February First Thursday Gallery Walk Guide
February: A Month of Art, Culture, and Celebration of Black History Month!
February is here, and we have a lot to celebrate — Lunar New Year, Black History Month, Super Bowl and Valentine's Day, and this month's First Thursday Gallery Walk.
Mark your calendar for First Thursday on February 6th—an evening to feast your eyes on stunning artwork while strolling through the Pearl. Make it a full sensory experience by pairing your art walk with the fabulous array of restaurants and the variety of delicious bites and sips throughout the evening and beyond.
And what's February without a little sparkle? The Lunar New Year celebration’s at the Lan Su Chinese Gardens will bring vibrant colors, festive energy, and artistic delights to the neighborhood. Follow #AroundthePearl and @aroundthepearl.pdx for all the latest events, from gallery openings to special 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations and Valentine's Day-inspired showcases.
This month, let's celebrate all kinds of love—romantic, platonic, self-love, and even the unconditional love of our furry friends! ❤️🐾 Plan a Galentine's or Palentine's art walk with your besties, surprise a loved one with a unique local art piece, or treat your four-legged companion to a stroll through the Pearl. However you celebrate, let February be a time of heartfelt connection, creativity, and joy.
So go ahead—give the gift of art, share a delicious meal, browse the boutiques and all the Pearl District has to offer and make this month one to remember! 🎨🍷🐶
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
PHIL BARD – AMERICAN DESERT | February 6 - February 28, 2025
Artist Talk and Reception | Saturday, February 8, 1:30–4:00 pm
(Artist talk starts at 2:00 pm)
First Thursday, February 6, 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
Colton Rothwell - Pearl Road | through March 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb 6, 5-8 pm
In-Person Artist Talk - Colton Rothwell | Feb 8, 2-3 pm
Hyun-taek Cho -Vacant Room | Feb 6 - Mar 1, 2025
First Thursday Opening | Feb 6, 5 - 8 PM
In-Person Artist Talk | Sat, Feb 8, 3:30 PM
Image | Colton Rothwell
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
Group Show - Aurora: A Blackfish Member Show
Michael Knutson - Recollections: Encounters with Art and Artists and Other Humans | through March 2
Laura Swingen - Composing Myself | through March 2
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb, 5-8pm
Image | Noah Alexander Isaac Stein— Momentary Light Reflected in Infinite Darkness
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
Everyday Alchemy | A Group Exhibition
Exhibition | February 6, 2025 - March 1, 2025
Opening | February 6, 2025
First Thursday | February 6, 2025, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Image: Mark R. Smith | Labor Cosmos, 2024
Derek Franklin | Between the Time of the Dog and the Wolf
Exhibition | February 6, 2025 - March 1, 2025
Opening | February 6, 2025
First Thursday | February 6, 2025, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Image: Derek Franklin | #6, 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
Winter Group Exhibition
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
MotherHood / AlphaBet | Ruth Ross
Exhibition | February 6, 2025 - February 28, 2025
Opening | February 6, 2025
First Thursday | February 6, 2025, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Image: Ruth Ross
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
February Group Exhibit Featuring New Works and Guest Artists: Garrick Arnold, Meghan Caughey, and Mona Kia
New Works and Guest Artists Group Exhibit | through March 1
Guided Meditation with Artist & Life Alchemist Mona Kia | Feb 6, 5-5:30 pm
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb 6, 5:30-8 pm
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
Mark Dunst - Wandering | through March 1
First Thursday Reception | Feb 2, 5-8 pm
A Dialogue with the Artist | Feb 22, 11 am-12 pm
Image | The shape of things, 2024
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
North Pole Studio Artists - Unconventional Wisdom | through March 2
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb 6, 5-8 pm
North Pole Artist Talk | Feb 16, 11 am-12:30 pm
Featured art | Wild Safari Drive Thru, by Davis Wohlford
MORE EVENTS AROUND THE PEARL
Word is Bond: Black History Month
Word is Bond PDX will be hosting a series of events at The Horizon Enterprise Building along with their exhibition “Young Black Men Are”.
In My Shoes- February 8th- 10:00am
Youth Paint-February 15th-12:00pm
Panel Discussion- February 21st-2:00pm
Hours: Wednesday- Friday: 10:00am- 4:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Portland Center Stage: Ms. Harrison
Come enjoy the arts at Portland Center Stage this month with performances and more!
Mrs. Harrison | Aisha is a Black, successful playwright; Holly is a white, struggling stand-up comedian. Aisha’s most successful play bears a striking resemblance to a tragic event in Holly’s life. Is it a coincidence or is it theft?
January 19th- February 16th
Evening Performances will run Wednesdays- Sundays starting at 7:30pm and Matinees Saturdays and Sundays starting at 2:00pm
Pearl District Super Bowl Watch Party
River Pig - RSVP to reserve a table Portland@riverpigsaloon.com
10 Barrel Brewing- Pub deals, activities and to-go promos!
Below By Botanist - Brunch all day, food and drink specials!
Dogtopia is an Official Partner of the Animal Planet Puppy Bowl
Time to prep for Puppy Bowl Sunday with your dog’s best touchdown dance moves! 🕺Enter our touchdown dance giveaway by sharing a video of your pup’s tailwag using #puppybowl and make sure to follow @dogsofdogtopia for a chance to win some exciting prizes!
Watch #PuppyBowl on @AnimalPlanet Sunday, Feb 9 at 2pm ET | 11am PT
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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