Brian Gillis’s work is rooted in service related to social equity and access. By using platforms, approaches, and points of exchange in art, he creates opportunities for access to socially valuable information and support. Much of this work involves institutional partnerships that connect individuals and communities to resources associated with food insecurity, housing, mental health, substance abuse, criminal justice, and violence. All ongoing, multigenerational issues in his family and community.
Gillis uses a variety of production strategies and conceptual approaches, often drawing from specific sites, histories, and related partnerships. Outcomes range from functional and sculptural objects and installations to edited publications, educational initiatives, and public actions. In this way his role is often fluid and responsive, and lines between artist, designer, educator, community organizer, and anonymous steward are frequently blurred.
Gillis’s distinctions include fellowships from the Illinois Arts Council, the Oregon Arts Commission, and MacDowell; grants from the Ford Family Foundation, the Korea Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation; and residencies at MASS MoCA, the International Ceramic Research Center (Denmark), and Arizona State University's School of Arts, Media, and Engineering. He has conducted workshops and lectured at institutions including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (Canada), the Henry Art Gallery, and the Drawing Center. Gillis has completed projects with a range of partners and institutions, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, CUE Art Foundation, the Mint Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, Mildred's Lane, the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Heilongjiang University (China), the University of Applied Sciences in Koblenz (Germany), the Moth Radio Hour, the American Red Cross, Feeding America, the City of Roja (Latvia), and Seattle Public Schools.
After studying Art, Design, Ethnic Studies, and Education at San Diego State University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Gillis completed Bachelor of Arts degrees in Education and Art from Humboldt State University, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. He is currently a Professor of Art at the University of Oregon where he was the founding Director of the Center for Art Research (CFAR).
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