Pacific Index

Preview of “Knickers in a Bunch” 

   “Knickers in a Bunch,” opening in the Cawein Gallery for its first in-person exhibition in four years, is a woman-created art collection. Created by artist April Hoff in 2019 as a platform for other women artists to express their voices through different pieces of creative work, this collection is truly unique. 

   Hoff spoke about the journey that brought the exhibit to the Cawein Gallery, as each year has faced different highs and lows. After the 2019 online show, the show became a pop-up, in-person exhibition hosted on 19th Avenue in 2020 which had complications due to COVID-19. 

   “In 2021,” says Hoff regarding the past years, “we did ‘collector cards’ and stickers with help from a Forest Grove Public Arts Commission grant and they were sold online, at the farmer’s market, and in two public events at Valley Art. I decided the show would become biennial, but there wasn’t enough interest in a 2023 show.” 

   But this year, with the help of Pacific University’s own Tyler Brumfield, “Knicker in a Bunch” will be featured in the Cawein Gallery from its opening ceremony on March 13 to the afternoon of April 12. 

   This year’s collection features the work of forty-six individual artists, their work comprising the gallery show. When asked what onlookers should expect, Hoff said “This year’s collection has some of the most variety we’ve seen yet, including a lot of excellent collage work and other pieces that may look naive to discerning art enthusiasts.“ Hoff says this is because the jury of people who choose what pieces make it into the collection were encouraged to be inclusive towards all styles. She also warns that there are provocative pieces in the exhibition, and viewer discretion is advised. 

   Hoff was gracious enough to disclose some of the artwork that will be displayed. First is an acrylic painting by artist Hannah Zizza, depicting what appears to be a screaming mouth inside of the skeleton of a pelvis tilted “Hysteria.” This work does not only have incredible lighting and depth, but also a hyper realistic style that catches a viewer’s attention. Another collage piece titled “Check for Correct Postage” by Katie Nichols displays a woman with the face of a postcard letting dozens of stamps fall from her blouse as another woman takes pictures of the scene. This distinctive piece has an old-fashioned style with a modern appeal and a thought-provoking exterior. 

   Together, each piece within this collection creates something bigger than just some art exhibit. It is the work of talented, remarkable women who dedicate themselves to their craft. Their effort and energy is apparent in their work. An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 14 from 6 – 8 pm at the Cawein Gallery to kick off this great exhibit and welcome new art to the Pacific University community.