December First Thursday Gallery Walk Guide
Give the Gift of Art this Holiday Season and Support your Local Art Community!
The holidays have arrived! There’s a special kind of magic in the air this December, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by immersing yourself in the beauty of art? Take a moment to escape and surround yourself with creativity and wonder during the holiday hustle and bustle of the season.
On December 5th, don’t miss the First Thursday Gallery Walk in the Pearl—a dazzling evening filled with stunning art and one-of-a-kind treasures. Be sure to explore the latest PADA Art Guide for more exciting art events happening throughout Portland. For all the seasonal happenings in the Pearl District, follow #AroundthePearl and @aroundthepearl.pdx.
This year, we have a special holiday treat brought to us by the PDNA—the festive Holiday Tree in Jamison Square will light up on Thursday, December 5th! 🎄 Don't miss this magical moment as the Pearl District shines bright with holiday cheer!
This season, let art and the celebration of community be your greatest gift! ✨
Augen Gallery
Owned and directed by Bob Kochs since 1979, the Augen Gallery has exhibited prints and works on paper by national and internationally known artists for the past 29-plus years. The gallery maintains an active exhibition schedule for the regional artists it represents and emerging artists from all regions of the country.
Gallery Hours | Tuesday - Saturday, 11:30 am - 5:00 pm (and by appointment)
Location | (DESOTO BUILDING) 716 NW Davis Street, Pearl District, Portland, 97209
First Thursday Exhibition
Exhibition: December 5 - January 18, 2025
Opening Reception / Holiday Gathering for Patrons & Artists:
Saturday, December 14, 2–5 pm
First Thursday: December 5, Open until 7:45 pm
Blue Sky Gallery
Blue Sky Gallery, also known as The Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, is a non-profit exhibition space for contemporary photography in Portland, Oregon. The gallery is dedicated to public education and began by showing local artists before slowly expanding to national and international artists. Blue Sky’s mission is to inspire and build community between contemporary photographic artists and our audiences through exhibitions, publications, and dialogue.
Gallery Hours | Wednesday - Saturday, 12:00-5:00 pm
Location | 122 Northwest 8th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, 97209
First Thursday Exhibition
Charles Xelot - White Water
Pierre Dalpé - Wigstock
Exhibition | through Dec 21
Blue Sky has an amazing holiday gift guide - check it out! Holiday Gift Guide
Blackfish Gallery
Located in the Pearl District, Blackfish is renowned for its dynamic exhibitions featuring contemporary art by both local and international artists. Committed to artistic excellence and cultural enrichment, Blackfish Gallery remains a cornerstone of Portland's thriving arts scene.
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Sunday | 11am–5pm
*please visit the website to confirm current hours of operation
Location | 417 NW 9th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
December Exhibition
Group Show: Past & Present | 45 Years of Blackfish Members
Small Works Show | Proceeds benefitting the Oregon Food Bank, details on the website.
Exhibition | though December 28th
First Thursday Opening Reception | Dec 5, 5-8 pm
Elizabeth Leach Gallery
The Elizabeth Leach Gallery features regional and international artists across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia. It remains a vital cultural hub dedicated to outstanding artistry and engaging exhibitions and an essential destination for art enthusiasts in Portland.
Gallery Hours | Tuesday through Saturday: 10:30 am–5:30 pm and by appointment
Location | 417 NW 9th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
December Exhibition
Christine Bourdette | Cumulus
Exhibition | December 11, 2024 - February 1, 2025
Opening | December 11, 2024
First Thursday | January 2, 2025, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Image: Christine Bourdette | Scree, 2024
Judy Cooke | Following Form 2024
Exhibition | December 11, 2024 - February 1, 2025
Opening | December 11, 2024
First Thursday | January 2, 2025, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Image: Judy Cook | Blue (Shadow) 2024
The Froelick Gallery
Froelick Gallery exhibits and represents a diverse roster of contemporary artists, each with strong and independent voices. Their artists live in the Pacific Northwest, throughout the US, and in Tokyo. In October 1995, the gallery opened in Downtown Portland and relocated in 2007 to the historic DeSoto Building between Old Town and the Pearl District.
