One of five artists of Re-Site 2.0, a site-specific, temporary public art project and Portland history-telling initiative, Rachel Alexandrou explores the history of Portland’s role in the production and trade of bricks, which took place at this site.
Rachel Alexandrou’s Aggregate highlights the importance and beauty of native species and the urgency of ecological change and awareness. This project expires the history of Portland’s significant role in the production and trade of bricks, which formerly took place at this site. Ahead of the events, Rachel will be forming wildflower brick sculptures composed of herbaceous native seeds that are specifically chosen and beneficial for this specific habitat, and made of organic dissolvable materials while also temporarily installing a bird feeder. In addition, Rachel will be making a recipe for birds that contain wild seeds and fruit for the first event, Cake for Birds. The public is invited to observe and birdwatch during active bird feeding times and observe the feast.
The second event, Feast for Humans, will be a a guided walk about the ecology and geology of the area, with a series of stations for learning about the plants and soil with foraged recipes and plates made by artist Josh Clukey, made by foraged clay from this site and leftover from the historic brickyard (these can also be purchased). Deep geologic time, the time of brick production in Portland, current time, and future time will all be examined.