April First Thursday Gallery Guide
Join the festivities for the 25th anniversary of the Urban Art Network’s Street Gallery and explore First Thursday’s vibrant gallery walk!
Get ready to dive into the exciting events happening in our wonderful community with Around the Pearl as your ultimate guide!
Welcome to Around the Pearl, your go-to guide for the vibrant art and event scene in our amazing community! April kicks off with a spectacular celebration as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Urban Art Network Street Gallery. Join us for the First Thursday Street Gallery on historic 13th Avenue to experience the heart and soul of local creativity with an incredible lineup of artists showcasing their work along the streets. But the celebration doesn't stop there — the First Thursday Gallery Walk promises a stunning array of gallery exhibitions, offering something inspiring for every art lover. Let's dive into all the can't-miss events and artistic highlights happening Around the Pearl this month!
🎉 Guess what? First Thursday is back, and it’s bringing the party!
Urban Art Network is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the incredible First Thursday Street Gallery! Celebrate the kick-off with an evening of art, creativity, and community vibes.
🌟 First Thursday
📆 April 3rd, 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
The Crossroads | Nykelle DeVivio, #influenced | Laura Beth Reese
Exhibition | April 3 - 26, 2025
First Thursday Opening | April 6, 5-9 pm
In-Person Artist Talk- Nykelle DeVivo | April 5, 2-3 PM
In-Person Artist Talk- Laura Beth Reese | April 5, 3:30- 4:30 PM
Nykelle DeVivo | website | @nykelle_devivo
Laura Beth Reese | website | @laurabethreese
Image | Nykelle Devivo
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
QUALIA | Hannah Thesis
,
CONNECTIONS | Phillip Stork,
Under the Covers | Group Show, Luminous Fire from a Broken Machine | Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
Exhibition | April 3- April 26
First Thursday Opening Reception | April 3rd, 5-8 pm
The Naomi Poems | April 10, 7-9 pm
Music Performances - Bug Toast & Danny Schauffler Trio | April 11, 7:30 pm
Artists’ Panel Discussion | April 13, 2-4 pm
Collage Night | April 20, 6 pm
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
A Survey 1995 - 2023: Dinh Q. Lê
Elizabeth Leach Gallery presents Dinh Q. Lê: A Survey 1995 - 2023, an exhibition celebrating the life and work of Dinh Q. Lê (1968 - 2024).
Exhibition | March 5 - April 26, 2025
First Thursday | April 3, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Website | @elizabethleachgallery
Image | Dinh Q. Lê: A Survey 1995-2023
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
Holding Space | Rebecca Boraz
Exhibition | March 4 - April 12, 2025
First Thursday | April 3, 2025, 5-8 pm
Image | Rebecca Boraz: Thoughts of the Sun
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
Catalyst | Kay Henning Danley
Exhibition | April 3- April 26
First Thursday Opening Reception | April 3, 5 – 8 pm
Artist Talk | April 19, 2-3 pm
Kay Henning Danley | kaydanley@msn.com
Image | Kay Henning Danley | One Red Umbrella
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
Aphelion | Hannah Theiss
First Thursday Opening Reception | April 3rd, 5-8 pm
Collage with the Artists | April 27, 3-5 pm
Image | Hannah Theiss
“In partnership with Blackfish Gallery, guest artist Hannah Theiss presents Aphelion at J. Pepin Art Gallery. Aphelion marks the genesis of Theiss’s artistic exploration of mental health. In Hannah Theiss's debut solo exhibition, Aphelion, she explores the psychological journey of rediscovery, as she confronts the fragmented essence crafted over a lifetime for safety and acceptance. The title, drawn from the astronomical term for the farthest point in an orbit, symbolizes a profound realization and shift—a reckoning and acceptance on the path to reclaiming a once-abandoned self. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience Aphelion, the foundation of Qualia, and to follow the evolution of Theiss’s artistic journey.”
- J.Pepin Gallery
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
Incomplete Paperwork | Clive Knights
Exhibition | April 3- April 29
First Thursday Opening Reception | April 3, 5-8 pm
A Dialogue with Clive Knights | April 19, 11 am-12 pm
Image | PADA
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
The New Abnormal 2.0 | Sabrina Haque
Exhibition | April 3- April 27
Opening Reception & First Thursday | April 3, 5-8 pm
Artist Talk | April 13, 11 am- 12:30 pm
Image | Sabina Haque | Fire & Floods
MORE EVENTS AROUND THE PEARL!
Save the Date! Coffee Chat with Councilor Olivia Clark from District 4
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Location: Fields Bar & Grill, 1139 Northwest 11th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97209
This informal event is a fantastic opportunity to sit down with Councilor Clark, share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss the issues that matter most to our community. Whether you have concerns about local policies or upcoming projects or want to get to know your representative better, this is the perfect space for an open and productive conversation. Don’t miss the chance to connect, stay informed, and make your voice heard!
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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