August Newsletter: Art, Color, and Illusion

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Hi,
Whether representative or abstract, for the artist there can sometimes appear a division between the conceptual intent of a work and its aesthetic expression. No less in theory then in practice, the temptation to pursue a work to imagined perfection often collides with the very power and immediacy that drove its creation.  

By contrast, the act of unrestrained artistic expression cuts through these divisions, using color and shape to bridge otherwise inseparable chasms. Here the truth of a work and its aesthetic are inseparable in both the moment of creation, and in the eye of both artist and viewer.

On this note, I am excited to highlight shows this month focus on the captivating power of the experience of color and form.

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

AUGUST ART EVENTS

COLOR AND SOUND | MING LOUNGE / REPUBLIC CAFE

“Color and Sound” is a four hour event of experimental music, house djs and vibrant, whimsical artwork curated by Miz Chaos. Free at the door but a suggested donation of $5-20 for the musicians. Contortion performance by Alison Lockfeld, music by Dromia, Tati Musique Mystique, DJO Fortuna and Mienne. Follow the music into the back secret speakeasy venue of Ming Lounge / Republic Cafe downtown Portland, 8 pm to midnight August 4th

8 PM – 12 AM @ 222 NW 4th Ave., Portland, OR

CHARMED | SPLENDORPORIUM

Coming from the Latin carmen, meaning “song, verse, enchantment”, the word charm originally meant to cast a magic spell, to enchant someone or something with song or speech. It later acquired the meaning of “to win over by treating pleasingly, delight”.

This show features new work by mixed media artist Elizabeth Shupe and over 30 other local artists exploring themes of magic, desire and delight. 

Please join us for the opening on Friday, August 4th from 7 to 9 pm. 

(Attached: Lamp Bearer by Elizabeth Shupe)

7 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21st Ave., Portland, OR 97202

LANDS OF ENCHANTMENTERINN KATHRYN | PUSHDOT STUDIO GALLERY

Lands of Enchantment (2019-present), challenges the glossy, picturesque mirages of America found on
postcards of the 20th century.

Postcards are talismans of tourism. They memorialize ones experience in a place. They idealize the place itself. But what if they revealed truths? In these dioramas, the idyllic postcard imagery is obscured by truths: black text listing the indigenous tribes who have stewardship over the land (https://native-land.ca/) and red text revealing an unspoken truth about the condition of that land. These overlays elucidate the cost of progress. Viewers toggle between fore, middle, and background– future, present, past– as text casts shadows on the postcard imagery, indicating that layers are coexistent.

6 PM – 8 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Avenue, Suite 104 – in the Ford Building, enter on Division Street Portland, OR 

CMYK: AN EXPLORATION OF COLOR | FORD GALLERY

Friday night we’re going back to basics for the next show at Ford Gallery PDX.

According to Wikipedia- “The CMYK color model (also known as process color, or four color) is a subtractive color model, based on the CMY color model, used in color printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself. The abbreviation CMYK refers to the four ink plates used: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black).”

Join 5 of Portland’s most exciting artists Friday, August 4th for the opening reception of “CMYK: an exploration in color.” Each artist has created 4 new, large-scale works depicting their interpretation of each hue. To simply put it, this show is rad!

Featured Artists:
@a.dougherty.fineart 
@heatheradamekartist 
@lacylowry.art 
@liz.dexter 
@rachaelallenpaintings 

As always, the best in PNW wine and beer will be available from @backcountry.wine.tasting.room and music from @djscreendoor

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

ETHEREAL VISIONS: JASON STEWART | AFRU GALLERY

AFRU Gallery is proud to present Ethereal Visions, Jason Stewart’s first solo show in five years. Jason’s detailed pieces meld science fiction with nature to create otherworldly, amazingly executed creatures.

Featuring music by DJ Acero Caradona

7 PM – 11 PM @ 534 SE Oak St. Portland, OR

COLAB SHOW | ADX GALLERY X

View the work of over 30 creators collaborating in teams to create stunning pieces. 
100% of art sales go directly to the artists that created them. 

Come through and support some top-tier collaborative creations on Friday!

We had our first Colab Show in February of 2021. Our goal was to hang a show that built community while we socially distanced during the pandemic. It was a hard time for many artists, and our show helped create lasting friendships and inspire artists to work outside their comfort zones. 

Now, in 2023, we extend a new call for collaborations that continue deepening our connection to ourselves, our fellow artists, and our community.

4 PM – 8 PM @ 417 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR

THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, ACTIONS: GARY HIRSCH | SIDESTREET ARTS

For the month of August, Gary Hirsch, who is a local artist, muralist, TED Talk giver, creativity consultant, and Botjoy creator is filling up more than half of the gallery with new art works.