Gallery Hours | Open for walk-in visits and by appointment Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am–5 pm
Location | 714 NW Davis Street, Pearl District, Portland, 97209
December Exhibition
Rick Bartow | Looking for Medicine Yoshihero Kitia | I am looking at the sky no matter where I am
EXHIBITION DATES | December 3, 2024 - February 1.2025
Image: Rick Bartow, Looking for Medicine 2005
Gallery 114
Gallery 114, one of the oldest artist-owned and artist-run collectives on the West Coast, is a vibrant hub for contemporary art in Portland's bustling Pearl District. Located in the 1100 building, it serves as a prominent venue for curated exhibitions and community-focused events, enriching the cultural landscape and providing a dynamic platform for artistic exploration and engagement.
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Location | 1100 Building, 1100 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209
December Exhibition
Exhibition | Through Dec 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | Dec 5, 5-8 pm
Special Shopping Day | Dec 21, 12-5 pm
J. Pepin Art Gallery
The J. Pepin Art Gallery offers a captivating showcase of artworks during the summer months. Known for its eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations, the gallery highlights the creative vision of local artists. J. Pepin Art Gallery reframes the perception of mental illness as one of mental health. Along with their work, the artists share their own journeys with mental health, creating a much-needed dialog.
Please note the new hours or by appointment:
Monday - Wednesday: CLOSED, Thursday - Saturday: 12 - 5 pm, Sunday: 12 - 4 pm
Location | Maytag Building, 532 NW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
December Exhibition
Exhibition | December 19th - February 1st
Current Exhibit | The Manuscript, Kai Saylor
November 7th - December 14th
Laura Vincent Design & Gallery
Established in 2018, Laura Vincent Design & Gallery defines its artistic program through the work of represented contemporary artists with soulful and discerning voices. Exhibition-based, the gallery hosts shows of regional, national, and international artwork.
Gallery Hours | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, and by appointment.
Location | 824 NW Davis Street, Portland, OR 97209
December Exhibition
Exhibition | through Dec 21
A Dialogue with the Artists | Dec 7, 11 am-12 pm
Image | Kirk Weller, Napeequa's Dream, 2024
December Exhibition
The BLACK Gallery | Room for Conversation
Exhibition | through Jan 20, 2025
Artists featured | Kara Walker, Faith Ringgold, Isaka Shamsud-Din, Ernie Barnes, Julian Gaines
Room for Conversation features rare, one of a kind works by Ernie Barnes, Julian Gaines, Faith Ringgold, Isaka Shamsud-Din and Kara Walker, all from The BLACK Gallery powered by Don’t Shoot Portland’s collection. As part of our ongoing archival work, Room for Conversation also features an oral history booth where everyone and anyone can share their thoughts and feelings about revolution, politics, social interactions, and whatever is on their mind.
Read more HERE
Waterstone Gallery
Waterstone Gallery is a contemporary artist-owned and operated gallery in Portland’s Pearl District, home to a vibrant arts scene. The gallery has been operating for over 30 years and presents dynamic, thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted visual art by Oregon artists.
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 am–5:30 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location | 124 NW 9th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, OR 97209
December Exhibition
Exhibition | through Feb 2
First Thursday Opening Reception | Dec 5, 5-8 pm
Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to
the Big Brother, Big Sister, Columbia Northwest
chapter.
Artist Demos | Andrea Lopez & Erika James | Dec 15, 11 am-1pm
Celebrate the holidays in the heart of Portland’s Original Creative District
When | December 5th, 5:30-7:00 pm
Where | Jamison Square
Cost | Free
Performances by @thebeatgoesonmarchingband and the Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir on FB
A big thank you to our amazing sponsors, performers, and partners!
Support Local Kids This Holiday Season: It's the KGW Toy Drive
It's time for the KGW Great Toy Drive!
Downtown Self Storage is honored to once again participate in this over 40-year tradition by hosting gift drop-off boxes at both of our locations.
KGW's Great Toy Drive collects toys for Oregon and SW Washington families. When we all work together, thousands of children in need receive presents this holiday season. The drive runs through Tuesday, December 17th.
Downtown Self Storage is Pearl District's is the go-to location in our community accepting toy donations. Cash and online toy donations are also accepted at KGW.com/toy. All donations are appreciated and will be distributed to local families with the help of over 150 local non-profits.
Drop off your unwrapped new gifts at either Downtown Self Storage location, 1305 Davis Street or 1304 Johnson Street, in the Pearl District, Portland. All donated toys will be distributed with the help of hundreds of local nonprofit organizations and dedicated volunteers.
Around the Pearl
Visit #AroundthePearl and the News to learn what’s happening in the Pearl District, and follow us on @aroundthepearl.pdx.
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