Linfield Gallery has new curator

Linfield College has named Josephine Zarkovich as the new curator for the Linfield Gallery.

She will oversee all aspects of programming for the gallery, including exhibition planning, community relations and special events.

Zarkovich was the 2012-2013 curator-in-residence for Disjecta Contemporary Art Center in Portland. She organized a series of ambitious, large-scale exhibitions, including the first Portland show by Bay Area artist Chris Fraser.

She now runs the Portland ‘Pataphysical Society, an alternative arts space located in Portland’s Everett Station Lofts, and is editorial director of 60 Inch Center, an art criticism website.

At Linfield, Zarkovich said she hopes to continue using challenging contemporary art to engage new audiences and foster critical discussions around popular culture.

“I consider college galleries to be one of the most exciting places to explore new curatorial concepts and ideas,” she said. “I look forward to engaging with the dynamic Linfield community.”

In addition to her gallery work, Zarkovich will also teach a course on Curatorial Practice and Exhibitions.

The Linfield Gallery features exhibitions of regional, national and international stature, on view throughout the academic year in a 1,500 square foot space. Exhibits are open to the public without charge.

The current show is “Dualities,” which features a series of photographs that documents the experiences of people suffering from bipolar disorder. It will run through Oct. 10.

Portland-based artist Liz Obert, the photographer, will be on hand for a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the gallery.

Obert said her exhibition features two images of each subject, one of how he or she prefers to be seen and one showing depression.

“As a person who suffers from bipolar II disorder, I lead a double life,” Obert explained. “I have one persona that people see every day, and another that I hide from the world. Many others who suffer from bipolar and depression have the same experience. I believe it is important to put a human face to disorders that affect millions of people.”

The Linfield Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. For more information, call 503-883-2804 or visit www.linfield.edu/art/gallery-now.html.