February First Friday Art Walk and Openings

All events listed occur on the first Friday of the month and are free and open to all visitors unless otherwise specified.

Behind Closed Doors II: Figurative Art from Hipbone Studio Art Opening | Sidestreet Arts

For over 36 years, Hipbone Art, which is located on inner E. Burnside Ave, has served Portland area artists by offering multiple weekly, affordable figure drawing sessions open to everyone. Founder Jeff Burke, a professional model from New York, “encouraged the view of the model as a sensitive, thinking, expressive being — a subject, rather than an object.” This set a tone of professionalism, generosity, and collaboration between artists and models. Over the years, Hipbone has become a vibrant and supportive community reflecting a wide variety of artistic disciplines — from fine artists, professional illustrators, comic book artists and animators, to retirees, students, and people just wanting to try figure drawing for the first time. 

The work produced during these sessions can be quite amazing, but most artists view it primarily as practice. This is the reason most people come into the studio. What makes Hipbone Art Studio such a unique place is the collective experience of creative individuals, laser-focused on one goal, practicing in a supportive art space. 

This exhibit is a collaboration between Hipbone Art Studio and Sidestreet Arts Gallery. All the artworks are created by Hipbone artists and juried and curated by Sidestreet Arts Gallery members. We invite viewers to enjoy the beauty, complexity, variety, and mystery of the human form in this wide range of art mediums. Each piece presents an opportunity to reflect on our own perceptions and experience of the human body as form and function. We hope this exhibit offers a contemporary window on the long and honored history of figure drawing and painting.

5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR

Galeria Libris | GAGALLERY

A Book Arts themed art show featuring Artist Books and Book related artworks as well as illustrations, collages, sculpture and small press books.  
The exhibition will run from March 7th through April 4th.  The opening reception (March 7th from 6pm to 8pm) will feature music by Doug Schaeffer, and the closing reception will feature music by Adrienne Awen (April 4th from 6pm to 8pm).

Join us for other upcoming events with our artists:
March 15th Channeling through Coloring with Tre Roberts (Great for Kids!  Featuring the Little Witch Coloring Book)
March 15th Music and Artist Talk with Doug Schaffer
March 16th Open Gallery Hours with Harold McNaron
March 22nd
March 18th Fun Folded Forms with Erinn Katherine
March 22nd Workshop with Kyle Shelton

6 PM – 8 PM @ 2035 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR

Color and Sound: Through the Looking Glass | AZOTH

Color and Sound presents…
“Through the Looking Glass”
An art and music showcase 

An experimental noise and performance showcase followed by hours of dance music 

March 7th
At Azoth space, 87 and Sandy 
To the right of Americana dispensary 
Doors 8:30 pm, music starts at 9
$10-20 sliding scale at the door 
21 and up 

Music by 
Musique Mystique 
The Translucent Spiders
Axon Chamber 
Mr. Relish (DJ)
Funkhouser (DJ)
LVSH (B2B)

Performances by 
Alison Lockfeld (contortion)
Liz Howls (puppetry)
Changing Bodies (dance / Seattle)

Live painting by 
Matt O’Tousa
Corinne Dermond 

Visual art will be for sale too during this one night pop up event. (Portals, mirrors, surrealism, galaxies, windows and art into other worlds)

8:30 PM – 2 AM @ NE 87th Ave. and Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR

Elemental | Splendorporium Gallery

Splendorporium Gallery invites you to the Elemental show, a visual celebration of the elements. 

Opening night is Friday, March 7th 7-9PM.

This show features new work by Rachel Rusenko and 27 other local artists working in a variety of styles and media.

We will have Oracle Typewriter Poetry by Ghost and live acoustic guitar by Kepi Ghoulie

The Children’s Gallery (inside the main gallery) will be featuring new work by students in our Art4Life program. 

The show hangs through March 27th.  

Regular gallery hours are weekdays 11-5.

