was a center for contemporary art in Southeast Portland, Oregon. It was led by a desire to support artists, propose new modes of production, and stimulate the ongoing public discourse around art. This website serves as an archive of Yale Union’s programming from 2011 through 2021.

Yale Union acknowledges that it occupies the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Chinook, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and other Indigenous peoples.

WINDOW RESTORATION

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One of the Yale Union laundry building’s most stunning features is the row of arched windows that provide ample light to the space. These windows are significant because their inclusion was an early concession to improve working conditions for laundry workers by attempting to improve air quality and also provide plenty of natural light in a building that, at the time of its construction, did not have electric lighting. The windows are also important to the nonprofit in that YU and its visiting artists and curator work to create exhibitions that are both unique in their fabrication and in the final display. Rather than just using the building as the location of display, exhibitions are often integrated into the space itself in such a way that aspects of the building become part of the final production.

The windows at Yale Union need significant restoration work so that they can last for another century. The current condition of the windows is poor: Frames have moisture damage, sashes are misaligned, seals are missing, and there is significant energy loss. Yale Union also has a goal of creating a museum-quality environment that effectively controls and minimizes agents of deterioration such as temperature, humidity, UV light, and atmospheric pollution.

Yale Union plans to restore as many of the original windows as possible and use like materials with the same historic character in the replacement. The glass will be upgraded to improve environmental conditions and provide UV protection to artwork displayed in the space. The first phase of this project will restore 30 windows on the second level. Consider SUPPORTING this project and help Yale Union restore this piece of history and create an exhibition environment that meets museum standards.

The first phase of this project is expected to be completed in May 2020. For funding this work, Yale Union gratefully acknowledges support from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office–Oregon Heritage, Prosper Portland, the Oregon Cultural Trust, and the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund.