TPG has a set of five core values on which all its decisions are based – this quarter, we focus on “be curious.”

Be Curious: Artwork from Rental Sales Gallery at the Office
Did you know you can rent original artwork at a fraction of the cost to buy a piece, while supporting not one but two good causes? It’s true. When you rent artwork through the Rental Sales Gallery (RSG), both the artist as well as the Portland Art Museum benefit.

TPG has been working with manager Mark Tindle at the RSG, a department of the Portland Art Museum, for years now. Founded in 1959 as a nonprofit gallery to help promote public awareness of regional artists, RSG represents more than 200 artists from Oregon and Washington.

“We are giving exposure to regional artists from the Pacific Northwest, no matter what stage of their career,” Tindle says. “Half of the rental fee goes to the artists directly, while the other half supports RSG.”

RSG has a vibrant inventory of more than 1,000 works, from oil to acrylic, watercolor to wood and more, all searchable by artist, medium, size, style, and price. What a joy to search through their catalogue, imagining what could grace your organization’s office or your living room. “Businesses are a substantial part of our clientele,” Tindle says, “but the majority are individuals. They enjoy the thrill of displaying original artwork.”

Currently on view at the TPG-South offices are four gorgeous pieces selected from RSG by Executive Vice President of Operations Doreen Barnhouse. In her words, on why these pieces stood out:

“When seeking art for our space I like to stay within our office’s Northwest lodge theme and select pieces that reiterate it as well as bring nature, in all forms into the space. We had kept a fairly neutral palette in our permanent fixtures and furniture so bringing in vibrant color is also an element I look for. We have so many employees who take time to enjoy the outdoors from the mountains to rivers and beaches – having pictures that bring that in the workspace helps create a place where our employees want to be.

We selected Devil’s Cauldron because of the vibrant colors and incredible action that is captured in the painting. Lakeside Mirror is a nature “abstract” that you have to take time to understand; it’s a beautiful piece that reflects the beauty of winter. Purple Mt. Majesty struck a deep chord with us that has been shared by other co-workers, and Beach Drive #5 is a wonderful representation of abstract nature. The colors and textures popped out to complement our Partners Board Room and was the most frequently viewed piece. I’m looking forward to the next round and bringing local artists into our space.”

Thanks to Mark, the Portland Art Museum, and all the participating artists displayed at the gallery for this opportunity to expand our curiosity and enrich our workspace. The Rental Sales Gallery holds at least two major shows per year, in spring and fall. Every other year, they host a summer show, highlighting works by new gallery members – mark your calendars for Friday, August 26, from 4–7pm.

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Images courtesy: Rental Sales Gallery, Portland Art Museum