February Art & Events Guide
Experience the Best of the Pearl this February
February is a standout month for the Pearl District, blending the neighborhood’s iconic art scene with lively community gatherings. The festivities begin with the First Thursday Gallery Walk on February 5th, where local galleries open their doors from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM to showcase new exhibitions and local talent.
The momentum continues throughout the month with several unique ways to get involved:
Saturday, Feb 7: Unleash your creativity at Paint, Sip, & Step, featuring drinks and live music by DJ Screwface.
Sunday, Feb 8: Catch the big game at the River Pig Saloon Super Bowl Party, complete with table reservations and a live DJ.
Thursday, Feb 12: Enjoy a curated evening of Art + Design on 9th, where you can sip Willamette Valley wines while strolling through premier showrooms and galleries.
Wednesday, Feb 18: Build local connections at the Monthly Networking Coffee, hosted by the Pearl District Neighborhood Association at the beautiful new Venue 13.
In the News
Check out exciting News from the Pearl District!
The Pearl District has always been defined by transformation, from its industrial roots to one of Portland’s most vibrant neighborhoods. After years of pandemic-era challenges, signs of renewal are beginning to emerge once again, and few have witnessed that evolution more closely than developer Al Solheim. Read more in the Examiner.
Photo: Al Solheim with Pippa Arend and writer Erin Hoover Barnett in Pippa’s 13th St Lofts studio.
The Examiner: The Pearl according to Father Al by Erin Hoover Barnett, photos by Walden Kirsch.
Curious about what’s going in the OBA space? It going to be amazing! The Malarkey: an upcoming steakhouse and seafood grill from a former Top Chef contestant, is set to open in July 2026. Discover more in the OregonLive article below.
First Thursday Gallery Walk
First Thursday in the Pearl District: A Portland Arts Tradition Since the 1980s
Since the mid-1980s, First Thursday in the Pearl District has grown from a small neighborhood art gathering into one of Portland’s most beloved cultural traditions. Today, First Thursday Portland is a vibrant, year-round monthly art walk that draws thousands of visitors to the Pearl District for gallery openings, artist talks, and evenings filled with creative energy.
A special thank-you to the Portland Art Dealers Association (PADA) for helping keep Portland’s gallery community connected and supporting the ongoing success of First Thursday in the Pearl District.
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.
Group Show - Blue Sky 1995 - 2005: The Third Decade | through Feb 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb 5, 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.
Group Show - Signs of Dissent | through Feb 28
Ellen Goldschmidt - Pardon My Paradoxes | through Feb 28
Don Bailey - Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance | through Feb 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb 5, 5-8pm
Lauren Sheehan & Hobnail - Musical Performance | Feb 7, 7:30pm
News of the Day Workshop & John Daniel Teply Gallery Performance | Feb 13, 6pm
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.
Exhibition through February 28th
Gallery Hours | Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30 am–5:30 pm (and by appointment)
Location | 417 NW 9th Ave. Portland, OR 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.
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.
Group Show - First Look: The New Artists of Gallery 114 | through Feb 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb 5, 5-8pm
Artist Meet and Greet & Q&A | Feb 21, 2-4pm
Gallery Hours | Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 PM
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.
Green Period: Gloria Rodriguez
Exhibition: January 10 - February 28
GMS Annex | 1335 NW Kearney St. Portland, OR 97209
Gallery Hours | Saturday 12PM-4PM or by Appointment
GMS HQ | 906 NW 14th Ave, 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.
Alexandra Petersen - Hope Is the Thing with Feathers | through Feb 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb 5, 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.
Alexandra Boyden - Treelines | through Feb 28
First Thursday Reception | Feb 5, 5-8pm First Thursday Reception
A Dialogue with Alexandra Boyden | Feb 14, 11am-12pm
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.
Palimpsests: Layered Surfaces, Group Invitational | through March 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | Feb 5, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Feb 15, 11am-12:30pm
Gallery Hours | Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 am–5:30 pm, Sunday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
More to Explore in the Pearl!
An evening to sip, stroll, and experience the creative scene in Portland's Pearl District.
Date: Thursday, February 12th.
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Activities: Visit premiere art galleries and design showrooms on NW 9th Avenue.
Dominio IV at Adams and Ollman
Elk Cove Vineyards at Ann Sacks
Mars Water Wines at Black Gallery
Fairsing Vineyard at Blackfish Gallery
Evesham Wood at Elizabeth Leach Gallery
Rain Dance Vineyards at Hive
REX HILL at ILY2
Adelsheim Vineyard and Nash Vineyard at The Joinery
Iterum Wines at Laura Vincent Design & Gallery
Bergström Wines at SMG Collective
Sokol Blosser Winery at Waterstone Gallery
Refreshments: Enjoy a curated wine tasting from select Willamette Valley vineyards.
Join the Pearl District Neighborhood Association for their monthly networking coffee! Connect with local professionals and get a first look at the neighborhood’s newest event destination.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 18th
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Venue 13 (1355 NW Everett St, Ste 120)
Hosted By: Venue 13 & Urban Restaurant Group
Super Bowl Party at River Pig
Celebrate the big game at River Pig Saloon! Enjoy a high-energy atmosphere with a live DJ and great drinks.
Date: February 8, 2026
Features: Live DJ
Reservations: Table reservations are available.
Contact: Email portland@riverpigsaloon.com to secure your spot.
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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