The energetic artists of Springfield’s Ditch Projects are exhibiting a collaborative ensemble work called Fontana Mix: Loop at the Portland State University Autzen Gallery, Feb. 6–28. An artists’ talk entitled “The Artist Ran Collaborative…” will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 4 p.m. prior to the opening reception from 5-6 pm. Exhibiting artists include Mike Bray, Isami Ching, Surabhi Ghosh, Donald Morgan, Jack Ryan, Rick Silva, Brandon Siscoe, and Jessie Vala.

Robert Gamblin, artist and business owner of Gamblin Artist Colors, Co., will receive the school’s highest honor, the 2014 Ellis F. Lawrence Medal, at the A&AA commencement ceremony this spring. He is a 1970 graduate of the UO’s Department of Art.

“It was a wonderful phone call to get. I am truly honored, and a bit stunned,” Gamblin said after receiving a call from Frances Bronet, dean of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts, to inform him he was selected to receive the Lawrence Medal.

The architectural publication DesignIntelligence has named Frances Bronet, dean of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts, and Anne Godfrey, career instructor in landscape architecture, as members of its 30 Most Admired Educators of the year.

University of Oregon’s White Box visual laboratory presents About Desire, curated by Meagan Atiyeh, visual arts coordinator for the Oregon Arts Commission.

The exhibition brings together paintings, sculpture, video, photography, and mixed media works by artists Delaney Allen, Nancy Bulalacao, Jacques Flechemuller, Sally Haley (1908-2007), Tahni Holt, Kristan Kennedy, Isaac Layman, Storm Tharp, and Terry Toedtemeier (1947-2008).

“Portland Creative Community 1.0,” an exhibit at the White Box in Portland, explores the early work of photographer and faculty member Craig Hickman. Hickman developed significant computer software, became a professor in the UO Department of Art Digital Arts Program, and enjoyed a career as a highly acclaimed photographer known for playful and insightful integration of word and image as well as the digital manipulation of images. The exhibit runs through November 23.

Students in Assistant Professor Philip Speranza’s “Place Branding for Public Services” architecture studio have installed “Bridging,” an urban installation fabricated from 4 x 4 boards in the North Park Blocks in Portland between Davis and Everett streets. The boards slide in and out to form places to sit near a companion or places to be next to a stranger. The students intend the structure as an object to inspire “an urban intervention and evoke a conversation of the values of a city….that are based on the very compassion for one’s fellow citizen.”

Professional architects from Xian Dai Architectural Design Group in China are visiting the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts this fall term for intensive study in sustainable architecture.

This marks the second year during which ten professionals from the Shanghai-based firm have come to UO for continuing education in their profession. Their visit is not only significant for furthering their careers, but the exchange program also bolsters the university’s top-ranked standing in sustainable design education.

The University of Oregon has hired Portland writer, editor, and organizer Randy Gragg to lead the John Yeon Center. Gragg is best known as a writer on art, architecture, and urban issues for The Oregonian, from 1989 to 2007, and for his role as editor in chief of Portland Monthly, where he will continue as editor at large. The John Yeon Center is an educational and research program of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts.

Fifth year BFA major Daryle Hawkins leads an intense dual life, packing in training and games as a Duck receiver with product design studios in Portland three times a week. GoDucks.com Editor Rob Moseley spent a day with Hawkins to get an idea of how his passion for both design and football coalesce. Read the full story at goducks.com.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, November 15, to nominate an individual for the George McMath Historic Preservation Award, given annually by the University of Oregon.