June First Thursday Gallery Guide
Fresh art. Bright energy. 🎨🌷
Discover what’s going on Around the Pearl this June!
June bursts into bloom with the PDX Bloom Tour, the 25th Anniversary of the First Thursday Street Gallery, and Primordial Sounds presented by The Residency.
Don’t miss a moment — discover what’s new!
Welcome to Around the Pearl — your go-to guide for art, culture, and community in the Pearl District!
This month, we’re spotlighting two powerful events: the PDX Bloom Tour, a celebration of creativity citywide, and Primordial Sounds, presented by The Residency. This First Thursday event features evocative new works by Pippa Arend, Leah Kohlenberg, and guest artist Zhanna Tsytsyn, plus a live performance by Tuvan throat singer Soriah.
From striking exhibitions to dynamic street art and vibrant community events, the Pearl is alive with creativity this month.
Here’s your guide to the must-see moments and artistic highlights happening Around the Pearl.
Urban Art Network First Thursday
Urban Art Network is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the incredible First Thursday Street Gallery!
🌟 First Thursday
📆 June 5th, 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! 🖼️✨
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
Jesse Egner - I Want to See How Things Play Out | Mariette Pathy Allen - Breaking Boundaries: 50 Years of Images
Jesse Egner - I Want to See How Things Play Out | through June 28
Mariette Pathy Allen - Breaking Boundaries: 50 Years of Images | through June 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | June 5, 5-9pm
In-Person Artist Talk - Jesse Egner | June 7, 2-3pm
In-Person Artist Talk - Mariette Pathy Allen | June 7, 3:30-4:30pm
Image | Jesse Egner
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
An exhibition curated by Donovan Scribes, opening on First Thursday, June 5th, The opening reception takes place from 5pm to 7pm, and the exhibition continues through July 5th.
Additional information is available on their website.
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
Benjamin Mefford - OZYMANDIAS | Justin Auld - Quantum Works | Group Show - Glimpses
Benjamin Mefford - OZYMANDIAS | through June 28
Justin Auld - Quantum Works | through June 28
Group Show - Glimpses | through June 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | June 5, 5-8pm
Artists' Talk | June 8, 2-5pm
Image | Justin Auld
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
Jinie Park - Exotic Animal
Exhibition | June 5th - July 12th, 2025
First Thursday | June 5th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Jinie Park
Pat Boas - Scripts
Exhibition | June 5th - July 12th, 2025
First Thursday | June 5th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Pat Boas
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
Lauren Mantecón- Flash of Beauty
Exhibition | June 4th- July 12th, 2025
First Thursday | June 5th, 2025, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk | June 4th, 2025, 5-7pm
Image | Lauren Mantecón
Stanzaz | Terrell James
Exhibition | June 4th- July 12th, 2025
First Thursday | June 5th, 2025, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk | June 4th, 2025, 5-7pm
Image | Terrell James
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
Elena Thomas and Morgan Curtis -The Square Perspective | Group Show - Small Wonders
Elena Thomas and Morgan Curtis - The Square Perspective | through June 28
Group Show - Small Wonders | through June 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | June 5, 5-8pm
Informal Artist Meet and Greet | June 14, 10am-12pm
Image | Small Wonders
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
L McDonald - Resilience
L McDonald - Resilience | through June 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | June 5, 5-8pm
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
Mike Vos - Fragile, Tenuous Worlds | Jim Bressi - New Paintings
Mike Vos - Fragile, Tenuous Worlds | through June 28
Jim Bressi - New Paintings | through June 28
First Thursday Opening Reception | June 5, 5-8pm
A Dialogue with Mike Vos | June 21, 11m-12pm
Image | Mike Voss
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
Martha Pfanschmidt & Nancy Wilkins - THIS MUST BE THE PLACE | through June 29
First Thursday Opening Reception | June 5, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | June 7, 12:30-1:30pm
Image | Martha Pfanschmidt & Nancy Wilkins
More Events
The Residency Presents: PRIMORDIAL SOUNDS
Join The Residency for an evening of art and performance exploring the theme of Primordial Sounds.
Residency artist Pippa Arend reimagines the family tree using ancestral materials like bone ink, plant cordage, and gold. Leah Kohlenberg presents cityscapes where light and rhythm suggest movement and sound. Guest artist Zhanna Tsytsyn offers surreal landscapes that reflect both nature and the inner world.
The night includes a special live performance by Soriah, award-winning Tuvan throat singer and ritualist.
Wine and snacks provided. Free and open to the public.
Contact: theresidencystudio@gmail.com
When: June 5th, 5:30 - 8:30
Where: The 13th Street Lofts, 239 NW 13th Ave (across from W+K)
The 3rd Annual Bloom Tour is back from May 23 – June 8, 2025—a vibrant celebration of floral art and creativity across downtown. 🌼✨
Don’t miss stunning installations by local florists + artists, featured at your favorite downtown spots.
📍 Two must-see stops in the Pearl District:
🌿 The Joinery – Soul Seed
🌸 Andina Restaurant – Darling Dahlia Floral
Jazz in the Pearl: A Soulful Summer Evening with The Norman Sylvester Band
Jazz in the Pearl returns this summer with a free live performance from none other than The Norman Sylvester Band, featuring the soulful vocals of Lenanne Miller. This exciting event is part of Portland’s Summer Free for All series and promises an evening of incredible talent, vibrant energy, and laid-back fun under the open sky.
📅 Event Details:
Date: Friday, July 11th
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Jamison Square Park, Pearl District
Admission: Absolutely FREE!
Porsche Studio Portland is back for a First Thursday Open House! This will be the first & only First Thursday open house of the season so check it out while you can at Porsche Studio Portland.
Date: Thursday, June 5th, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Porsche Studio Portland (1432 NW Johnson St, Portland, OR 97209)
Admission: Free and open to the public!
Parking: Garage parking available across Johnson St.
PNCA is proud to present Cueste lo que Cueste, organized by Creativos Unidos.
Join us for the kickoff of Sin Permiso, a weekend of independently produced Latino cultural programming.
Cueste lo que Cueste will bring together local vendors and artists for a community market, a gallery-style showcase of collaborative art, and a panel conversation with the artists.
Free & open to the public
All ages welcome
Pacific Northwest College of Art
511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209
RSVP through Eventbrite.
Join the June First Thursday celebration—an evening of art, culture, and community. This year, the event proudly features local artist Cyrus Clark Coleman and his powerful exhibition, "Black Label."
Hosted by: Cat Jerger, Stephen Bowdon, and Hannah Moore with Guild Mortgage
Date: Thursday, June 5th, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT
Location: Guild Mortgage, 720 NW 14th 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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