Pietopia has resurfaced this winter in an exhibit at the Niche Gallery space in the Ecotrust building until March 12th. The posters could not be on display in a more appropriate venue. Ecotrust works to conduct and strengthen the relationship between the Pacific Northwest region’s economy, ecology, and social equity. They have in place amazing programs such as Salmon Nation, Food and Farms, working with the local native american tribes, forestry and fishery programs, and a lot of community outreach and involvement. Their food and farms program (which I am naturally drawn to works to create a vibrant regional food system, sustainability being the norm rather than the exception. Their key objective is to “improve public understanding of local agriculture and increase the market share of locally grown food. Whether by introducing a farmer to a chef or a local food processor to a school procurement manager or a consumer to the pleasures of eating with the seasons — we make connections that result in positive change. Our work creates a sense of place and a taste of home.” I am excited that they approached me and am able to share my project with them.

PIETOPIA
An exhibit to discover the taste of life in Portland, OR

The first ever Pietopia Pie Contest and Exhibit was held Thursday, August 21, 2008, at the Portland Farmer’s Market Eastbank, SE 21st and Salmon. In June, a call to entry in the city of Portland was put out: What does it taste like to be unemployed, starting a new job, just married, divorced, a new homeowner or desperately searching for housing? What kind of pie would describe the way you are feeling right now? Could you imagine your thoughts, concerns or joys transformed into the All-American Pie?

A local jury determined on five winners. The contest was judged based on the creative correlation between the sense of taste and it’s relationship to their lives. Five local artists were selected to each reinterpret one of the winning entries into a limited-edition screen print that was awarded to the contest winners. The posters on display here are what were awarded to the winners at the Pietopia event.

Tricia Martin is an artist and designer exploring our community’s state of being and how the sense of taste can become a catalyst for change. Using Portland’s foodie culture as a base, Tricia is looking to channel the community’s emphasis on the importance of taste as a way to discover the greater idea of what this city’s quality of life truly is. Tricia is an MFA candidate at the Pacific Northwest College of Art and has a background in urban planning and design.

For the winning recipes and more pictures please visit:
http://pietopiacontest.blogspot.com

The Pietopia Artists:
Justin Bland — curator, printer, designer. you need it? he does it.
Christopher Huizar — multimedia artist and website guru. Check out his company One Great Thing.
Mia Nolting — illustrator, designer, typographer on the cutting edge of all three.
Jason Traeger – painter, musician, and founding member of the Oregon Painting Society.