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

MULTIMEDIA ART SHOW | EARTH SPACE PDX

We are thrilled to announce a dynamic multimedia trio show featuring the artwork of Blue @brushfireheart Josh Gaines @thejoshgaines and

Ross McPherson @_notphers_ @ross.m_art

@ This show includes paintings, drawings, original art films, soundscapes, and more!

(g) I hear you may even get the opportunity to play with some hand crafted creature masks!

• Opening reception is Friday August 4th from

6-10pm here at Earth Space! Gratis entry

Jj. Live music at 8pm by John Carter @john.a.carter

© Oracle readings with Chelsea RedKnees @chelsearedknees of Beyond The Veilscape

~ Massage with Courtney Backes @thymebundles

6 PM – 10 PM @ 4135 SE Gladstone St., Portland, OR

POP-UP SALE | ART ON THE BOULEVARD

We are having a pop-up sale on First Friday August 4th, 4-8pm! Denise McFadden, Emily Schultz-McNeil and Michael Lindstrom will be here selling unframed paintings at one day only special low prices. Victoria Lindstrom will also be here selling and signing her books and you can also ask her about upcoming new book that she will be releasing in a couple of months. This will be a great chance to chat with the artists and pick up some wonderful artwork at a great price. We hope you can stop by!

4 PM – 8 PM @ 210 W. Evergreen Boulevard #300, Vancouver, WA

THE ARTISTS OF SCRAP | GROUNDED NW

We are so excited about our August Art Collaboration! Join us opening night, Friday August 4th at 6pm for a meet and greet with the SCRAP Emplovee Artists, live music by @nedandwendy_theband & complimentary drinks and snacks!

@scrapportland will have their art displays up all of August

6 PM – 9 PM @ 1951 W Burnside St., Portland, OR

RESONANCE | CORRIDOR GALLERY

 Friday, August 4th visit the Corridor gallery for the Artist’s Reception of Resonance, a show in conjunction with the @vancouverartsmusicfest celebrating arts and music!

The gallery is open all day, and the reception is 5-8.

5 PM – 8 PM @ 610 Esther St, Vancouver, WA

FIRST FRIDAYFINAL PRE BURN | MANIFESTATION

It’s a very special First Friday this month. fundraising for an awesome Burning Man art proiect called @lovethvbeast.art ! I’m so excited to be involved with helping to bring these pieces to life. Stop by Friday the 4th, 6 to 9 for music, snacks, and damn good art!

6 PM – 9 PM @ 2020 SE Bush St., Portland, OR

WHERE ARE WE GOING AND WHAT WILL WE DO WHEN WE GET THERE? | ART AT THE CAVE

This exhibit garners its name from a piece by Paul Gauguin, but don’t let this work or artist be the driving force of your creativity. We’re looking for original, contemplative and prophetic art; art that navigates the seas of humanity into some semblance of perception. Channel your inner philosopher and grasp your epistemic perspective by the ears. Tell me, where are we going, and what will we do when we get there?

4 PM – 8 PM @ 108 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA

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.

Timeless and Free


Our understanding of time is a fascinating thing. When regarded as an objective phenomena it carries an inexorable weight tied to impermanence and its passage flies before us. However, when detached from a conceptual framework, and regarded instead as a purely subjective experience, we gain access to a boundless abundance that is scarcely less then eternity. By turns of perspective, each moment is both the briefest flicker, and also an endless river of light.

In addition to highlighting shows this month on this topic, I invite you to regard art as a gateway to an experience of timelessness. As you viewer a work of art tonight, allow yourself to become fully immersed in it, and swim in the cool river of its expereince.
Hope to see you tonight,

