Black Infinity House currently showing BIPOC art experience in Hood River
A month-long exhibition at Columbia Center for the Arts celebrates Black and BIPOC creativity across mediums—while raising funds for the Black in the Gorge Scholarship Fund
By August Oaks
Hood River, Ore., Feb. 6, 2026 — Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA), in partnership with Black in the Gorge (BiG), is proud to present Black Infinity House, an immersive gallery exhibition featuring Black and BIPOC artists from across the Pacific Northwest. Running February 6 through March 1, 2026, the exhibition is curated by August Oaks and will be on view at Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Avenue, Hood River, OR.
Black Infinity House follows the momentum of 2025’s Rooted in the Gorge exhibit and expands the region’s commitment to celebrating and uplifting BIPOC artists and makers through visibility, community-building, and cultural connection. Featuring a wide range of mediums—including drawing, painting, photography, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, fashion, digital work, and mixed media—the show highlights the breadth of creative talent thriving throughout the Columbia Gorge and beyond.
At the heart of the exhibition is a concept rooted in the idea that Blackness is infinite—a living, evolving, and expansive cultural force that cannot be reduced to a single definition.
“The Black Infinity House art exhibit is focused on highlighting the visions, expressions, experiences and imaginations of local, Black artists across multiple mediums,” said curator August Oaks. “This artists’ showcase is an experiential exhibit… meant to demonstrate Black art through the process of its creation, consumption and cultivation.”
Designed as an experiential “house” within the gallery, Black Infinity House invites visitors to move through three themed spaces:
● The Studio — exploring identity and artistic creation
● The Living Room — centered on culture, gathering, and creative consumption
● The Porch — connecting cultivation, nature, rest, and safe space
“This isn’t some stuffy art show with a few paintings hanging from sterile, white walls. Making art doesn’t feel anything like that… This is an immersive art experience meant to celebrate the vibrant sense of magic that resonates in culture and connectivity,” says Oaks.
The exhibition also features materials and community support from local businesses including Ice Cream for Crow Vintage, ADHD Records, Artifact, Hood River Stationers and the Gorge Rebuild-It Center.
“It’s been so awesome to be able to collaborate with our local community. The openness and support to not only acknowledge our culture but celebrate our history in such an important and creative way has been so cool and incredibly special,” says Robin Allen of Black in the Gorge.
In addition to celebrating artistic excellence, the exhibition also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Black in the Gorge Scholarship Fund, created to assist Gorge residents who identify as Black/African American, Black biracial, or Black multiracial in pursuing educational goals across all ages and stages of life.
Opening Reception
The public is invited to attend the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00–7:30 PM, at Columbia Center for the Arts.
Exhibition Details
Black Infinity House
Columbia Center for the Arts 215 Cascade Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031
February 6 – March 1, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, February 6 | 5:00–7:30 PM
About Black in the Gorge Black in the Gorge (BiG) is a local mutual support organization focused on community care, cultural programming, and strengthening connection for Black, biracial, and multiracial residents of the greater Columbia Gorge region. BiG also leads fundraising efforts for the Black in the Gorge Scholarship Fund.
About Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA) is a nonprofit arts organization in Hood River, Oregon, dedicated to enriching the community through visual art exhibitions, performances, and cultural programming.
Black Infinity House Schedule
Feb. 1–March 1
A gallery-wide celebration of Black and BIPOC artists and creatives, featuring work across multiple mediums in an immersive exhibit experience. Free and open to the public.
Opening reception: Feb. 6, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Improv with Jade and Emily | Community workshop
Feb. 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Drop-in improv night with no experience or sign-up required. Participants are invited to play, laugh and build confidence in a supportive environment. For ages 18 and older. Free.
Candlemaking with Mister OK’s Essentials (adults only) | Workshop
Feb. 13, 6–7 p.m.
An adults-only candlemaking class designed for an early Valentine’s date night or a Galentine’s outing. Participants will create a candle, learn the basics of candlemaking and stay for a movie. For ages 18 and older.
NOPE | Film screening
Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
An adults-only screening of NOPE, a genre-bending thriller directed by Jordan Peele.
Candlemaking with Mister OK’s Essentials (family friendly) | Workshop
Feb. 14, 11 a.m.–noon
A family-friendly candlemaking workshop where participants can create a candle together while learning the process step by step.
The Wiz | Film screening
Feb. 14, noon
A screening of The Wiz, a musical reimagining of The Wizard of Oz suitable for all ages.
Paint and Sip with Jade | Workshop
Feb. 19, 6–8 p.m.
A guided paint night led by Jade, offering participants the chance to create, unwind and leave with a finished piece. For ages 21 and older.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner | Film screening
Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
A screening of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner in celebration of Sidney Poitier’s birthday.
Intro to pyrography: Keepsake boxes | Workshop
Feb. 21, 1–3 p.m.
A hands-on workshop led by DeLoné introducing the art of pyrography, also known as wood burning. Open to beginners and experienced makers.
Improv with Jade and Emily | Community workshop
Feb. 24, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Another drop-in improv night with no experience or sign-up required. Open to participants ages 18 and older.
Basquiat | Film screening
Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
A screening of Basquiat, exploring the life of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and New York City’s 1980s art scene.
