Portland State University Art and Social Practice students took over the Portland Art Museum last Friday, October 14, for the third annual one-night-only set of installations, Shine a Light.

It was such a great time!

PSU has one of the only Art and Social Practice programs in the country (I think it's one of only two), raising the question: What the hell is Art and Social Practice? Basically, it can be any work that creates social interaction with artistic intention. This year's installations at PAM ranged from ballerinas performing in galleries to free art-inspired haircuts and tattoos (for which appointments were booked solid before 11am). The hours of the event were extended to the entire day, instead of just evening as in previous years. Nearly 2,400 people attended the event, so it's definitely a hit.

Photos by Melanie Johnson and me below the cut.

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Art collection tattoo options
  • Art collection tattoo options
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A radio station sets up in PAMs lobby for just one night.
  • A radio station sets up in PAM's lobby for just one night.
Nolan Calisch signs up musem-goers for his one-night dating service.
  • Nolan Calisch signs up musem-goers for his one-night dating service.
Two randomly paired strangers are handed two beers and a conversation guide in Sessions with a Stranger
  • Two randomly paired strangers are handed two beers and a conversation guide in "Sessions with a Stranger"
Emily Becker leads two people on a non-visual tour of the museum
  • Emily Becker leads two people on a "non-visual tour" of the museum
Square dancing in the Mark Building
  • Square dancing in the Mark Building