December’s First Thursday in the Pearl District
Give the Gift of Art for the Holidays
A gift of art is an opportunity to give someone on your "nice" list something extraordinary.
A piece of art is an excellent choice for a gift this holiday season, in all its wondrous and unique forms. The range of options is almost limitless and can be appropriate for any budget: paintings, prints, mixed media, photography, glass, jewelry, pottery, craft, and anything in between.
By shopping locally and purchasing from the artists, your local art galleries, or other venues, you support artists and local businesses in the community.
Portland’s Original Creative District
Early in its formation as the hub of Portland’s award-winning food, drink, and art scene, the Pearl District was a beacon of creativity. Artists lived and worked in the many warehouses, drawing in patrons and the restaurants, bars, and shops that followed. Independent bookseller Powells Books became an iconic symbol at the entrance to the Pearl, numerous art galleries established residency, and Pacific NW College of Art (PNCA) opened its doors on the north end of the Park Blocks, providing young talent with a place of learning. The area transformed from outmoded railroad tracks and warehouses into a robust community of repurposed historical buildings and a haven for the arts.
First Thursday is an opportunity to highlight the enormously talented artists and gorgeous galleries all over the Pearl, and we can’t wait to share some of our favorites, including Pearl District Portfolio’s tenants.
J Pepin Art Gallery
Visit the J. Pepin Art Gallery for First Thursday.
The gallery features 14 artists and jewelry makers, offering an array of styles, mediums, and sizes. Owner and operator Jennifer Pepin says mental health is a focus for her work and her gallery. Her mission is to “reframe the perception of mental illness to be one of mental health.”
The latest exhibition at the gallery features Joanne Thorpe, known for her gorgeous depictions of the natural world. Originally a New Englander, Joanne swapped watercolors for oils when she moved to Oregon. She often paints landscapes, but her subjects also include still life and animals.
Learn more about Jennifer and the J. Pepin Art Gallery here, or follow her Instagram @jpepinartgallery
Time: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m
Location: Maytag Building 532 NW 12th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, OR 97209
Gallery 114
Tonight! Gallery 114 opens for First Thursday with a new exhibition, Palimpsest: Layered Stories with Fabric & Thread by Maude Anne May, with guest artist Leah Kohlenberg’s City of Dreams.
”Gallery 114 is one of the oldest art collectives on the West Coast. We are located in the heart of Portland, Oregon's bustling arts playground, the Pearl District. We are artist-owned, artist-run, and artists unleashed!”
Visit the Gallery 114 website here: https://www.gallery114pdx.com
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: 1100 Building, 1100 NW Glisan Street, Pearl District, Portland, OR 97209
First Thursday Gallery Walk
Explore the Pearl District. The First Thursday Artwalk includes many of Portland’s well-established galleries but also provides an opportunity to visit neighborhood boutiques and businesses and enjoy the incredible restaurants throughout the neighborhood.
Tonight is the first Thursday of December, and there’s no better time to think about art as a gift for someone special or yourself!
Portland Art Dealers Association (PADA) has a great directory of art galleries to visit on the first Thursday of the month: https://padaoregon.org, or for upcoming art events: padaoregon.org/current-exhibits-events.
PADA’s Pearl District First Thursday participating galleries -- Elizabeth Leach Gallery, Blackfish Gallery, Gallery 114, Laura Vincent Design & Gallery, and Waterstone Gallery.
Urban Art Network First Thursday Pop-Up
Our friends at Urban Art Network, the folks that bring you the First Thursday Street Gallery from April through October, will host the First Thursday Holiday Pop-Up Gallery, celebrating the festive spirit in the community! They’ve added a second pop-up as well! The location is in the old Cielo space, a few feet away from the J. Pepin Gallery.
The dates are as follows:
Gallery #1: December 7th, 5 PM - 9 PM
Gallery #2: December 9th, 11 am - 4 pm
Location: 528 NW 12th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, 97209
Yes, it’s cold and wet, but it’s Portland! Grab your umbrella and enjoy First Thursday, the pop-ups, and all of that festive spirit!
See you out there, Pearl District!
Pearl District Upcoming Holiday Events
Join the Pearl District Neighborhood Association for the Pearl Community Holiday Celebration!
Join Pearl community residents, businesses, and friends for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer. Connect, share laughter, and embrace the season's magic with a sing-along and hot chocolate.
Date: December 10, 2023
Time: 4:30 PM–6:30 PM
Location: Jamison Square Park, 810 NW 11th, Pearl District
Free, family-friendly, and pet-friendly!
Sock Drive! Bring a pair (or more) of new socks for the nonprofit Loving One Another to distribute to those in need.
Chanukah Celebration in the Park!
Join your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of light, music, and community.
Live music, warm apple cider, menorah kits, Chanukah treats!
All are welcome. Free to join.
Date: Sunday, December 10th
Time: 4:30 PM
Place: Tanner Springs Park, NW 10th Ave. & Marshall Street, Portland, OR 97209
Please RSVP by visiting the website here, or by clicking the link below to receive information and updates about the Menorah Lighting www.jewishnorthwest.org/menorah.
Last Week of the KGW Toy Drive
Our Pearl District Portfolio partners at Downtown Self Storage are honored to once again be part of the nearly 40-year gift-giving tradition by hosting gift drop-off boxes at both locations.
Drop off your unwrapped, new gifts at either Pearl District Downtown Self Storage location: 1305 Davis Street or 1304 Johnson Street.
All the donated toys will be distributed with the help of hundreds of local nonprofit organizations and dedicated volunteers. More information: https://kgwtoy.com
The Pearl District Portfolio takes pride in our tenants and community!
We are committed to ensuring this mixed-use district continues to function as a vibrant center of art and culture, urban housing, and creativity. Through the adaptive reuse of our eight distinct buildings, we continue to honor the Pearl District's history while providing a range of spaces unique and unequaled in Portland.
Explore Pearl District Portfolio’s website and blog for more information on the building, the history of the Pearl District, the community, and events. Sign up for the newsletter and follow us on social media @pearldistrictportfolio to stay in touch with local events and activities!
Looking for Creative Office or Retail Space
The Pearl District Portfolio offers modern and beautiful spaces combined with vintage architecture across the neighborhood.
Visit pearldistrictportfolio.com for information on leasing.
