What the Timbers Saw

Normally the TA doesn't bother with monthly gatherings once the season's on, the logic being: "OK, I'm going to see enough of you people over the next eight months, let's not overdo it." (I think of this as one more way in which the Timbers Army is like a real family: sometimes you just need to get the hell away from them.)

This year though there's a special event planned for Thursday, April 7, one that's more aligned with what the bulk of Portlanders think when they hear the phrase "First Thursday," which is to say: Art.

From the press release:

Local Artists Neil Perry and Susannah Kelly, in conjunction with the Timbers Army, are organizing a group show of Timbers-related art to celebrate the team on the eve of their first Major League Soccer game at the newly renovated Jeld-Wen Field.

What the Timbers Saw will open on April 7th at The Bitter End, located at 1981 W. Burnside, as part of the Timbers Army first Thursday event. The organizers are hoping for a typically buoyant atmosphere.

“My favorite thing about attending Timbers games is the sense of camaraderie among the crowd, there is a real sense of community and that is something to be proud of’’ said co-curator and artist Susannah Kelly.

As soccer in Portland approaches the dawn of a new era, excitement about joining MLS builds, and the city’s local artists are paying tribute to the team. The roster includes natives and adopted Portlanders alike. Former club mascot, Timber Jim Serrill, is among those making work for the show, which will showcase two of Portland’s most passionate communities.

Co-curator Neil Perry said: “My re-location to Portland from the UK was largely down to two things: the internationally renowned art community and some very good friends, members of the Timbers Army, who I met when they visited Sunderland to watch my team play in 2006. It’s an honor to be able to bring these two passionate cultures closer together.”

30% of sales will be donated to "Operation Pitch Invasion", a local charity dedicated to repairing and maintaining soccer fields in Portland. Members of the 107ist, a supporter run non-profit, created this organization.

Please contact Neil Perry with any further questions.

See that last part? It's for a good cause, too. So go to the Bitter End and get some culture, you brutes!