December Art & Events Guide
Celebrate the Holidays with Art, Local Makers, and Festive Seasonal Events
Celebrate the holidays in Portland with art, local makers, and community events in the Pearl District. Visit the Pacific Northwest College of Art Holiday Art Sale (December 4–6) to shop unique, handmade gifts created by current art students, including prints, pottery, and textiles. On December 6, don’t miss The NAYA Pop-Up Sale at Blackfish Gallery, featuring stunning Native American art, jewelry, basketry, and other handcrafted treasures.
Also happening in the Pearl District, the NWCC Community Crow Abatement Showcase on December 3 at Jamison Square offers a live falconry demonstration and a hands-on look at sustainable crow control in Portland neighborhoods.
Whether you’re looking for holiday gifts, local art, or family friendly community experiences, the Pearl District is the place to be this season.
First Thursday Gallery Walk
A Pearl District Tradition
Since the mid-1980s, First Thursday in the Pearl District has blossomed from a small neighborhood art gathering into one of Portland’s most beloved cultural traditions. Today, it’s a vibrant, year-round monthly celebration that draws thousands of visitors to the district for gallery openings, artist talks, and an evening filled with creative energy.
A special thank-you goes out to the Portland Art Dealers Association (PADA) for helping us stay connected with our city’s extraordinary gallery community.
Blue Sky Gallery
Known as the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, Blue Sky Gallery has been a cornerstone of Portland’s art community since its founding, and it’s now celebrating its 50th year. This non-profit exhibition space is dedicated to showcasing contemporary photography and fostering meaningful dialogue between artists and audiences.
A Hub for Contemporary Photography
December Exhibition | Blue Sky 1985 - 1995: The Second Decade | through Jan 3
First Thursday Opening Reception | Dec 4, 5-8pm
Location | 122 Northwest 8th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, OR 97209
Gallery Hours | Wednesday – Saturday, 12:00–5:00 pm
Instagram | @blueskygallerypdx
Blackfish Gallery
Nestled in the heart of the Pearl District, Blackfish Gallery has earned a reputation for showcasing bold, thought-provoking contemporary art. Featuring both local and international artists, Blackfish is dedicated to artistic excellence and cultural enrichment, making it one of Portland’s most enduring and influential galleries.
A Cornerstone of Portland’s Art Scene
December Exhibition | Pomegranate Doyle - Imaginary Friends | through Dec 27
Mae Al-Jiboori - Settling In | through Dec 27
Group Show - Winter Solstice | through Dec 27
Group Show - Holiday Benefit Exhibition | through Dec 27
First Thursday Opening Reception | Dec 4, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Dec 7, 2-4pm
Location | 938 NW Everett Street, Portland, OR 97209
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm
(*Please check the gallery website for current hours of operation)
Elizabeth Leach Gallery
For over four decades, the Elizabeth Leach Gallery has been a pillar of Portland’s art community, representing both regional and international artists. Showcasing a wide range of media: from painting and sculpture to photography and multimedia, the gallery is celebrated for its commitment to excellence and engaging exhibitions.
An Iconic Pearl Gallery
December Exhibition | Rest is Smoke- Munro Galloway | Through January 10th
Mutable Paintings | Jaq Chartier | Through January 10th
Location | 417 NW 9th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Gallery Hours | Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30 am–5:30 pm (and by appointment)
The Froelick Gallery
Since opening in 1995, Froelick Gallery has been a vital force in Portland’s contemporary art scene. Representing a diverse roster of artists with strong, independent voices, the gallery showcases work from the Pacific Northwest, across the United States, and as far as Tokyo. Originally located in downtown Portland, Froelick relocated in 2007 to the historic DeSoto Building, bridging Old Town and the Pearl District. Today, it remains a destination for those seeking compelling, thought-provoking exhibitions and meaningful engagement with contemporary art.
Contemporary - Independent - Diverse
December Exhibition | Mark Makers: Rick Bartow and Seiichi Hiroshima, | Through January 31st
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
Gallery 114
As one of the oldest artist-owned and artist-run collectives on the West Coast, Gallery 114 is a vibrant hub for contemporary art in Portland’s Pearl District. Located in the 1100 Building, the gallery is dedicated to fostering creativity and community through curated exhibitions and community-focused events.
More than just a gallery, Gallery 114 is a platform for artistic exploration: offering emerging and established artists a space to share their voices while enriching Portland’s cultural landscape.
