The Office of Questioning Questions opens today in the
Helzer Art Gallery and runs through April 14. The artist behind
this project is Ariana Jacob, who will be in residence on
selected days: she will be here on March 7 from
12:30-5:30 and will give an artist's talk in the gallery at 12:30 on
Friday, March 9. She will be in the gallery from
12:30 to 5:30 on Tuesday, March 13. April dates will be
announced.

Some months ago, Jacob formed the American Society for
Personally Questioning Political Questions. A self-described
"idealist with Socialist leanings," she has invited conservative
and libertarian people to talk to her about their political beliefs
and "what they consider questionable about liberal or left wing
people's view of our shared country." As she notes, "I am doing
this because I want to listen and learn. I am not out to debate or critique other people's political views—I am curious, questioning
and I want to understand."

The Office of Questioning Questions houses information
about Jacob's project: some of the images and questions that
have resulted from her conversations, an informational
brochure, and an annotated map of her travels. You may have
also noticed some of Jacob's questions on our electronic
signboards. Please stop by the office. If you are interested in
bringing a class to speak to Jacob, let me know and I can likely
arrange a visit.
Ariana Jacob received her MFA in Art and Social Practice from
Portland State University and her BA in liberal arts from
Evergreen State College. For more information on Ariana, visit
her website: http://publicwondering.wordpress.com/
The Helzer Art Gallery presents this project as a partner venue
for Portland 2012: A Biennial of Contemporary Art, organized by
curator Prudence Roberts. For more information on
Portland2012, go to http://www.disjecta.org/2012

The artist will speak in the gallery at 12:30 on Friday, March 9. This event is free and open to the public.

The Rock Creek gallery is open Monday- Friday 10:00 am-4:00 pm and Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm. The gallery is located in Building 3 of the Rock Creek Campus of Portland Community College at 17705 NW Springville Road, Portland.

For more information contact Prudence Roberts at 503-244-6111 x3434

Prudence Roberts
Director, Helzer Art Gallery