Art is tough to define. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.” This is a perfectly acceptable definition; however, it risks being quite broad, like calling anything with two wheels a bicycle.
Because of this, whenever I give lectures on art history, I often remind the audience not to be bogged down in strict definitions. An example I commonly use is to point to the work of artists like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Their work is clearly seen as art (whether one likes it or not is a whole other discussion), but even just 100 years ago, the concept of what they made couldn’t have been imagined, and wouldn’t have been considered art.
It took artists like Warhol and Pollock to push the barriers to refine our definition of it. Interactive, immersive art experiences are a newer stage of art that makes us further question its definition all over again.
Hopscotch is a family-friendly, immersive, and interactive art experience located in Portland, Oregon. A remarkable aspect of this place is that it brings artists together to create a thrilling shared experience. Whether you go here for a date night or bring the entire family, everyone is sure to have a fantastic time.
Hopscotch encourages its artists to push their limits of creativity, which ultimately benefits the viewer. Dozens of artists from across the country have come together to create this inspiring space, and it is sure to be the highlight of your week. Something I think is remarkable about this space is that it is easy to forget it’s an artistic experience for the viewer, because it feels like you have entered a whole other worldly realm. Once inside, you are physically and emotionally transported to another dimension of beauty and awe. It seems like everyone who visits this place has a blast.
Located at 1020 SE 10th Ave. Portland, OR 97214, Hopscotch is open Thursday through Monday. On Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, the space is open from 11:00am to 9:00pm. And Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Starting in February, only adults will be allowed to enter on Fridays and Sundays after 7:00pm.
Tickets for ages 16 and older are $24, children ages 4-15 are $15, and children 3 and under are free. Hopscotch also offers a discount for teachers, active military, healthcare workers, and senior citizens 65 and older, with tickets priced at $20. The duration is self-guided, and you can spend as long or as little time in there as you like. Being an immersive experience, Hopscotch encourages everyone to take their time and enjoy the environment.
With areas like their Quantum Trampoline and Diodic Daydream, you are sure to be mesmerized. Another fascinating feature here is that they are constantly updating the experience. With more than 50 artists collaborating on the overall design, a visit here last week could have been very different from this week’s. Hopscotch is also available for private events for anyone who wants to reserve the space for themselves.
Food and drinks are offered here too, and they are creative to say the least. Some options include Funfetti Cake Fries with Sprinkles and Miso Caramel, as well as their Pizza-Style Popcorn. For drinks, they offer selections like their alcohol-free Celestial Unicorn, made with Lemon-Lavender and Butterfly Pea Syrup.
For adults wanting a cocktail, they offer beverages such as their Candlelight Glow, a version of an Adult-Capri Sun made with tequila, mango, and chamoy.
Hopscotch is an art experience unlike a typical gallery or museum. This massive space is an immersive art experience that is suitable for people of all ages. While you cannot touch the art hanging on museum walls, Hopscotch encourages you to interact with what you see. It is truly a fantastic place and something that the kids, even the youngest ones, will surely enjoy. Hopscotch is an excellent example of a space that has pushed the boundaries yet again of what we define as art.
It is also essential to know that, regardless of how one defines art, what must always be remembered is that art can only exist for viewers like us. You don’t need to know anything about art or art history to develop an appreciation for it. You have to be willing. Hopscotch is a wonderful place to take the journey.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.