Introduction

A new exhibit in Hood River is drawing regional attention during Black History Month, offering Southwest Washington residents a nearby opportunity to engage with a multifaceted presentation of Black art and identity. The Columbia Center for the Arts is hosting Black Infinity House, an immersive, free exhibit curated by designer and producer August Oaks. The show runs through March 29, according to reporting by Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Exhibit Details

Black Infinity House brings together work from more than 30 Black artists across Oregon and is structured as a walk-through experience with three themed spaces: an artist’s studio, a living room, and a porch. The design allows visitors to move through each setting, encountering artwork that spans fabric installations, portraiture, burned-wood illustration, and handmade jewelry.

The pieces on display highlight a variety of expressions and subjects, from Columbia Gorge landscapes rendered in fabric to portraits of tattooed Black youth. The collection also includes wood-burned illustrations featuring motifs such as snakes, hands, and skulls, alongside beaded jewelry created by local artists.

Community Roots

The exhibit is curated by August Oaks, who is also a member of Black in the Gorge, a grassroots organization formed five years ago to support Black, biracial, and multiracial residents in the Gorge. The group has steadily expanded its community role, organizing Hood River’s first Juneteenth celebration in 2023 and continuing to host events during this year’s Black History Month.

Oaks’ collaborators and Black in the Gorge co-founders Evelyn Charity and Stephanie Harris also contributed to the exhibit, with Harris’ jewelry among the pieces featured.

Regional Relevance for Southwest Washington

While centered in Hood River, the exhibit may hold particular interest for residents of Cowlitz County and the I‑5 corridor. Cultural programming celebrating Black history remains limited in many rural communities, and Black Infinity House offers an accessible opportunity for local residents to engage with artists and perspectives from the broader Columbia River region.

Hood River is within a reasonable drive for residents of Longview, Kelso, and surrounding areas, making the exhibit a noteworthy regional resource during a month dedicated to reflection, culture, and community representation.

Conclusion

Black Infinity House will remain open at Columbia Center for the Arts through March 29. The free exhibit provides an immersive look at the diversity of Black artistic expression in the Pacific Northwest and continues the growing public work of Black in the Gorge. For Southwest Washington residents seeking regional Black History Month programming, it represents a nearby opportunity to experience a multidimensional, artist-led installation.

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