January Art & Events Guide
What’s On in the Pearl: Art, Open Mics, and Salons This Month
First Thursday in the Pearl District is one of Portland’s most anticipated January art events, but the neighborhood’s creative energy doesn’t end when the gallery walk wraps up. While the opening-night art crawl is a perfect reason to get back out after the holidays, the Pearl District stays busy all month with live performances, conversations, and community gatherings.
This January, Pearl District events lean into storytelling and connection, from the A.M.P. First Open Mic of 2026 to the debut of the Not That Late Show residency at Portland Center Stage, plus a TEDxPortland Salon at Wieden+Kennedy. Together, these events highlight the district’s role as a hub for Portland’s arts and creative culture.
Whether you’re visiting for First Thursday Portland, planning a night at the theater, or looking for a talk or performance later in the month, here’s what’s happening in the Pearl District this January.
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.
Exhibitions: through 31
First Thursday Opening Reception | Jan 8, 5-8pm
Artist Talk - Constance Jaeggi with Poet Reading from Angelina Sáenz & Ire'ne Lara Silva | Jan 10, 2-3pm
Artist Talk - Lauren Grabelle | Jan 10, 3:30-4:30pm
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.
Exhibitions: through Jan 31
First Thursday Opening Reception | Jan 8, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Jan 17, 2-3pm
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.
Poetry reading by Youna Kwak and Lisa Wells, with opening remarks by Munro Galloway
Date: Saturday, January 10
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Elizabeth Leach Gallery, 417 NW 9th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland
A brief talk with @munro_galloway and the closing day of his exhibition, “Rest is Smoke.” The event will feature a poetry reading by Youna Kwak, author of “For This and Other Cruelties” and @lisa_wells_writer, author of “The Fire Passage.”
Group Exhibition- Sculpted Light
Exhibition through February 28th
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.
Exhibition: 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.
Exhibition: through Jan 31
First Thursday Opening Reception | Jan 8, 5-8pm
Artist Meet & Greet | Jan 18, 12-2pm
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.
Green Period: Gloria Rodriguez
Exhibition: January 10 - February 28
Opening Reception | Thursday, January 15, 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.
Exhibition: through Jan 18
First Thursday Opening Reception:
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.
Exhibition: Jan 16 through Feb 28
First Thursday Reception | Feb 5, 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.
Exhibition: through Feb 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | Jan 8, 5-8pm
Artist Demos & Jazz | Jan 25, 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!
Step into a space alive with story on First Thursday! Surrounded by Louis White’s powerful artwork: bold narratives of Black pride, resilience, and transformation, the gallery becomes more than a venue. It becomes a conversation.
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Schedule:
5:00–6:00 PM: Meet the Artist: Louis White
5:30–6:00 PM: Doors open & Open Mic check-in
6:00 PM: Open Mic begins
7:00 PM: Featured Poet takes the stage
Open Mic continues to close out the night. (Poets: be sure to check the FAQs for sign-up details.)
Location: A.M.P. Gallery
1124 NW 13th Ave, Pearl District, Portland
The year of the NOTTIE starts now!
Hosted by Rachael Young and Lizzy Rees, this comedy-meets-culture mashup blends sketch, stand-up, improv, live music, and sharp takes on pop culture, capitalism, and sexuality, all through a queer/femme lens. Every month brings fresh guests, absurd twists, and moments that feel like late-night TV… in a slightly different dimension.
Dates: Jan 17–June 20, 2026
Tickets: $20–$45
Kick things off with performances from Imani Got Milk, Mr. Dirty Randy, and My Dream Band.
Grab a Styring Vineyards pour or a Montucky Cold Snacks Lager, score a sliding-scale ticket, and get ready.
Portland Center Stage
The PDNA Business Support Committee’s monthly networking coffee is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. This month, we are meeting at North Pole Studio, located at 514 NW 11th Ave, Suite 203.
North Pole Studio is a 5,000 sq. ft. space in the heart of the Pearl designed to help artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities thrive as professional members of the arts community. Join us to connect with neighbors and learn about their work in ceramics, woodworking, fiber arts, and digital media.
Event Details:
When: Wednesday, Jan 21st, 8:00–9:00 AM.
Location: 514 NW 11th Ave, Suite 203.
Refreshments: Coffee and snacks provided by ROVE WILD and 1-800-PLUMBER + AIR.
Registration: Registration is preferred; you can sign up at northpolestudio.org.
TEDxPortland launches 2026 with a compelling Salon event focused on one of today’s most urgent and complex topics: addiction. Join the community on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Wieden+Kennedy for an evening of bold ideas, live music, and shared conversation.
This special TEDxPortland Salon features three all-new talks, each offering a distinct and courageous perspective on addiction—blending science, advocacy, and lived experience. The evening also includes live music, plus complimentary food and drinks, creating space not just to listen, but to connect.
Event Schedule
5:45 PM – Doors open
6:00–7:00 PM – Food and drinks
7:00–8:30 PM – Talks and live performance
Speakers & Performer
This Salon brings together a powerful lineup of voices shaping the conversation around addiction:
Dr. Milky Kohno, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at OHSU and Research Scientist at the VA Portland Health Care System, explores the science of addiction through psychosocial, behavioral, and genetic lenses.
Kitty Martz, advocate and leader in gambling recovery, shares insights drawn from her work as President of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling and Executive Director of Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery.
Alex Green, former NFL running back and founder of the Dream and Believe Foundation, speaks from lived experience—mentoring at-risk youth and leading impactful drug and alcohol recovery programs.
Kasey Anderson, Portland-based singer-songwriter and Executive Director of the Alano Club of Portland, provides live music that brings heart and humanity to the evening.
This TEDxPortland Salon offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with a topic that touches countless lives—through thoughtful dialogue, creative expression, and community.
Don’t miss this first TEDxPortland event of 2026.
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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