Pictured: Torch, Acrylic on canvas by Rachel Ruskenko

7 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21st Ave., Portland, OR

ARTIST OPEN STUDIOS | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

Come by to see the work and meet the artists of East Creative Collective! Featuring new artists every month, live music by Community Jams, installations and more!

Pictured: Birth of the Universe by Noah Alexander Isaac Stein

6 PM – 9 PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR

The Garden of Life & Reliving: Tobias Belew | ADX Gallery x

The Garden of Life & Reliving is an intimate and poignant exploration of grief, growth, and self-identity. In this collection, Tobias Belew reflects on the profound personal loss of both his brother and father, weaving a visual narrative that honors their memory while navigating the challenging path of healing. Through 25 vibrant full-color digital prints, this exhibition invites viewers to walk alongside the artist on a journey of reflection and emotional growth. The works capture the delicate balance of sorrow and hope, offering sympathy and connection for anyone experiencing their own personal struggles.

A culmination of two years of introspective reflection, The Garden of Life & Reliving aims to provide a space for contemplation, emotional resonance, and support for those seeking understanding or solace in the process of grief. This show is not only a tribute to loved ones lost but also a celebration of the resilience found in embracing life’s cyclical nature, finding new paths in times of hardship, and ultimately growing through the experience.

Join Tobias Belew for the opening reception on March 7th from 5-9 pm at ADX (417 SE 11th Ave) and experience the powerful blend of emotion, art, and reflection that forms the core of this remarkable exhibition. 

Additionally, join Tobias in the digital realm and witness the opening of the artist’s digital gallery. Website details to follow.

5 PM – 9 PM @ 417 SE 11th Ave., Portland, OR

Doubles | JaJa PDX

One night of art, music and skating @jajapdx on Friday, March 7th. Over 30+ artist,

5 musical acts and skate ramps provided by @famjampdx. Doors are open from 6-11pm, music starts at 7pm. See you there!

6 PM -11 PM @ 819 SE Taylor St., Portland, OR

DIRTY CLUB | kboo community radio

Calling all lovers of physical media! Join us at the KBOO station on Friday, March 7th from 6-9 PM

for our monthly First Friday Pop-Up Gallery event !

Join us for a celebration of DIY, indie media featuring local artists, vendors, and live music. Pick up a zine, flip through some vinyl, participate in community crafts, and help us prove that radio isn’t dead! This event is free and all ages.

6 PM – 9 PM @ 20 SE 21st Ave., Portland, OR

Club V! | Ford Gallery PDX

   “What’s the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself. It’s the world that convinced her she did not.” 
-Rupi Kaur

Everyone’s favorite group show is back! “Club V,” our all women’s exhibit, opens Friday, March 7th, 2025 at Ford Gallery PDX in SE Portland. 40 regional artists show their newest and rarest work in this inspiring showcase. See you there!

6 PM – 9 PM @ 2505 SE 11th St., Portland, OR

Kris Bliss Opening | Clinton Street Coffeehouse

My art is an invitation to see the unseen. I am inspired by the magic that happens when looking through a microscope uncovering the galactic chromosomes beyond our world.

I create my art with a nod to the fantastical, befriending color, exuding joy, and letting my spirit guide me to open portals into my imagination.

I was born and raised in a small town in MN, and by the age of 5 realized that a life of coloring inside the lines was not for me. Craving a place with more dimension, I found myself in Portland where I’ve been thriving for the past 20 years.

My hope is that my art provides a moment for you to celebrate and feed your own creativity. 

Thank you kindly,

Kriss Bliss

5 PM – 7 PM @ 2706 SE 26th Ave., Portland, OR

Contact Us

We do our best to make the list as complete as possible, if you have an event or correction you would like to see listed please send show details to Info@FirstFridayPDX.org or use our easy online event submission form.

Other Monthly Art Openings

Events listed occur throughout the month are free and open to all visitors unless otherwise specified.

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Monthly art openings and participating galleries

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