An Artist-Run Collective in the Pearl
Group Show - 35 Trips Around the Sun: Members' Anniversary Show | through Dec 27
First Thursday Opening Reception | Dec 4, 5-8pm
35th Anniversary Celebration | Dec 13, 1-3pm
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Location | 1100 Building, 1100 NW Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97209
Gather:Make:Shelter
Gather:Make:Shelter is a nonprofit founded to create opportunities for people experiencing houselessness and poverty to engage in collaborative, skill-building projects in creative fields, bringing houseless and housed people together to empower each other.
Art – Empowerment – Engagement
November Exhibition | Dream Machine
Exhibition | through January 3, 2026
Opening Reception | Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 5:30-7:30pm
GMS Annex | 1335 NW Kearney St. Portland, OR 97209
Gallery Hours | Saturday 12PM-4PM or by Appointment
Location | 1335 NW Kearney St, Portland, OR 97209
J. Pepin Art Gallery
The J. Pepin Art Gallery offers a captivating showcase of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations highlighting the creative vision of local artists during the summer months. The gallery stands apart for its mission: to reframe the perception of mental illness as one of mental health. Each exhibition is not only a presentation of artistic talent but also a deeply personal dialogue. Alongside their work, artists share their journeys with mental health, sparking important conversations and reducing stigma through creativity.
Art, Mental Health, and Creative Dialogue
Winter Group Show | through Jan 18
First Thursday Opening Reception | Dec 4, 5-8pm
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
Founded in 2018, Laura Vincent Design & Gallery has quickly established itself as a thoughtful and dynamic space in Portland’s Pearl District. The gallery defines its artistic program through the work of contemporary artists: artists whose perspectives resonate deeply with today’s cultural landscape. Laura Vincent Design & Gallery presents curated shows featuring regional, national, and international artwork. With each exhibition, the gallery continues its mission to foster creativity, spark dialogue, and connect audiences with meaningful contemporary art.
Connecting Ideas, and Creativity
Scott Gellatly - Lands Recalled and Echoed | through Dec 20
First Thursday Reception | Dec 4, 5-8pm
Gallery Hours | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, and by appointment.
Location | 824 NW Davis Street, Portland, OR 97209
Waterstone Gallery
For more than 30 years, Waterstone Gallery has been a cornerstone of Portland’s Pearl District arts scene. As a contemporary gallery that is both artist-owned and artist-operated, Waterstone offers a unique perspective—providing a space where artists themselves shape the exhibitions and curatorial vision.
The gallery is dedicated to showcasing dynamic, thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted works of visual art, with a strong focus on Oregon artists. By championing local voices and fostering creativity, Waterstone Gallery continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Portland and beyond.
Artist-Owned, Artist-Driven
Group Show - Of Earth and Sky | through Feb 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | Dec 4, 5-8pm
Artist Demos | Dec 14, 11am-1pm
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 am–5:30 pm, Sunday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
More to Explore in the Pearl!
Date | Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time | 3:30 PM
Location | Jamison Square, Pearl District, Portland OR
Details | Join NWCC for a one-of-a-kind Crow Abatement Showcase in Portland’s Pearl District. See how trained raptors support sustainable crow control and help maintain a cleaner, safer neighborhood around Jamison Square. If you’re looking for unique Portland events or educational community activities, this free showcase is a must-attend. Donations are encouraged to support ongoing crow abatement efforts and community safety programs.
Bonus | After the event, enjoy an extended Happy Hour at Fields Bar & Grill—one of the Pearl District’s top local dining spots.
Date | Thursday, December 4 – Saturday, December 6, 2025
Location | Pacific Northwest College of Art
511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209
(Atrium, Historic Hallway, and Lemelson Spaces)
Sale Hours |
December 4: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
December 5: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
December 6: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Details |
The Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) hosts its Holiday Art Sale, featuring a wide range of handmade works created by current art students. Items for sale include prints, stickers, crocheted goods, handmade pottery, and more—perfect for holiday gifts. This free, public event welcomes everyone. No tickets or RSVP are required to attend.
Date | Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location | Blackfish Gallery, Portland, OR
Details | The NAYA at Blackfish Gallery hosts a one-day-only pop-up art sale featuring stunning Native American art, jewelry, textiles, basketry, and more. This free, all-ages event is open to the public. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to shop handcrafted works from talented artists..
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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