In commemoration of its eruption 40 years ago, an exhibit featuring Mount St. Helens and titled “Volcano!” has opened at the Portland Art Museum.
Mount St. Helens before, during and after the 1980s eruption is shown via an assortment of mediums that includes photography, paintings and glass artworks. Whether seeking to refresh their memories of the event that shook up the Pacific Northwest or experiencing it for the first time, Volcano! is shaping up to be one of the institution’s most popular exhibits.
Covering more than 175 years, the earliest images of Mount St. Helens were attributable to a British spy who was charged with evaluating the potential of successfully waging a war for the Oregon Territory against America. Working undercover as an artist, he was able to document the September 1845 eruption.
In addition to depictions of the 1845 and 1980 eruptions, images of the area’s recovery are displayed as well. Only 64 miles separates downtown Portland from Mount St. Helens, which makes a before and after category of postcard printing of the area of particular interest.
A partnership has developed between the Portland Art Museum and the Mount St. Helens Institute to provide tours, programs and in-gallery exhibition experiences. Access to a list of events in which the museum and Mount St. Helens Institute are collaborating can be found at the Portland Art Museum’s website.
The Volcano! exhibit will remain open through May 17.
