Author: Shelby Navone

A few days ago I made my first trip to a museum here in my new hometown, Portland, Oregon. Before I moved here, I discovered the Portland Art Museum was going to being very near to our future apartment. Just around the block from my front door I entered the museum doors and as luck would have it, their systems were down and I was admitted to the museum for free. The first objects I came across were these incredibly impressive gold zodiac heads. Each had their own special aura about them and the craftsmanship was impeccable.

After admiring the gold sculptures I made my way up to the top floor and began to work my way down through the museum. The collection of Native American, Mesoamerican and Asian artworks was world class. The gallery rooms were the perfect temperature and nearly silent, with no security guard within sight. As I moved through each room I felt a calm awareness grow inside me. I slowed my breathing, stepped softly as I moved from one piece to the next, and let my mind explore the thoughts being provoked, becoming just another quiet observer. Museums have always been a source of wonder, introspection and contemplation for me. A place where I go to reset myself and wind down from the sounds and sights of a busy modern world. The Portland Art Museum provided me with all of that and more. I will most definitely be returning for an annual pass.