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

 JUNE ART EVENTS

THE THIN VEIL | SPLENDORPORIUM
The Thin Veil refers to a time or place where the boundary between our world and the spirit world, or the mystical and mundane, is less solid and more easily transversed. This show features work by collage artist Greg Traw and over 20 other local artists exploring such liminal and otherworldly spaces in a variety of styles and media. Please join us for opening night, Friday June 2nd, 2023 from 7 to 9 pm. The show runs through July 28th.  
7 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21ST Ave., Portland, OR 97214 
DURATION: PHIL HARRIS | PUSHDOT STUDIOS
Portland photographer Phil Harris exhibits images from his Duration series of large-scale time-based inkjet prints. The pictures are about the passage of time, change, and the unstable quality of the fleeting moment. All the images were made using a small hand-held point-and-shoot camera, along with some patience and wholehearted attention. Each assembled picture lays out a process of change that can be hard to understand without a visual guide.
Phil Harris has been a Portland-based art photographer for decades. He taught for some years at Oregon College of Art and Craft, and has exhibited his work around the US. His images are held in numerous collections, public and private.
6 PM – 8 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Avenue, Suite 104 – in the Ford Building, enter on Division Street Portland, OR
10TH ANNIVERSARY | MANIFESTATION
10 year anniversarv at Manifestation!Brother husbands on DJ duties.
6 PM – 9 PM @ 2020 SE Bush St., Portland, OR 
OUT OF TIME AND PLACE: STEVE HILL | ART ON THE BOULEVARD
5 PM – 8 PM @ 210 W. Evergreen Boulevard #300, Vancouver, WA 
WILDFIRE AND GHOST FOREST | ART AT THE CAVE
This interdisciplinary exhibit will feature paintings, photographs and language as vehicles for processing the wildfires of 2020 which now visit us annually along the West coast. Painting by Ann Ruttan, photography by Sarah Grew and writing by Apricot Irving will transport you through creative interpretations of this collective experience.Driven equally by hope and despair, Ann has emerged with breathtaking landscape oil paintings showing the unstoppable force of the flame. Sarah has developed sobering carbon photographs onto glass, composed of the ashes from these very same forests, and Apricot’s blog entries capture the reader
4 PM – 8 PM @ 108 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA
FIRST FRIDAY | SIDESTREET ARTS
Join us for adult beverages and nibbles! You can meet the artists while enjoying the ART!
Feature show artists: Tyler (Awake) Bingham, Emily Kepulis, Erick Martinez
Spotlight artist: Kendra Kent
Show runs: June 1-July 2, 2023
Art is also available online, starting on June 1.

Emily Kepulis is a mixed-media visual artist and muralist living in Portland, OR. 
Tyler (Awake) Bingham is a self-taught painter living in Portland, OR. 
Erick Martinez is a figurative sculptor fascinated by the human body and its emotions.
Kendra Kent a visual artist currently living  in Beaverton, OR.
Ha Austin: ceramics
Melody Bush: carved books
Ann Magruder: paintings
Jackie McIntyre: mixed media
This show runs May 4-28.
5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR
THE DRAWING CLUB | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
East Creative welcomes Drawing Club guest artists Scott Brown, Molly Day, Theresa Devost and Heather Mcgeachy who will be displaying their show-Human Condition 2nd Edition on First Friday June 2nd! Come meet the artists! Tour our studios, enjoy Live Painting, Live music and more. 
6 PM – 9 PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR 97214 
EVERYDAY OBJECTS: KELLY DELAY | BEULAHLAND
Photography by Kelly Delay 
6 PM – 11 PM @ 118 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 
COALESCENCE: DAVE LONG AND RACHEL RUSENKO | EARTH SPACE PDX
 We are thrilled to announceCoalescence, a duo art show featuring the work of Dave Long @mistymenus and Rachel Rusenko @rusenkoart here at Earth Space PDX!This is gonna be a special one! We will unveil the first prototype of el-wire light art collaboration, featuring Rusenko linework, and 3D printing wizardry by Dave Long! Dave will also have several of his animatronic wings on display- vou are warmly encouraged to try them on and play! Along with original paintings by Long and Rusenko, this will be a jam-packed juicy, multi sensory, multi medium experience you won’t want to miss!The show opens Fridav June 2nd from 6-10pm! *Gongfu Tea Service with Antlerstone Tea @antlerstonetea @russell bohr© Tarot Readings with Love Cult @the.love.cult @psvtherialSad Live music by Dave Long @mistymenus
6 PM – 10 PM @ 4135 SE Gladstone St., Portland, OR
 
FIRST FRIDAY | BITE STUDIOS
Hey friends, we are back for First Friday on June 2nd with a fabulous group print show. 6-10 pm at Bite Studio. You should join us!(Image by Pat Stevens) 
6 PM – 10 PM @ 2000 SE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 
SKATE DECK SHOW | ADX GALLERY X
Come join us for our epic Summer Skate Deck Show•. We had over 100 artists answer the call and the artists take 100% of sales. The work is diverse, dynamic, and in a huge variety of mediums. Glass, cloth, clay, epoxy, paint…Free Live Music from & :@superoceanband and @higlowmusicDonations for drinks pay the bands. Special thanks to @fracturebrewing_starkIf you are not tagged you will be on Wednesday. If you are tagged but will not be in the show- you can still come and hang out.
4 PM – 7 PM @ 417 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 

 Visit the First Friday PDX website for more events and the First Friday mapContact UsWe love to promote art events involving our participating galleries and artists, please be sure to send your news and any feedback to: press@firstfridaypdx.org
Or use our online event submission form!

General inquires: info@firstfridaypdx.org


Wild Chromatic Growth


The first of May has long represented an important inflection point in the year. It is a period when transformations abound, and as the land represents this in wild flowers, sun, and the return of green, our human constructs reflect this in creativity and growth as well. 

