August First Thursday Gallery Guide
Explore what’s new and exciting in the Pearl this August!
August in Portland brings out the best of summer, and the Pearl District is where it all comes together. With its art-filled streets, buzzing cafes, leafy parks, and historic charm, the neighborhood is perfect for lingering strolls and spontaneous discoveries. Whether you’re a longtime local or seeing the Pearl for the first time, this walkable district offers a little something for everyone.
This month, the Pearl is bursting with creativity and connection. The First Thursday Gallery Walk invites art lovers to explore the district’s year-round, open-to-the-public gallery spaces brimming with inspiration. And for an extra dose of creativity, check out the First Thursday Street Gallery: a beloved Pearl tradition. From April through October, stroll historic NW 13th Avenue and discover a vibrant array of local arts and crafts under the open sky.
Save the date for Portland’s Art In The Pearl Fine Arts and Craft Festival, now in its 28th year, is a beloved artist-run event held each Labor Day weekend. As the city’s largest outdoor art fair, it draws thousands to the North Park Blocks in the Pearl District, offering a vibrant setting to meet artists, explore original works, and enjoy an accessible art experience for collectors, families, and newcomers alike.
There’s always something new to discover: experience the Pearl District!
First Thursday Gallery Walk
Since the mid-1980s, First Thursdays in the Pearl District have grown from a small art gathering into a vibrant year-long monthly celebration, drawing thousands to the district for gallery receptions and a lively creative scene. Art lovers, wine enthusiasts, and curious newcomers alike fill the streets to explore new exhibits, meet artists, and soak up the creative energy.
Thank you to the Portland Dealers’ Art Association (PADA) for keeping us in the know about our fabulous gallery community.
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
Barbara Strigel - A Space becomes an Entry | through Aug 30
Cristina Velásquez - Somos Animales Poéticos | through Aug 30
Exhibition | August 3rd - August 30th, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-9pm
In-Person Artist Talk - Barbara Strigel | Aug 9, 2-3pm
In-Person Artist Talk - Cristina Velásquez | Aug 9, 3:30-4:30pm
Image | Cristina Velásquez, Blue Sky Gallery
The Black Gallery PDX
The Black Gallery is where art and activism meet.
Through workshops, exhibitions, and events, it fosters connection, dialogue, and community. By breaking traditional gallery norms, it creates space for people to gather, relax, and engage. The gallery serves as both an art project and a catalyst for social change and celebration.
Gallery Hours | Appointments are free and open to the public
Available Days: Thursday - Sunday
Available Times: 12pm - 5pm
Location | 916 NW Flanders ST, Portland, OR
Graffiti As Resistance is a photographic exhibition featuring the plywood mural panels from the Apple Store in downtown Portland. Previously shown at PCC in December 2024, the panels became a space for memorializing lives lost to police brutality, racial discrimination and state violence. This exhibit centers those most impacted while amplifying ongoing calls for racial justice from past and present.
The exhibition runs through Sept 4th.
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-7 pm
Image | PADA
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 | 938 NW Everett St. Portland, OR 97209
Exhibition | August 3rd - August 30th, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk - Hannah Theiss & Amy Turnbull | Aug 16, 2-4 pm
Artist Talk - Myra Clark | Aug 22, 5:30-7:30 pm
Read Art Book Club | Aug 23, 7-8:30 pm
Image | Myra Clark
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
Exhibition | July 17 - August 28, 2025
First Thursday | August 7th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Lee Kelly, Elizabeth Leach Studio
Exhibition | July 17 - August 30, 2025
First Thursday | August 7, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Joe Park, Elizabeth Leach Studio
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
Exhibition | July 23rd - September 13th, 2025
First Thursday Reception | August 7, 5-8pm.
Exhibition Talk, Saturday | August 9, 11am.
Image | Holly Osborne, Goodbye Ty, 2024
Exhibition | July 23rd - September 13th, 2025
First Thursday Reception | August 7, 5-8pm.
Exhibition Talk, Saturday | August 9, 11am.
