Dates
On view: June 26 - September 13, 2026
Opening Reception: June 26, 5-7pm
About the exhibition
A Sea of Particles explores the lasting effects of shared interactions over time. Delving into the enduring impacts of fleeting moments, such as cooking a meal with loved ones, receiving a warm embrace during a vulnerable time, exchanging a friendly wave from a distance, or creating art together in a shared studio, the exhibition considers both the material and ephemeral aspects of interpersonal communication and connection.
In their individual practices, the twelve artists in A Sea of Particles investigate various relational concepts. Working in a range of media, these artists research themes such as familial relationships, cultural inheritance, value systems, modes of transmission, accumulation, grief and memory, touch and repetition, and more. Collectively, the works assemble into a constellation of impressions, frozen in time. These tiny moments—represented through smudges, pinpoints, snapshots, reflections, echoes, sound, and movement—all culminate into “a dancing, vibrating hive,” only to disseminate again into the textures of our lives.
Exhibiting Artists: Nelson Chan, Sarah Crowner, Garrick Imatani, Cara Levine, David McBride, Esperanza Mayobre, Alison O’Daniel, Jess Perlitz, Julie Poitras Santos, Sunny A. Smith, Emily Squires, Jenny Vogel
Inspired by the late artist Peter Simensky’s life and practice as a connector and collaborator, A Sea of Particles serves as a case study of how meaning can be created and sustained when groups of people make and think together. Highlighting the work of a selection of Simensky's friends and colleagues, the exhibition considers modes of transmission between humans and the structures that might facilitate them. A Sea of Particles is curated by Director of Exhibitions Iris Williamson, with research and logistical support and input from several friends and former colleagues of Simensky. MECA&D student researchers include Francesca Woolson ‘26, Carolyn Day ‘26, Violet Barr MFA ‘27, and Katie Devlin ‘27. Production management by Exhibitions Manager Sarah Sawtelle '19 and Exhibitions Assistant Caroline Kouba '22. Design by Omnivore.
A Sea of Particles, along with the concurrent ICA solo exhibition Pyrite Radio by Peter Simensky, are part of the ICA at MECA&D’s Getaway! exhibition series. Getaway! explores the power and pitfalls of escapism as a reaction to the question, “What do we do in response to our current crises?”. These group and solo exhibitions explore various topics within the broader theme of escapism, examining both the complex impulses that drive us away from challenging circumstances and the destinations and activities we pursue when we do. Through diverse research and artistic practices, this series aims to provide a space for imagination, enabling us to equip our communities, both within and beyond MECA&D, with new tools to create the worlds they envision.
Events
In addition to curricular programs, A Sea of Particles public offerings include:
- Opening Reception: Friday, June 26, 2026, 5:00-7:00 pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- Visiting Artist Talk with Garrick Imatani, co-presented with MECA&D MFA in Studio Art as part of the 2026 MFA Visiting Artist Summer Lecture Series: Monday, June 29, 2026, 5:30-7:00 pm, Osher Hall, MECA&D Campus
- Julie Poitras Santos, Inshō: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 5:00-7:00pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- July Portland First Friday Art Walk: Friday, July 3, 2026, 5:00-8:00 pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- Julie Poitras Santos, Inshō: Thursday, July 9, 2026, 5:00-7:00pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- Visiting Artist Talk with Jess Perlitz, co-presented with MECA&D MFA in Studio Art as part of the 2026 MFA Visiting Artist Summer Lecture Series: Monday, July 13, 2026, 5:30-7:00 pm, Osher Hall, MECA&D Campus
- Julie Poitras Santos, Inshō: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 5:00-7:00pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- Julie Poitras Santos, Inshō: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 5:00-7:00pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- Julie Poitras Santos, Inshō: Thursday, July 30, 2026, 5:00-7:00pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- Julie Poitras Santos, Inshō: Thursday, August 6, 2026, 5:00-7:00pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- August Portland First Friday Art Walk: Friday, August 7, 2026, 5:00-8:00 pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- Julie Poitras Santos, Inshō: Thursday, August 13, 2026, 5:00-7:00pm, The ICA at MECA&D
- September Portland First Friday Art Walk: Friday, September 4, 2026, 5:00-8:00 pm, The ICA at MECA&D
All programs are free and open to the public; additional programming will be announced. For more information, visit meca.edu/ica.