Upcoming show at the Multnomah Arts Center (visit website)

January 10 - February 15, 2025
Front Gallery: Menka Desai, mixed media
Center Gallery: “Biophilia,” a group exhibition by members of the Oregon chapter of the Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA)

Menka Desai creates nature-based imagery from embroidery, alcohol inks, and gouache on handmade papers. She also blends the compositional skills she’s acquired as an architect with techniques she was taught growing up in an Indian household. “One of the many goals of my practice is to combine parts of abstraction and realistic illustration together to create a sense of balance in a beautiful composition that catches the eye.”

The SAQA Oregon chapter has over 200 active members. Their group exhibitions are designed to bring together artists throughout the state and focus their creative energy on a particular theme. “Biophilia: Threads of Natural Wonder” is a juried group exhibition of art quilts. The participating artists were asked to reflect on the changing course of life in our world.