The term “third place” (a sociological term coined by author Ray Oldenburg in 1989) has come to refer to any communal place that falls outside, or is neither, work nor home.  This can be a coffee house, gym, church, bookstore, civic plaza, a local park, or a dog park.  In today’s chaotic world of change, when “work” and “home” can combine alongside an epidemic of loneliness, third places can be more important than ever.

I can see how the Village Gallery of Arts could certainly fit the definition:  It’s somewhere chosen, purely to enjoy, without expectation – an accessible, casual, homey environment where you can be with friends.  It is my hope that you feel that Village Gallery is yours: where you can feel rooted and welcomed, and that you can truly gain creative regeneration by being here.

Please reach out with your ideas of how we can best make this the defining third place of the north Beaverton/west Portland neighborhoods!  Email support@villagegalleryarts.org.