In addition to exciting shows celebrating verdant, colorful growth, and the exuberance of Cinco de Mayo, First Friday is excited to be expanding as well! This month, and in the future, we will be including Vancouver, WA First Friday events as well. Additionally, we are excited to welcome the Shenanganza to First Friday.

With more art to check out then ever, I hope I’ll see you this Friday,
-Noah

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

 MAY ART EVENTS

SARAH SWALLOWTAIL | TYLER SHRAKE | EARTH SPACE PDX
You are warmly welcomed to a duo art exhibition featuring the work of Sara Swallowtail @saraswallowtail and Tyler Shrake @tylershrakepaints at Earth Space PDX @earthspacepdxThe show opens Friday May 5th from 6-10pm! *Gongfu Tea Service with @antlerstonetea aka @russell bohrTarot Readings with @the_magdalene_dragonJid Live music by Calin Matei @caravanredsmithCuration by @rusenkoart See you there!
6 PM – 10 PM @ 4135 SE Gladstone St., Portland, OR
 
CHANGES | SPLENDORPORIUM
This unique exhibition showcases creations by elementary students in the Art4Life program alongside work by over 20 local artists exploring the themes of change and transformation in a variety of styles and media.  
6 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21ST Ave., Portland, OR 97214
BEST REGRETS | THE PURPLE DOOR
Get ready for May!!!! BEST REGRETS, is more than an art show, and it’s more than a tattoo show. It’s a tattoo popup AND fine art showcase featuring three talented local (tattoo) artists!Tattooing is one of those art forms that gives little to no room for mistakes and these artists have finelv honed their skills so that when they put their work on your body you walk away with a note of collaborative expression – their art, your personal taste. Their skill and confidence didn’t come out of the ether… your tattoo artist likely toiled away for years painting, drawing, doodling and designing before then ever thought to pick up a tattoo gun. Whether tattooing for you is rebellion, a celebration, an expression or a whim,BEST REGRETS will remind you that permanence is an illusion, everything changes and it’s end point is unclear but it all starts with the best intentions and to hell with regrets.•This show will feature the art of @heavybody_art, @shnazzy_, and @worth. ever . They’ll be booking tattoos for the month of May in the Purple Door which will also be home to their murals, paintings, prints and other merch. We’ll be sharing more about each artist over the nex weeks as we get excited for the opening, Frist Friday, May 5th! See you there! 
5 PM – 9 PM @ 3557 SE Division St., Portland, OR
SHENANIGANZA | URBANITE
The Shenaniganza is about to make the streets of PDX WEIRDER!What is the Shenaniganza? For starters, it’s a bi-monthly party that happens on the first and third Friday of every month. The very first Shenaniganza is taking place May 5th 2023! In the Urbanite Parking Lot!There will be bands, performers, art, food and libation vendors – along with an array of other fun things.Come join in on the shenanigans May 5th, from 7:30pm – 1am in the @urbanitepdx parking lot!$10 entry fee. See you there!If you would like to participate either as a vendor or a volunteer- send us a message and we’ll get you in the mix.
7:30 PM – 1 AM @ 1005 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 
JESS FAULK: IN THE GARDEN | RADIUS ART STUDIO
🌼You are invited!🌼Join us for the opening reception of May’s gallery show ‘In The Garden’ celebrating the beauty of the season in functional ceramic forms! Artist Jess Faulk uses a brightly colored palate to display their unique expression on clay bodies! ⁠ ⁠Stop to smell the flowers with us!⁠ ⁠
5 PM – 8 PM @ 2324 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97214
BLOOMS BIRDS AND BUGS | SIDESTREET ARTS
In the merry month of May, as the cold rains of April clear away, we experience new beginnings. Spring miraculously happens. In Sidestreet Arts’ May Featured show,  Blooms, Birds, & Bugs, four very different artists give us their interpretations of Spring. Like Spring, these artworks will hopefully leave each viewer feeling ebullient. Let the sunshine in!
Ha Austin: ceramics
Melody Bush: carved books
Ann Magruder: paintings
Jackie McIntyre: mixed media
This show runs May 4-28.
5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR 
SUSANKA BIERNAT: PAINTINGS FROM JUÁREZ | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
Join the artists of the East Creative Collective for live music, tattoos, open artist studios, and a special Cinco de Mayo show featuring the work of Sunsanka Biernat.“I spent a year in Juarez, Mexico in 2018 staying at a shelter working with abandoned street children. This Cinco de Mayo show exhibits paintings from Juarez that show the exuberance of the Mexican people, their lives and culture.“
 6 PM – 9 PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR 97214 
FLOWER POWER | FORD GALLERY PDX
“Sweet April showers do spring May flowers.” – Thomas Tusser•April 2023 weather has proven itself accurate in regards to the well known quote. Ford Gallery PDX thought to help May a little with our next group show,Flower Power. (Friday, May 5th from 6-9PM, we unveil our largest show yet with new work from PNW artists and creatives, all centered around the theme of flora, war, healing and everything in between. You don’t want to miss this! o
6 PM -9 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Ave. Portland, OR  97202 United States 
ZACKARY SCHOMBERG: HANDS | ADX GALLERY X
Guess what’s shakin’ on first Fridav in Mav? HANDS! Mark vour cals for my solo show @adxportland from 4:30-7. If you can’t make it, check out the IG live tour at 4. @derekhunterwilson will be playing his music live, and I’ll join him around 6 to read some poems with “hands” in them. Masks required. Good attitude suggested.Sign up for my newsletter if you want early access to the show the night before! The 12 paintings are viewable on my website now, but won’t be available for purchase until go time.6 signed and numbered prints of “Arm with Yellow Sleeve” will be available, and signed prints of the poster (last slide here) designed by @cauenouer will also be available.
4 PM – 7 PM @ 417 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 
HAMPTON RODRIGUEZ | AFRU GALLERY
This show featuring Hampton’s work from1993-2023 will display the creative process in drawing, illustration, painting and collage.It will give a greater understanding of the creative process and developing technique that Hampton has been producing locally in Portland, Oregon for the past 30 years 
6 PM – 10 PM @ 534 SE Oak St., Portland, OR 97214 
FIRST FRIDAY | MANIFESTATION
First Friday! Cinco de mavo edition 
6 PM – 9 PM @ 2020 SE Bush St., Portland, OR 
 VANCOUVER ART EVENTS

