, oil on canvas, Gift of Dorothy S. Berg, public domain, 2000.17.2
P: Is there a work in the Museum’s collection that captures for you this moment in time?
BF: There is a small landscape painting in my office by Maude Kerns entitled Late Afternoon, California. It is a beautiful depiction of the natural world seen through the eyes of a notable artist who lived, made art and taught through the Great Depression. For me, it encapsulates hope and the timelessness of our surroundings, reminding me daily of the special place in which we live and how we will get through this. Like our natural world, our Museum needs special care so it will be there for us to heal, commune, and aspire.
P: What are you reading or watching on TV at the moment?
BF: Mostly the news online, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) updates, and AAMD (Association of Art Museum Directors) updates to make sure my team and I have the most relevant information to make thoughtful decisions and plans.
P: How will you celebrate when Covid-19 is firmly under control and daily life can resume?
BF: Start bringing back our marvelous staff, reopen our Museum and Film Center, and welcome our community to partake in the wonderful art we have.
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