It would be hard to imagine something more awesome than an art gallery on a boat. We’re not talking about a yacht, a skiff, or a retail pleasure craft. Imagine a WWII Naval vessel, that after the war went up to Dutch Harbor, Alaska to join the crabbing fleets of the frigid Bering Sea. It’s 135 feet long and weighs 200 tons, and casts a long shadow on all the boats in the surrounding area, with its three story tower. This craft is so large last week I saw it from an airplane as we banked and prepared for landing at PDX. It’s a landmark.

FORTPORT did write a little spot on The Labrador project last year, but actually visiting the space is to be amused, enchanted, and envious of artists with such a bad ass venue at their disposal. I won’t lie, I want this boat. I want to live on it, I want to dress for it, and I want to take that show on the road.

To bring and old lady such as The Labrador to life is no small job. To keep her in working condition despite her seven decades of service is notable, but she not only works, she creates culture. It’s hard to not get poetic, but watching my three gracious hosts amid the cold steel and heavy rope talk about performance & sculpture, my mind started to buzz. This is filed under officially inspiring business.

Special thanks to those responsible for these works, they would be Kyle Thompson, Lewis Feuer, Caitlin Ducey, and Zoe Clark. There are more associated with what happens with The Labrador, and they can be found at their show website; 12128boatspace.com.

We also shot a little spot featuring the space, feel, and an exposition of some excellent studies in sculpture & form. Check it out below, but before you do I’d love to credit one Ryan Bush who helped out with this post. His images (1, 5, 8, 12-15 above) made more than half of the meat here, and having another excited designer along made things possible. Thanks Ryan!