“Build, Destroy, Rebuild” by Andrew Glennie is the next installment in our First Friday artist’s series. The subject of this new mixed-media exhibit is the contrast between the traditional idea of the home as a secure and safe place and that of the force of destruction.  His pieces incorporate materials that can be found in houses, such as linoleum flooring, paint and wood, adding a connection between the subject matter and the physical materials that are used to render it.  Their textures, colors and surfaces were utilized to create a stark and graphic contrast in the work.  Glennie had this to say of the concepts behind the show:

“The idea of questioning the permanence of one’s primary sanctuary in the world was the beginning of putting this work together. When someone’s home, their foundation in society, is destroyed, they suddenly find themselves uprooted, exposed and helpless. Our personal dwellings are more important to us than we may realize: they offer us protection and stability in an unpredictable world.  It is my hope that this work will inspire the viewer to reflect upon the role that where they live plays in their life, how it affects their state of mind and their emotional connection to their home.”

Please stop by tonight between 6pm-9pm to have a glass of wine and meet the artist.  We hope to see you then!

This month’s First Friday art installation is work by local artist and Lille photographer (incidentally, my husband) Alan Wizemann, founder of Cularis. Alan’s images approach everyday objects from an unusual perspective, lending his work an approachable quality not unlike the photos of William Eggleston. His graphic design background is evident by his use of color, dramatic composition and textural juxtaposition. He does an amazing job on Lille’s ad campaign, for which I am eternally grateful! Stop by Lille at 1007 E. Burnside between 6-9pm this Friday to check out the work and have a glass of wine - hope to see you then!

This Thursday, from 6pm to 9pm, we will be hosting an artist’s reception for the second show in our Summer Photography Series. Award winning local wedding photographer, Aisha Harley, will be exhibiting a collection of black and white toned silver gelatin prints inspired by the anticipation and excitement inherent in wedding preparations. Harley was voted best wedding photographer by Oregon Bride Magazine in 2006 and has been listed in Photo District News “Top Knots” as one of the best wedding photographers in the US. Her work is also featured in this month’s issue of Portland Bride & Groom.

Harley’s refreshingly traditional approach favors medium format and toy cameras, with a return to the craft of the darkroom. This group of work will include images of bridal parties shot over the last 10 years that embody the behind-the-scenes fervor of the moments leading up to the wedding celebration. Stunning arrangements by local floral designer, Jill Mason, of Starflower, will also be on display.

Just a quick reminder - our One Year Anniversary party and Spring Fashion Show will be held at the store this Friday at 7pm. If you haven’t already RSVPed, be sure to send us an email at info@lilleboutique.com so your name will be added to the list, as space is limited. In addition to the show, there will be live entertainment, free champagne, and we’ll be giving away prizes from Araks, ElizabethW, Ciel and Miss Dater, so you won’t want to miss this! See you then…

The Fall Fashion Show here at Lille Boutique was a great success, so we’re thrilled to announce the next one: we’ll be holding a Spring Fashion Show on Friday, April 25th to coincide with our one-year anniversary. In addition to the show, we’ll have a live DJ, panty giveaways and much more to celebrate the birthday of Lille! RSVP at info@lilleboutique.com with Spring Fashion Show in the subject line, and you’ll be added to the VIP list. Space is limited, so the sooner the better!

The “Watercolors” exhibit by William L. Wacker will be opening tomorrow as the March installment of our recurring First Friday local artist series. Wacker has shown in New York, Pennsylvania, and California, as well as at many University Galleries, and has chosen to stray from his usual mediums of oil paint and photography for this, his Pacific Northwest debut. (more…)

We had our first First Friday art opening last night. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening. Sarah LaBarre’s beautiful works in fiber look amazing in our shop. The colors work perfectly with our over all color pallet. In particular, a piece that she named “August 1938″ is all murky purple and blue-grey and it looks outstanding hanging between the grey Reviens and Cocotte sets, both by Princesse Tam Tam. I really don’t want any of them to leave our walls. Although, one of her works already sold, so I imagine we won’t have the opportunity to keep any of them in our steely lingerie grip for long. I only wish that I had brought a camera with me. I’d love to post pictures of the event and of the art work. Boo to forgetful me. Well, hopefully we will be able to sneak a few pictures of the work in the coming days. I really can’t adequately describe how remarkable her artwork is. It’s stitched insanity. It’s be-stitching. It’s inthreadible. Come check check it out if you can. Seriously.

This Friday, February 1, from 6pm to 9pm, Lille Boutique will be hosting the first in a series of art shows coinciding with First Friday on East Burnside. “New Work in Fibers” by Portland native, Sarah E. LaBarre will kick off the series. (more…)

If you’re planning a small event for a few of your best girlfriends, such as a bridal shower, bachelorette or birthday party, but you’d rather not rent a big space and the thought of male strippers or penis props scares the hell out of you, then perhaps a lingerie party at Lille Boutique is the answer. Tonight, we’re proud to host our first private event for one lovely bride and her four bridesmaids. They will be arriving via limousine at 6pm to shop to their hearts’ content before being whisked away to dinner at the Rocket. They’ll have exclusive access to our professional fitting and consultation services after-hours at no charge (minimum purchase applies.) If anyone out there wants more information on how to host their own event at Lille Boutique, please email us at info@lilleboutique.com. We look forward to helping you make that night a special one!

For those of you who weren’t able to join us for the Fall Fashion Show last First Friday, we thought we’d post a few pictures so you could see what you missed…

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