Mylan Rakich retrospective on display at Rock Creek’s art gallery
Photos and story by James Hill
Showcasing his sculpture ‘Shine’ to college leadership during Art Beat 2007.
Portland Community College is giving a respected and honored faculty a fitting send off.
A retrospective on late Portland Community College art instructor Mylan Rakich is underway at the Helzer Art Gallery at Rock Creek Campus through April 25. The show is titled, “A life in Art and Teaching,” and there will be a memorial reception from 4-7 p.m., Saturday, April 5 featuring shared words from friends and family at 5 p.m.
A Legacy in Steel
Though he passed away suddenly last summer at just 56, his spirit remains woven into the very steel of his sculptures—elegant, weightless structures that defy gravity and expectation.
The sculpture ‘Shine.’
For nearly 25 years, Rakich inspired students and colleagues alike, challenging them to see beyond the material and into the essence of creation. His sculptures, now standing across PCC’s campuses and beyond, whisper of his talent, his vision, and his ability to breathe movement into solid steel.
“Mylan made steel dance,” said art faculty Mark Andres, a longtime colleague. “His work was never just metal—it was energy, a conversation between structure and space.”
Now, friends and coworkers are rallying to ensure his art continues to inspire. A fundraising effort aims to purchase one of his sculptures for PCC’s Carolyn Moore House, supporting his family and creating a scholarship fund for his two young sons. The retrospective at the Helzer Art Gallery celebrates his work, culminating in a dedication of the sculpture—one final mark of his lasting influence.
To learn more about Rakich’s legacy, visit the PCC feature detailing his career and impact on students and colleagues.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »