First Thursday is a district-wide celebration that occurs on the First Thursday of each month. Originally a gathering of art collectors, the First Thursday celebration has grown to a monthly congregation of 10,000-15,000 people including art enthusiasts, wine aficionados and a place to be scene. First Thursday has quickly become a social Mecca and with many of Portland’s best happy hour menus found in the Pearl District, First Thursday is truly a unique Portland experience.
Art galleries hold receptions and stay open late into the evening to launch their new shows. Most galleries offer food and drink while the artists are on hand to talk about their work. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn a little more about art, without feeling like you’ve got to be an art connoisseur to attend.
In fact, First Thursday events are popular monthly outings for all kinds of Portlanders, and while some people might take it as an opportunity to dress up you shouldn’t feel like you have to. It’s a very casual environment, and most of the galleries are small, informal and inviting. For an even more informal First Thursday experience, be sure to check out the street gallery for independent artists – located on 13th street between Glisan & Lovejoy – it’s outdoors and runs from April through November, but it’s a great chance to see even more local artists who aren’t represented by galleries.
All First Thursday gallery opening receptions are free and open to the public, and the receptions generally run from about 6:00pm until 9:00pm (although individual gallery hours may vary).
The Pearl District Art Dealers Association sponsors several galleries although most of the Pearl District art galleries remain open for extended hours.
| Alysia Duckler Gallery Phone: 503/223-7595 |
1236 NW Hoyt Portland, OR 97209 |
| Augen Gallery Phone: 503/224-8182 |
817 SW 2 Portland, OR 97209 |
| Blackfish Gallery Phone: 503/224-2634 |
420 NW 9 Portland, OR 97209 |
| Bullseye Gallery Phone: 503.227.0222 |
300 NW 13th Ave Portland, OR 97209 |
| Butters Gallery, Ltd Phone: 503/248-9378 |
520 NW Davis Portland, OR 97209 |
| Elizabeth Leach Gallery Phone: 503/224-0521 |
417 NW 9 Portland, OR 97209 |
| Froelick Gallery Phone: 503/222-1142 |
817 SW 2 Portland, OR 97209 |
| Janice Griffin Gallery Phone: 503.241.8313 |
1301 NW 12th Portland, OR 97209 |
| Laura Russo Gallery Phone: 503/226-2754 |
805 NW 21 Portland, OR 97209 |
| Mark Woolley Gallery Phone: 503/224-5475 |
120 NW 9 Portland, OR 97209 |
| PDX Contemporary Art Phone: 503/222-0063 |
925 NW Flanders Portland, OR 97209 |
| Pulliam Deffenbaugh Gallery Phone: 503.228.6665 |
929 NW Flanders Portland, OR 97209 |
| Pushdot Studio Phone: 503-224-5925 |
830 NW 14 Portland, OR 97209 |
| Quintana Galleries Phone: 503/223-1729 |
120 NW 9 Portland, OR 97209 |
