CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
Over the years Portland’s art scene has expanded widely, and continued to persist even through a global pandemic. PADA members and ORVAA partners work hard to promote openings, exhibitions and events all throughout the Portland Metro Area and greater State of Oregon. Events can be attended at galleries and institutions on any given night of the week.
First Thursday, Portland’s flourishing art walk, was initiated thirty years ago 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 having events throughout the month as well.
Robert Shepard - Complete. Empty. | through Sept 27
Paul Missal - Revisited | through Sept 27
Anastasiya Gutnik - The Listening Grove | through Sept 27
Noah Alexander Isaac Stein - Synthetic Accretion | through Sept 27
Upcoming:
Ruri & Satoko Motouji - DESTRUCTION • REJUVENATION • HARMONY | through Nov 1
Kanetaka Ikeda - Rhythm of Nature | through Nov 1
Philip Stork - Reflections | through Nov 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Oct 12, 2-4pm
Nancy Helmsworth, Lisa Conway & Julie Johnson - Riparian Reflections | through Sept 27
Meet & Greet Wrap-up Reception | Sept 27, 3:30-5pm
Upcoming:
Olivia Johnson & Zac Banik - Social Fabric | through Nov 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Oct 11, 12-1:30pm
Embroidery Workshop | Oct 11, 2-5pm
Lynda Sprecher - Where Art Meets Heat | through Oct 12
Upcoming:
October Group Show | Oct 16 through Nov 2
Erika Warhus - Restless Nature | through Sept 27
Upcoming:
Scotty Peek - Nearby | through Oct 2
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Justin L'Amie - Dismal Nitch Polyphemus Moth | through Oct 4
Group Show - Bookends | through Oct 4
Upcoming:
Heather Watkins - Visual Fields | Oct 8 through Nov 1
Opening Reception | Oct 11, 3-5pm
Gina Wilson - quiddity | through Sept 27
Ko Kirk Yamahira - the moment of immersing themselves in the same space in front of the piece, untitled | through Sept 27
Upcoming:
Michael Brophy - Infandous | through Nov 1
J.D. Perkin - The West Yet Glimmers | through Nov 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-7pm
Artist Talk | Oct 11, 11am-12pm
Andrea Lopez - Evolving | through Sept 28
Upcoming:
Claudia Hollister - Mesmerizing Blues | through Nov 2
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Artist Talk | Oct 5, 11am-12pm
Osamu James Nakagawa - Kai 廻: Following the Cycle of Life | through Sept 27
Nadia Sablin - Years Like Water| through Sept 27
Upcoming:
Group Show - Blue Sky 1975 - 1985: The First Ten Years | through Nov 1
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 5-8pm
Blue Sky 50th Anniversary Rooftop Party | Oct 5, 6-9pm tickets
Group Show - Shadow and Light: Native American Printmakers from Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts | through Dec 30 (at The Brinton Museum in Big Horn, Wyoming)
Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and Betty C. Davis Collection of African American Art | through Dec 20
Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts Biennial | through June 20, 2026
Gallery Talk | Oct 14, 12:30-1:30pm
Marie Watt - Storywork: The Prints of Marie Watt, From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation | through Dec 6
Jingle Dance Performance with Acosia Red Elk | Oct 2, 4-5pm rsvp
Native Plant Tour with ITECK | Oct 14, 12:40-1:30pm rsvp
Exhibition Tour | Oct 18, 1-2pm rsvp
Public Lecture | Oct 25, 1-2pm rsvp
Iris Tervo - Mercury | through Oct 31
Upcoming:
Dan Tran - Calendars | through Nov 1
Joni Smith - Markmaker | through Nov 15
First Thursday Opening Reception | Oct 2, 4-9pm
Jason Langer - Berlin: A Jewish Ode to the Metropolis | through Oct 26
Group Show - Outliers and Outlaws | through Oct 26
Global Icons, Local Spotlight: Contemporary Art from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer | through Jan 11
Yoshida Chizuko | through Jan 4
Free First Thursday | Oct 2, 10am-7pm
Japanese Printmaking Demonstration | Oct 2, 12-3pm
Rediscovering Yoshida Chizuko: A Symposium | Oct 25, 9am-4pm