ABOUT PADA

PADA includes Portland’s principal art galleries maintaining the highest standards of fine art while cultivating relationships with artists, collectors, museums, art institutions and schools. PADA members present a diverse range of regionally, nationally and internationally recognized artists. Serving as art ambassadors for the entire community, these galleries are distributed throughout all of Portland’s diverse quadrants. Believing in the power of art and its ability to enrich society, as a collective of visual art galleries, PADA members value the opportunity to connect and engage communities, with the intention to advance a dynamic, inclusive, and equitable arts ecosystem. We look forward to seeing you in one of our galleries!

OREGON VISUAL ART ALLIANCE

Our partnering organizations are many of Oregon’s leading academic, non-profit museums and galleries who work together to promote a vibrant visual arts community. ORVAA members represent a wide range of organizations throughout Oregon’s landscape. To learn more, check out our Oregon Map.

OPENINGS & EVENTS

Over the years Portland’s art scene has expanded widely with PADA members working hard to promote openings, exhibitions and events all throughout the Portland Metro Area. Our events may be attended at our galleries and partner institutions throughout the city on any given night of the week.

Educational presentations and discussions are another premier monthly activity presented by PADA and ORVAA, which are generally free to the public. We invite you to explore our Current Exhibitions and Calendar pages, which link to individual galleries for more information.

The PADA Pop Up is in its second year at Building 5 and we invite you to come out to meet your local galleries. Join PADA galleries, ORVAA partners, and our distinguished guests for a fun day full of artwork, rubbing elbows with artists, curator meet-n-greets, and more.

PADA members also benefit from our annual presence at the Seattle Art Fair, where we support our exhibiting collective galleries through special events, tours, and programs throughout the weekend.

Subscribe below to receive our bi-monthly email announcements on all the art events happening in Portland, greater Oregon, and beyond.

PADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 
Mission | Values | Vision
 

HISTORY

First Thursday, Portland’s flourishing art walk, was initiated in 1986 by the founding members of PADA. During this year-round, monthly event, galleries in and around the Pearl District and Northwest host opening receptions for new exhibitions. Many PADA members continue to follow the First Thursday schedule—keeping the tradition alive—while also hosting events throughout the month as well. Our longtime and new members continue to thrive, while shaping PADA and ORVAA into what it is today.