Stelo Arts hosts Oregon Origins Project VI: The Birth of Cascadia, a striking visual art exhibition that brings to life the dramatic geologic events that shaped Oregon. On view June 5–July 12, 2025, the show features new works by ten Oregon-based artists, each responding to a pivotal moment in the state’s ancient history—from Cascade volcanoes to Missoula floods.
Presented in partnership with Oregon Origins Project, the exhibition includes work by James Lavadour, Sara Siestreem, Juniper Harrower, Christine Bourdette, Michael Boonstra, Daniela Naomi Molnar, Sidony O’Neal, Amanda Triplett, Leah Wilson, and Claire Burbridge. The artwork will be projected during an orchestral performance of “The Birth of Cascadia,” an original composition by Matthew Packwood, performed at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts June 21–22.
At the heart of the project is a dynamic cross-disciplinary collaboration: each artist participated in a site visit with creative lead Matthew Packwood and geologist Ian Madin, grounding their work in both scientific insight and embodied experience of Oregon’s varied landscapes.
Exhibition Details:
Stelo Arts | 412 NW 8th Ave, Portland, OR
June 5–July 12, 2025 | Thu–Sat, 12–5 PM
Free admission | https://www.steloarts.org/stelo-events/ooproject
Exhibition Programming & Public Events:
Opening Reception
June 5th, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 PM at Stelo Arts
Our opening reception will take place on the first Thursday of June. Snacks and light refreshments will be available.
Listening to the Land, Learning from Its Stewards
June 14, 2025 | 2:30 PM at Stelo Arts
A community conversation exploring environmental issues through the lens of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship. Join us in learning, listening, and reflecting on how to be in solidarity with Indigenous-led efforts to protect Oregon’s lands and waters.
Geology Talk with Ian Madin: The Birth of Cascadia
July 1, 2025 | 6:30 PM at Stelo Arts
Dive deeper into the geologic stories behind the art—complete with a watermelon demonstration of plate tectonics and audience Q&A.
Closing Panel: Artists & Geologists in Conversation
July 12, 2025 | 2:30 PM at Stelo Arts
Hear directly from the creators about the process of translating Oregon’s epic natural history into art.
“We’re thrilled to support Oregon Origins Project and help amplify the important work they’re doing. It’s a privilege to provide the infrastructure for arts and cultural projects led by peers who may not have a brick-and-mortar space but are creating work that deepens our collective understanding of place, history, and community.”- Shir Grisanti, executive and artistic director of Stelo
Organizer
Stelo illuminates the power of art to invite conversation and build community. We are dedicated to responsive models of support via partnerships, collaboration, and exchange. We nurture the creative process as a cycle of becoming. By engaging with a diverse spectrum of creatives and organizers who are deeply committed to growing their artistic and cultural practices, we embrace intuitive and experimental possibilities.