There is a lot of depth at the 3D

By Patrick Johnson

For Oregon.com

 

Looking at the outside of the 3D Center of Art and Photography, little would you know that going inside could create all different types of emotions.

 

The happy feeling you get when you see a three-dimensional bunny sitting before you.

 

The amazement of seeing Portland Bridges in front of you, so close you could touch them.

 

Feel the fear of looking out over a precipice as climbers from the 1920s scale up the side of a mountain.

The nostalgia you feel when you see a 1950s car in its 3-D glory.

 

The 3D Center of Art and Photography is more than just funny glasses and visual slight of hand – it’s about experiencing what the photographer experienced when they took the photo or shot the movie.

 

With the resurgence of 3-D in movie theaters across America – has anyone not seen “Avatar” yet? – director Stacy Webb likes to point out that 3-D and stereoscopic images have been around since the 1800s.

 

“It was like their TV,” Webb said as he gave a tour of the 1,200 square foot center. “You would sit around and look at vacation photos in 3-D.”

 

Webb is a wealth of knowledge about 3-D and stereoscopic history. And make no mistake, there is a difference between 3-D and stereoscopic images. Webb will explain how everything from how far the cameras were held apart, to how the shades of red and blue on the 3-D glasses can impact the image.

 

The 3-D Center began as a vision of a handful of members of the Cascade Stereoscopic Club, which was founded in 1994. By 2004 the center, located near the art center of Portland, opened its doors, staffed mostly with volunteers and run with donations, the center has been a destination ever since.

 

“The club has realized that most of the people interested in this are getting older,” Webb said. “They wanted to get younger people interested and involved. That’s one of the reasons we have the center.”

 

From school groups to people with an interest in 3-D photography, the center has unique gifts, displays and movies for people to see.

 

Part of the small center is devoted to the history of the medium, with old time stereoscopic viewers, images and displays.

 

“Portland was home to ViewMaster before they moved,” Webb said. “So we have tapped into that history. One of their photographers started his own company, Image3D, making 3D viewers and custom 3D image reels, so Portland still has a local manufacturer.”

 

In addition, a large portion of the center is a gallery, where photographers can show off their latest pictures and images. Some are straight pictures, others are enhanced with computers to give a more sci-fi effect to the images.

 

The center is open most weekends, and while it is an intimate setting, give yourself at least an hour if you want to see all of the exhibits and catch a movie or two – yes there is a movie theater where different movies are shown.

About the 3-D Center of Art & Photography: (From www.3dcenter.us) The 3D Center of Art and Photography, a non-profit museum/gallery, features the best in antique and contemporary 3D imagery. The Center houses everything from antique stereocards to View-Master, contemporary 3D photography, lenticulars, anaglyphs, and computer generated 3D art.

 

What to bring: The center is indoors, and photography is allowed, however the nature of the exhibits make them hard to get a picture of. Make sure you bring your curiosity and some time to walk around the exhibits. The center is run by what it makes in the gift shop and through donations, so keep that in mind when visiting.

 

Tip: Parking is hit or miss in the area, and most all of it in Northwest Portland is on-street parking – so don’t search for a parking garage, unless you want to walk several blocks. In addition, if you have the time, make sure to ask plenty of questions and stay for the movies – they are worth it. You don’t know, you might just walk away with a new hobby.

 

Season: The center is open year round. Check its Web site at www.3dcenter.us for specific hours and attractions.

 

Getting there: You don’t need a 3-D map to find The 3D Center, but a GPS sure does help. Simply type in 1928 NW Lovejoy Street, Portland and you will be on your way.

 

From the south: Take Interstate 5 to exit 299B on the left for I-405 toward Beaverton and City Center. From there take the 2B exit, Everett Street. Stay in the middle lane and turn left onto NW Lovejoy, and the center will be on your left in about two or three blocks.

 

From the north: From Interstate 5 southbound take the 302B exist for I-405 to Beaverton/St. Helens. Take the Vaughn Street exit and turn left at NW 23^rd Ave. Turn left onto NW Lovejoy and the center will be on your right.