The Terra Cotta Grotesque : An Artifact Story

A curious glazed terra cotta grotesque ornament once lived on the exterior of the Eastern Outfitting building constructed in 1929 at SW 10th & Washington in downtown Portland. Follow the story of this fantastical artifact as it weaves through an early relationship with a prominent Jewish pioneer and merchant in Portland, its connections with other historic buildings in our city, and a discovery that shed light on its story. Today, the large ornament is part of the AHC collection and appears in our current exhibit. The Terra Cotta Grotesque video short includes participation by Judy Margles of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education and Val Ballestrem, the AHC’s educator and historian. This video was created by KJ Moore, a filmmaker based in Portland who focuses on working alongside, and for, historically underrepresented communities through exceptional storytelling. Their filmmaking goal is connection and collaboration with other creators who are seeking to tell authentic stories.