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 kicks things off with open studios and sidewalk art; Art in the Pearl brings a nationally recognized fine arts festival to the neighborhood; and the Portland Jewish Festival celebrates culture, music, and community in the heart of the district. Plus, don't miss Susi B Davis’s Pet Art—a joyful showcase of furry friends reimagined through bold brushstrokes and personality-packed portraits.
There’s something new to discover every week—come experience the Pearl District this August!
First Thursday Gallery Walk
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
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
Group Show - Graffiti As Resistance | through Sept 4
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.
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-7pm
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
Myra Clark - Poustinia | through Aug 30
Amy Turnbull - May All Your Little Plants Take Root and Thrive | through Aug 30
Hannah Theiss - Specimen | through Aug 30
Exhibition | August 3rd - August 30th, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-8pm
Artist Talk - Hannah Theiss & Amy Turnbull | Aug 16, 2-4pm
Artist Talk - Myra Clark | Aug 22, 5:30-7:30pm
Read Art Book Club | Aug 23, 7-8:30pm
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
Exhibition | July 17 - August 30, 2025
First Thursday | August 7, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Joe Park
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 | "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
Liz Obert, Phil Harris & Olivia Johnson - Present Tense | through Aug 30
Jeff Leake & Kindra Crick - The Brain is Wider than the Sky | through Aug 30
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
August Summer Group Exhibit | through Aug 30
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
MaryAnn Puls - Relating to Nature | through Aug 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | Aug 7, 5-8pm
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
Angelita Surmon - Profusion | through Aug 31
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!
Art In The Pearl®, Portland Oregon’s annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, occurs every year on Labor Day weekend. The 29th annual festival will occur Labor Day Weekend, 2025 in the Pearl District’s North Park Blocks -August 30, August 31, and September 1, 2025.
Hours:
10am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday (August 30 and August 31, 2025)
10am-4pm, Monday (September 1, 2025)
The Festival is FREE and requires NO TICKETS for entry.
Chabad NW PDX Presents: Jewish Festival
Join us for a fun evening celebrating Jewish life and culture. Open and free for all. Fun for all ages. Sign up below for your free tickets
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 , 5-8PM
Jamison Square Park, Portland, OR 97209
Create one-of-a-kind artwork with your furry friend.
Date: First Thursday – August 7, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Susi Davis Studio, 239 NW 13th St., Portland, OR
Hosted by: Pet Portrait Artist Susi Davis
Contact:Susiwatercolors@gmail.com
Website:Susibdaviswatercolors.com
Mono Space 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 11am to 5pm. Each Gallery Hours is centered around a thematic soundtrack drawn from our collection, punctuated by special sets with guest selectors
Address: Maddox Building, 608 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
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.
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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.
