May First Thursday Gallery Guide
New art. Big milestones. Good vibes. 🎨💛
See what’s happening “Around the Pearl” this month!
May kicks off with a new gallery, the PNCA Thesis Exhibition, 25 years of First Thursday Street Gallery magic, and special events for Mental Health Month. 🖼️💛 Don’t miss a moment — discover what’s new!
Welcome to Around the Pearl — your go-to source for all things art, culture, and community! This month, we’re bursting with fresh energy, from the opening of the new North Pole Gallery to the incredible PNCA Thesis Exhibition. Plus, we’re celebrating 25 years of creativity with the First Thursday Street Gallery along historic 13th Avenue! In honor of Mental Health Month, don't miss a special benefit for Cascadia Health honoring artist Bob Volke at Keen’s Headquarters — and be sure to check out J. Pepin Gallery’s online auction raising funds for mental health services.
With stunning exhibitions, lively street art, and inspiring community gatherings, there’s something new and exciting waiting around every corner.
Let’s dive into all the can't-miss events and artistic highlights happening Around the Pearl this month!
Urban Art Network First Thursday
Urban Art Network is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the incredible First Thursday Street Gallery!
🌟 First Thursday
📆 May 1st, 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
Leah DeVun: Resemblance | Sara J. Winston: Our body is a clock
Exhibition | May 1 - 31, 2025
First Thursday Opening | May 1st, 5-9 pm
In-Person Artist Talk | Leah DeVun | May 3, 2-3 pm
In-Person Artist Talk | Sara J. Winston | May 3, 3:30-4:30 pm
Image | Leah DeVun
First Thursday MFA & BFA 2025 Thesis Exhibition
This annual exhibition marks the culmination of creative exploration, critical inquiry, and artistic innovation by the Bachelor/Master of Fine Arts candidates at the Pacific Northwest College of Art.
Over the course of their studies, these 25 exceptional artists, designers, and makers have dedicated themselves to intensive research, experimentation, and profound dedication, resulting in a diverse and compelling array of works.
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 1, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm!
On view across three locations in downtown Portland, Oregon, @ccac_pnca, @steloarts, @buildingfive
Exhibition | May 1 - 18, 2025
Location | Pacific Northwest College of Art, 511 Northwest Broadway, Portland, OR 97209
*Shuttle service between locations will be provided
Presented by Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University.
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
Exhibition | May 1 - 31, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 1, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk | Eddie Reed | May 2, 5:30-7:30 pm
Artist Talk | Angennette Escobar & Monica Mitchell | May 17, 3-5 pm
Image | Angennette Escobar
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
Elizabeth Leach Gallery is excited to announce Of ev ryh re and n wh re, the gallery’s first solo presentation of works by Vo Vo. Vo creates sculptures and textile-based works that reflect on the dehumanizing internationalism of a globalized economy, climate change, media streams, social forces, geographic displacement, erasure and the ongoing genocide of a people.
Exhibition | April 30 - May 31, 2025
First Thursday | May 1st, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Elizabeth Leach Gallery is pleased to present Backstage, an exhibition of photographs by Christopher Rauschenberg. Drawn from Studio Photography, Rauschenberg’s longest-running series, Backstage gives viewers a glimpse into an essential aspect of the art ecosystem, the artist’s studio.
Exhibition | April 30 - May 31, 2025
First Thursday | May 1st, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
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
Second Line | Tom Prochaska
Exhibition | April 16 - May 31, 2025
First Thursday | May 1st, 2025, 5-8 pm
Image | Prochaska "Hot Oven / Chester" 2024,
Finding a Place | Brian Kershisnik
Exhibition | April 16 - May 31, 2025
First Thursday | May 1st, 2025, 5-8 pm
Image | Finding a Place
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
Exhibition | May 1 - May 31st, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 1, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk | May 17, 11 am-12 pm
Image | Elderly Gentle Men in Hats, Michael Spence
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
Mental Health Awareness Month Group Show - Online Auction
Annual Online Art Auction | April 28th - May 4th
Bidding is now open
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 1, 5-8pm
Online Auction Items Link
With a variety of artworks from represented artists, J. Pepin Art Gallery is having an online art auction in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cascadia Health, which provides integrated mental health, addiction treatment, primary care, housing, crisis intervention, and more to over 18,000 individuals and families across the Portland-metro region each year.
Featured artworks will be on exhibit at J. Pepin Art Gallery from April 30th - May 4th, including during the First Thursday art walk on May 1st, 5-8 pm. You can also schedule a time to view or request additional images by emailing inquiry@jpepinartgallery.com
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
Exhibition | Through May 17th, 2025
Reception | May 1, 5-8 pm
Special Event | May 10, 2025 (more info coming soon!)
Image | Clive Knights
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
Exhibition | May 1 - June 1st, 2025
First Thursday Opening Reception | May 1, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk | May 18, 11 am-12 pm
Image | Lisa Onstad
North Pole Studio Open House
We’re thrilled to welcome North Pole Studio to the neighborhood as they open their doors for the First Thursday Art Walk in their new Pearl District space in the 1039 Building!
Stop by to explore their beautiful new studio, meet the talented artists, and check out artwork, prints, and merch available for sale.
When | Thursday, May 1st, from 5:00–9:00 PM during the First Thursday Gallery Walk.
Location | 1039 Building
514 NW 11th Ave, Suite 203, Portland, OR
More about North Pole: https://www.orartswatch.org/creating-magic-at-north-pole-studio/
https://www.koin.com/news/finding-hope/different-is-the-real-normal-at-north-pole-studio/
Celebrating the Life and Art of Bob Volke
A benefit in support of mental health services proceeds go to Cascadia Health.
Join friends and community as we STAND together, STAND up for ourselves, and STAND against the stigma surrounding mental health.
Through mental health treatment and the support of family and friends, Volke’s ability to STAND in strength- despite his diagnosis of schizophrenia - is a testament to the power of community and the positive change that comes when mental wellbeing is prioritized and celebrated.
Join us in taking a STAND for mental health services and continued access to integrated care and resources for our community.
Volke’s original art and prints will be available for sale.
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
PREMIERE DOCUMENTARY SHORT | A showing of Bob Volke’s documentary at 6:30 pm
Live music by JoAnna Lee
Location | Keen Footwear HQ
515 NW 13th Ave Portland OR 97209
More information here!
ALL proceeds go to Cascadia Health.
PDNA First Thursday Artist Series
PDNA presents a series showcasing two artists offering distinct perspectives on the city. A veteran painter reflects on Portland’s past through evocative works, while a contemporary makeup artist explores transformation and identity. The evening features live music by a guitarist introduced by local favorite Christopher Brown, known from the previous jazz series.
When: May 1st, 2025 - 5:30pm-9:00pm
Where: 901 NW 10th Ave
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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