THE FEEL OF COLOR: KAREN KESSLET AND C.D. MOLAND | ART AT THE CAVE
The art of Karen Kessler and C.d. Moland will grace the walls of the Cave this May, bringing the feel of spring color into the gallery. Now retired from art-related careers, Karen explores her may interests including printmaking, painting and textiles. C.D. Moland is a fiber artist with a passion for nature and animals. Both artists express life and movement with their works; that which the viewer can feel, such as the feel of a ocean lapping at your sandy feet or the feel of the floor under your dancing boots. We invite you to the Feel of Color. Please join us on First Friday, May 5 from 4-8pm for the opening reception and on May 20 from 1-2pm for the artist talk.
4 PM – 8 PM @ 108 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA
STEPHEN HAYES: THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT | CORRIDOR GALLERY
Stephen Hayes is exhibiting from his Rune Series and Pandemic Series. He describes the Rune Series as “…a symphony of lines, a world in a petri dish brimming with life, cave paintings from the future. But mostly, these paintings are an evocation of hope for a species that, hopefully, still deserves it.”There is an unmistakable signature to Stephen Hayes’ work. It is confident, but also careful. The hard edges, layers and contrasting colors create a rock-like texture which the eye easily translates into a tactile sensation. Peek into the future of cave painting, and browse the gallery in person for the full experience. 
5 PM – 8 PM @ 610 Esther St., Vancouver, WA
JOANNE CAVALLARO | MELLISA GANNON | AURORA GALLERY
This show featuring Hampton’s work from1993-2023 will display the creative process in drawing, illustration, painting and collage.It will give a greater understanding of the creative process and developing technique that Hampton has been producing locally in Portland, Oregon for the past 30 years 
5 PM – 8 PM @ 1004 Main St., Vancouver, WA 

 Visit the First Friday PDX website for more events and the First Friday mapContact UsWe love to promote art events involving our participating galleries and artists, please be sure to send your news and any feedback to: press@firstfridaypdx.org
Or use our online event submission form!


Artwalk in Flower and Bloom

Hi,
One of the most important skills for an artist to cultivate is a receptive perception of the world. To create stirring art necessitates being open to the full depth of feeling contained in phenomena. Beyond being secondary, the technical skill needed for effective art may even be impossible without this underlying sensitivity.

In few places is this emotional perception more acute then in nature; where color and shape are abundant in emotive impact. It should come as no surprise then that many artists feel themselves deeply impacted by the seasons. This tendency is no doubt doubly true in the vibrant and seasonally temperamental Pacific Northwest.

This April, I am excited to highlight shows that focus in on the blossoming abundance of Spring. With numerous openings directly, or indirectly tying in to this theme, this Friday should be the perfect compliment to a world in flower and blossom.

