Play With Me | Jordan Millington Liquorice

Peek Behind the Curtain of Play With Me

This winter, we invite you to escape the ordinary and step into a world of nostalgia.

We’re thrilled to present the sixth exhibition at The Portal Art Gallery, featuring the vibrant, imaginative work of local artist Jordan Millington Liquorice. Nestled in the heart of Bakery Office One, The Portal continues to evolve as a space where art and community come together. 

Join us for the opening reception on October 24th, and immerse yourself in an evening of nostalgia. From 5:30 to 7:30 PM, join us to meet the artist, mingle with fellow creatives and collectors, and be among the first to experience the new collection. Whether you're a longtime supporter or a newcomer, this is an experience not to be missed.

"Play With Me": An Invitation to Wonder

Jordan’s exhibition, titled "Play With Me," presents a heartfelt invitation to rediscover the childlike wonder that lives inside all of us. Bursting with color, character, and emotion, each of Jordan’s hyper-surreal compositions encourages visitors to connect with the stories that shaped their own inner worlds.

From wide-eyed vintage toys to vibrant bursts of color and emotion, each image tells a story that feels both personal and universal. Visitors can expect to experience art that doesn't merely hang on the wall, but speaks to you, challenges you, and invites you to play.

Meet the Artist: Jordan Millington Liquorice

At the heart of this new installation is Jordan Millington Liquorice, a Pittsburgh-based multidisciplinary artist whose work includes but isn’t limited to photography, fashion, and surreal storytelling. Raised among generations of strong and creative women, including a World War II veteran who lived to be 105, Jordan was immersed in a world of vintage toys, quirky furnishings, and nostalgic keepsakes from an early age.

That early exposure to character-filled objects planted a lifelong fascination with pieces that tell stories. It wasn’t until Jordan’s husband, PJ, gifted him a vintage rubber squeaky toy camera that a deeper artistic journey began. The charm of that single toy sparked a passion that would eventually evolve into a full-blown collection.

A pivotal trip to Japan brought an explosion of inspiration. There, Jordan and PJ uncovered a treasure trove of vintage toys that seemed to possess a personality of their own. That same magic now pulses through Jordan’s work as he brings their stories to life.

Coming from a professional background in fashion and luxury hospitality, Jordan doesn’t just photograph these toys; he elevates them. His work scales up their expressive, sometimes mischievous gaze and captures them in rich lighting that turns the toys into vibrant characters. His compositions draw viewers into a dreamlike world where the energy of childhood collides with the sophistication of fine art.

His artistic process is fueled by a desire to share moments of wonder and connection, using art to reflect the joy and emotion of being fully present.

His current show in The Portal features a curated selection of this magical work, offering visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into his surreal, color-rich universe.

The History Behind The Portal.

If you've ever walked the passage in Bakery Office One that links Bakery Square Boulevard to East Liberty Boulevard, you have encountered The Portal Art Gallery.

The Portal was established as part of a broader vision to create more accessible, public-facing opportunities for local artists. Rotating throughout the year, the exhibits in The Portal showcase a diverse range of creative voices, styles, and mediums, with artwork available for purchase. Most importantly, a portion of all proceeds benefits the Larimer Consensus Group, reinforcing The Portal’s mission to support both artists and the surrounding community.

As this marks the 6th official exhibition, The Portal continues to grow not only as a venue for visual art, but as a point of connection. The space that invites you to stop, admire, and reflect in the middle of your daily routine.

ZYNKA Gallery: Curators Behind the Vision

The ongoing success and thoughtfully curated feel of The Portal is thanks in large part to its partnership with ZYNKA Gallery, one of Pittsburgh’s leading contemporary art spaces.

Founded in 2019 by Jeffrey Jarzynka, ZYNKA has produced over 40 exhibitions and carved a name for itself through its bold curatorial voice and deep community involvement. The gallery champions both rising and established artists and offers a wide range of services, from private and public collection consulting to pop-up shows and art advising.

Through their partnership with The Portal, ZYNKA has extended its curatorial expertise into a more public, accessible space, bringing high-quality, thoughtfully curated art to new audiences right in the heart of Bakery Square.

Don't Miss This Moment

Join us on October 24th for an evening of connection, creativity, and curiosity. Bring a friend. Bring your inner child. “Play With Me” is live in The Portal now. Let us know you're coming here!