Image | Benny Fountain, "Hermit's Wealth"
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
Exhibition | August 3rd- August 30th, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-8pm
Artist Talk - Jeff Leake & Kindra Crick | Aug 16, 11am-12pm
Meet the Artists | Aug 24, 12-2pm
Image | Liz Obert
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
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
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-8pm
Exhibition: through Aug 28
A Dialogue with the MaryAnn Puls | Aug 16, 11am-12pm
Image | MaryAnn Puls
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
Exhibition | August 3rd - August 31st, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-8pm
Art, Music and Bubbly | Aug 9, 3-5:30pm
Artist Talk | Aug 17, 11am-12pm
Image | Angelita Surmon
More to Explore in the Pearl!
Urban Art Network First Thursday
The Urban Art Network transforms the Pearl District’s iconic NW 13th Avenue into a dynamic open-air gallery from April through October.
🌟 First Thursday
📆 August 7th, 2025
⏰ 5 PM - 9 PM
📍 NW 13th & Irving | Pearl District, PDX
Stroll the iconic Street Gallery and explore stunning works from talented local artists and crafts. Trust us: you won’t want to miss it! See you there! 🖼️✨
Art in the Pearl 2025: Labor Day Weekend!
Art In The Pearl®, Portland, Oregon’s annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival!
Art In The Pearl®, Portland, Oregon’s premier annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, celebrates its 29th year Labor Day Weekend, 2025, in the Pearl District’s North Park Blocks -August 30, August 31, and September 1, 2025.
Hours:
10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday (August 30 and August 31, 2025)
10 am-4 pm, Monday (September 1, 2025)
The Festival is FREE and requires NO TICKETS for entry.
Chabad NW PDX Presents: Jewish Festival
Celebrate Jewish life and culture. Open and free for all. Fun for all ages. Sign up by clicking the link below for your free tickets
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 5-8 PM
Jamison Square Park, Portland, OR 97209
Create one-of-a-kind artwork with your furry friend with artist Susi Davis!
Hosted by: Pet Portrait Artist Susi Davis
Contact Susi for details: Susiwatercolors@gmail.com
Date: First Thursday – August 7, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Susi Davis Studio, 239 NW 13th St., Portland, OR
Website: Susibdaviswatercolors.com
Mono Space: Open to the Public Saturday Program
Mono Space, a high-fidelity listening studio, hosts a monthly Saturday program for curious listeners and readers alike. Guests are welcomed into the gallery to experience our sound system, gift shop, record archive, and library from 11 am to 5 pm.
This unique gallery hosts an opportunity for listeners to hear a thematic soundtrack drawn from the Mono Space collection, punctuated by special sets with guest selectors- all in an amazing studio space located in the historic red brick Maddox Building. This nonprofit venture provides opportunities for collective deep listening experiences, while offering public programming that opens up the layered worlds of recorded music, past and present.
Mono Space is an initiative of the Strata Foundation, a philanthropic organization that nurtures new frameworks for engaging with the arts.
Address: Maddox Building, 608 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Joining the sound stage for Selections No. 2 will be tinasnow, a visual artist, sound selector/curator, plus one-third of the all-vinyl Signature Cuts crew. Born and raised in Portland to Vietnamese refugees, tinasnow grew up with new wave, '90s hip-hop, and club classics. Her sets reflect a love for sexy beats that evoke deep memories on the dance floor.
August 21st, 2025 | 7PM
Image | Enmi Yang, Mono Space
Welcome to Around the Pearl!
We've launched Around the Pearl to showcase the vibrant culture and exciting events that define the Pearl District! From unique art experiences to hidden gems, we're here to connect our readers with all the amazing happenings in our vibrant corner of the city. Whether you're looking to explore the dynamic art scene or connect with community, this is your go-to guide.
📅 Have an Event? Get the word out!
🚀🎉 Boost your event for free with Around the Pearl! We're here to promote the Pearl District and highlight the events that make it a great place to live, work, and play.
DM us on Instagram @aroundthepearl.pdx or send us an email—we’d love to feature it!
Ready to Work Where Creativity Thrives?
Discover the Pearl District Portfolio—inspiring spaces for artists, makers, and businesses in the heart of Portland’s original creative district.