Hope to see you tomorrow,

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

 
APRIL ART EVENTS

SAVINA MONET | WATER AVENUE COFFEE
Featuring art works from Savina Monet.
6 PM – 8 PM @ 1028 SE Water Ave., STE 125, Portland, OR 97214
 

A CLOSER LOOK: DEB STONER | PUSHDOT STUDIO GALLERY
Deb Stoner is an American artist, born in 1957. Deb received a BS in Geology from University of California at Davis, and her MFA from San Diego State University. She taught jewelry and metalsmithing classes at the Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, Oregon for over twenty years, and is known for creating innovative approaches to making handmade eyewear through material and design research. She taught over fifty workshops on these techniques at craft-based schools and universities, and lectured widely at symposia and conferences. Deb served on the Board of Trustees at the Haystack School from 2001-2010.
Deb’s work in photography followed similar craft informed investigations that continue to yield innovative work. From early work in black and white in the 1970’s through experimental work in graduate school and while teaching at OCAC, Deb’s radar always included a lookout for darkroom access. While learning about wet plate techniques, a chance demo on the use of a flatbed scanner to create digital negatives caught her imagination, leading to an obsession with making complex still life images of the flora and tiny fauna of the gardens in her neighborhood. A recent commission by the Oregon State Treasury Resiliency Building brought her curiosity to investigate the endangered Fender’s Blue Butterfly with its nectar and food sources. And although her commission to wrap the exterior of a building, the Palos Verdes Art Center, resulted in the very largest scale work she’s ever done, most people’s introduction to Deb’s work is on their way through the Portland International Airport whose permanent collection includes twelve of her works from “A Year in the Willamette Valley”.
6 PM – 8 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Ave., Suite 104 – in the Ford Building, enter on Division Street

GREENBELT AND CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER | ART AT THE CAVE
Join us for the First Friday Artists Reception. Meet a multitude of artists, and representatives from the Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington Invite your friends to join you at the gallery. It is a great place to meet before continuing on to a lovely dinner downtown. Spring has arrived — come enjoy it.
4 PM – 8 PM @ 108 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98660

FIRST FRIDAY OPEN STUDIOS | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
See the art and meet the artists! Featuring the work of artist / members of East Creative, and the work of @mircat.magick.arts and @thecosmicpepper . Also, enjoy live music and community karaoke by Community Jams.
 6 PM – 9 PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR 97214

YOUNG ARTISTS EXHIBIT | AFRU GALLERY
AFRU Gallery presents our 5th edition of the Young Artists Exhibition featuring works and performances from young artists (under 18). The past year’s shows were a huge success and expect this year will be more so.
 6 PM – 10 PM @ 534 SE Oak St., Portland, OR 97214

FIRST FRIDAY | BITE STUDIO
First Friday April 7th at Bite Studio! Featuring new prints from Bite Studio artists Rosemary Cohen, Leslie Pohl-Kosbau, and Eila Gustina!Come join us from 6-10 PM for art and merriment!
6 PM – 10 PM @ 2000 SE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 

CAT LADIES | SIDESTREET ARTS
Chat with out artists while they share their inspiration and ideas behind their artwork. Drinks and Treats will be served.
5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 

FEARS AND PHOBIAS | SPLENDORPORIUM
This show features new work by sculptor and mixed media artist Troy Hileman as well as over 20 other local artists confronting and expressing their deepest fears through creativity. 
7 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21ST Ave., Portland, OR 97214

DIVERGENT | BRASSWORKS ANNEX
Coming to The Brassworks Annex – DIVERGENT featuring the works of Tom Tucker, Roger Gillies & Tom Mattox – opening reception 4/7|23 – come on down for this amazing show & the first Friday SE PDX Art Openings
5 PM – 9 PM @ 1127 SE 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97214

CLUB V: CLOSING RECEPTION | FORD GALLERY PDX
Miss out on our opening reception a few weeks ago? Not to fret! Join us Friday, April 7th for our First Friday edition of “Club V!”We’ve got pieces from 40 working PNW artists in celebration of Women’s History Month. This show is EPIC!
6 PM -9 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Ave. Portland, OR  97202 United States

FIRST FRIDAY | MANIFESTATION
6 PM – 9PM @ 2020 SE Bush St., Portland, OR 97214

APRIL COOLS | MINI GO GO
4 PM – 7 PM @ 700 SW Fifth Ave., Portland, OR 97204 

HOW WE HEGEMONY: ANGELA ANH NGUYEN | ONE GRAND GALLERY
One Grand is excited to welcome textile artist Angela Anh Nguyen (@pile _height) to Portland for her first solo with the gallery. ‘How We Hegemony’ documents the reaching effects of authority and positions of power on news, culture, and ideologies in our contemporary society. Anh Nguyen’s tufted rugs are inspired by the chaos of our modern age – large collage works and figural characters will be displayed at the gallery, speaking to a cultural status quo and a general playful levity.
6 PM – 9 PM @ 1000 E Burnside St., Portland, OR 97214 

FAUX SHOW | ADX PORTLAND
4 PM – 8 PM @ 417 SE 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97202 

 Visit the First Friday PDX website for more events and the First Friday map
Contact UsWe love to promote art events involving our participating galleries and artists, please be sure to send your news and any feedback to: press@firstfridaypdx.org
Or use our online event submission form!

