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Our family loves spending time in Portland for little weekend getaways. There are so many cool places to visit, shopping to be done, and great restaurants to explore. We have been numerous times so it was actually quite surprising that we had not made it over to OMSI~ Oregon Museum of Science and Industry~especially since my son has been talking about going ever since a friend told him about it a year ago.
Our most recent trip to the city was specifically planned to give our son his OMSI fix. In doing a little pre-planning, we discovered “The Art of the Brick” Exhibition was currently on display. Well, talk about prefect timing! They only thing my son could possibly love more than the idea of going to OMSI would be Legos, and here we get to experience both…together!
This exhibit absolutely blew our minds! It is currently on display until May 29, so do yourself and your family a favor and check this out before it leaves Portland. We have been to Legoland many times in the past and we have seen some pretty spectacular Lego creations to include city skylines and even a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty! I expected The Art of the Brick to be similar to what we experienced in the past. Nothing prepared me for the true artistry we discovered. It was incredibly fascinating that so many amazing works of art were created out of a child’s toy!
As you enter the exhibit, the artist Nathan Sawaya greets you via video explaining his background and inspiration behind his art. First up in the exhibition are Nathan’s recreations of some of the most famous paintings and artwork in history. Here you will find….
The Mona Lisa
The Starry Night
The Scream
Among other incredibly famous artwork and sculptures
His “Collection: The Human Condition” is pretty amazing with some awe-inspiring messages
“Circle Torso”, “Square Torso”, “Triangle Torso”
Celebrate difference. If everybody looked and was the same, it wouldn’t be a very interesting world, would it? So which shape are you? And which color? The circle, square and triangle are the fundamental building blocks of all things. And the colors red, blue and yellow are the primary colors of the world.
“Step-Ladder”
Sometimes when you’re looking for a step up, you don’t have to look any further than yourself. We’re all capable of more than we think.
And my personal favorite, “Everlasting
Love lives forever. It outlives youth, a flat stomach and a full head of hair. And that’s what makes it beautiful.
“In Pieces” is another interesting twist on this fascinating Lego art. This featured artwork combines the modern photography techniques of Dean West with Nathan Sawaya’s Lego sculptures. Most impressive was this one simply titled “Dress”.
The exhibition ends in a large room filled with Legos so your little “master builder” can create, play & build to their hearts content. It’s a fun way to end, as my kiddos couldn’t wait to get their hands on some Legos and put all of that creative inspiration to good use!
The Art of the Brick is currently on display at OMSI through May 29. Do not let this opportunity pass you by. Upcoming exhibits through the end of 2017 include Michigan and Taiwan. To have this amazing exhibit available to us so close to home is an opportunity not to be missed. The last time The Art of the Brick was on display in Portland was in 2012! You don’t want to wait another five years in hopes that this amazing exhibition will be back in Oregon.
It is good to know that The Art of the Brick is a popular exhibition for OMSI and the lines can be long to get in as they control entry so there is not over crowding inside. The line moves quickly, which is a bonus. Also, I recommend purchasing your OMSI tickets and tickets to The Art of the Brick in advance online. This will save you quite a bit of time upon arrival. We hope you get a chance to visit OMSI and see the spectacular The Art of the Brick before it leaves town. Cheers to Living the Bend Life…in Portland!