General inquires: info@firstfridaypdx.org

The Ineffable Tangibility of Art

Hi,
One of the most magical abilities of the artist is to communicate, through the latticework of symbolic expression, that what is paradoxically both known and also inexpressible. When existing cognitive frameworks are confronted with an undeniable reality that exists outside their explanatory borders, a shadow is created. Like dark matter, this shadow effects all that surrounds it, and yet is hidden from conscious view. If it seems strange that a physical object is able to touch such realms of implausible unreality, the best art removes any doubt through direct experience.
 
This First Friday I’m excited to bring you shows that focus on the reassertion of the hidden, forgotten, and the intangible; esspecially through means beautiful or strange.  Hope to see you tomorrow!

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

 
MARCH ART EVENTS

FINAL STAINED GLASS ART SHOW MARKS THE END OF REDUX GALLERY IN PORTLAND | REDUX GALLERY
Redux Gallery returns for a final first Friday exhibition and group show featuring eight Pacific
Northwest-based stained glass artists. This is a free, family-friendly event, but please leave pets
at home. All work will be for sale through the Gallery, for sales inquiries, please contact Tamara.

WHO: Carla Stevens , Jamie Ballestrin, Kristin Culotta, LaRhea Phillips, Laurel Jane Vonderau, Madison Olsen, Tamara Goldsmith , Valerie Fairlight Redux Gallery presents eight talented artists for an upcoming final exhibition in their Central Eastside shop and gallery space. 

Redux has been a cornerstone venue for artisans and makers alike to sell their functional and decorative wares in a shop and gallery setting. Pre-Covid, Redux featured art shows regularly every First Friday to celebrate and support locally made work, encouraging the creative endeavors of local artists and promoting sustainable commerce. 

Please join us this March for Redux’s last month in business and final show to celebrate the culmination of this 18-year adventure, support some talented emerging and established artisans, and spread some love for this unique and ancient art form.

Curated by Tamara Goldsmith, this show conveys the energy that is alive and well in Portland and beyond, for the transformational art and craft of stained glass. This ancient art form is rooted in some of the oldest traditions of art-making, but contemporary artists have redefined both its purpose and meaning. Though many of its technical processes have remained relatively the same for the last 1000 years, advancements in tools and tech have made stained
glass more accessible to the masses. Artists have widened the scope of what kinds of themes and iconography can be represented in glass, inspiring important dialogues about current world events, and a lively cultural commentary.

Artists will be in attendance from 5-8 pm for the Opening show to answer questions about their process and artwork. Don’t miss this rare glimpse into this unusual art form, get connected with some incredible artisans, and perhaps you’ll be inspired to acquire a piece of your own.
5 PM – 8 PM @ 811 E Burnside St., #116, Portland, OR 97214

APPARITIONS | SPLENDORPORIUM
7 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21ST Ave., Portland, OR 97214
 

JETHRO MALLARMEY: DAS SCHLOSS (THE CASTLE) | THE REDUNDANT BEACH GALLERY
Handmade cut-outs of roosters and rooster-hounds have been coated in transparent projector paper to prevent a view of the outside, in effect coating visitors in the castle’s oblique narrative. Largely this narrative seems to concern celebrating the making of the castle itself. Pairing the rooster symbolism with a sheet of definitions for the term COQUILLARD suggests that we are to connect a nearby dungeon with the gang of thieves and bandits that stalked Paris in the 15th C (one rooster is dressed as an executioner). Through a hidden door beyond the castle walls, a villager furrows a long poem. Les coquillards were known for having developed their own thieves’ jargon, and the message of this poem remains tantalizing just out of reach. Of the poem, which took him 8 months to write, Mallarmey explains: “In this illuminated world, there are no more shadows, no misunderstandings, no slips of the tongue. But language is devious — it uses this light to play even greater tricks. In reflection, one sees nothing but objects, dead objects in a drunken stupor of dim thoughts and mixed messages.”  A fitting conclusion to The Castle.6 PM – 9PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR 97214

REMERGENCE | ADX PORTLAND
Remerging is to bring together (re-member) something that was in bits and pieces, in the darkest buried depths of time. Remergence is remerge then raise to the surface, to reveal a cohesive the wholeness that that had been shattered, scattered and hidden through perspective and or purposeful control.Humanity is now experiencing the personal as well as global remergence of Tribal Antiquities’ TRUE purpose and training.Urban DictionaryJoin us @adxportland to celebrate the work of eightPortland gems. These artists have some beautiful work to share-most of them have shown in Gallery X before and they always blow minds. Emerging artists and established masters joining forces at ADX. Music and beer… free admission.Musical Guests @higlowmusic @ericwixon @batwomanda @samharang @spaderthefool @jamespeterhook @limpwrist_images_art @a.dougherty.fineart @kelletteworks @essicalynnclarkart
4 PM – 9PM @ 417 SE 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 

SIMRAN GLEASON: THE MYTH OF PROGRESS | EARTH SPACE PDX
You are warmly welcomed to “The Myth of Progress”, a solo art exhibition by Simran Gleason @slowcamerapaparazzi at Earth Space PDX.The show opens Friday March 3rd from 6-10pm!Simran Gleason is a Portland artist. He often paints bands and other performers as they’re playing. In the studio he has been exploring magical realism and oracular surrealism.• Gongfu Tea Service with @antlerstonetea aka @russell_bohr© Tarot Readings with @the.love.cult aka @psytherialLive music tbd!
6 PM – 10 PM @ 4135 SE Gladstone St., Portland, OR 97202

DANI MYERS | THE ANGRY FLORIST
Dani Myers. New Works.Finding her voice in clay-a year in retrospect. Dani spent the last year working with different firing techniques. Raku, Anamaga (wood fire), Soda, and with her studio electric kiln.She found that her influences; music, function of form, and textures found in nature fed her creative flow. When that creative flow was added to ceramics they became her voice.Come see how her year in clay has taken shape.
5 PM – 7 PM @ 401b NE 28th Ave.., Portland, OR 97232

FROLIC IN THE FOREST | SIDESTREET ARTS
The March feature show, Frolic in the Forest, will bring out the nature-lover in every viewer. Our three local artists, Laura, Jennifer and Davis, have brought their interpretations of the forest to this beautiful show. Kristen Etmund is our Spotlight Artist this month.  One can practically smell the earthy loam and pine sap as one views these art works. Sure to make every heart thrill; a bird-sighting is guaranteed as one passes through this forest. No binoculars are necessary!
Stop by during our First Friday event to enjoy some wine and nibbles, see the art and meet the artists!
5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 

FIRST FRIDAY OPEN STUDIOS | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
Come see what the artists and creators of East Creative Collective have been up to! Meet local artists in their natural environments, and step inside to the studios of some of Portlands most prolific artists. We’re also excited to announce the opening of a new subterranean installation that will take visitors into the labyrinthian heart of Franz Kafka’s “The Castle.”
 6 PM – 9PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR 97214

A DIFFERENT KIND OF SKIN | RADIUS ART STUDIOS
A Different Kind of Skin is a show filled with Ceramics in a variety of sizes, shapes and utility. All inspired by the processes of making and getting Tattoos.
5 PM – 8 PM @ 2324 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97214

CLUB V | FORD GALLERY PDX
Portland, mark your calendars! Friday, March 3rd, we celebrate all women with the opening reception of “Club V.” Find new and exciting work from 40 working creatives based in the PNW.Curated wine selections and music from @backcountry.wine.tasting.roomStop by the historic Ford Building in SE PDX for what’s sure to truly epic evening
6 PM -9 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Ave. Portland, OR  97202 United States

FIRST FRIDAY | MANIFESTATION
6 PM – 9PM @ 2020 SE Bush St., Portland, OR 97214

STORIE GRUBB: INSIDE OUTSIDER | AFRU GALLERY
Abstract, Surreal, Spontaneous, Multi-media paintings and drawings etc stretching from 2012 to the present.
Storie Grubb’s music is on bandcamp/storiegrubb.
Live performance at 8:30pm 
7 PM – 11 PM @ 534 SE Oak St., Portland, OR 97214

 Visit the First Friday PDX website for more events and the First Friday map
Contact UsWe love to promote art events involving our participating galleries and artists, please be sure to send your news and any feedback to: press@firstfridaypdx.org
Or use our online event submission form!

General inquires: info@firstfridaypdx.org

Love and Light

Hi,
Just as the long march of gray winter reaches its nadir, art delivers the love and light of a waiting spring. This month, in addition to the return of amazing perennial art shows on the topic of love, First Friday also coincides with one of the largest and most exciting art events in Portland.

With the mission of combining art and technology to both physically and figuratively illuminate visitors, the Portland Winter Light Festival brings light art to local businesses, art spaces, and unusual locations throughout the city. We’re especially excited for this years theme: “The Light of the Stars.”

Hope to see you tomorrow under the stars,

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

 
FEBRUARY ART EVENTS

DEEP SEA CONSTELLATIONS | EAST CREATIVE PDX
”A luminous ghost net made from marine debris and LED lights that imagines the reality of ocean pollution as the dreamscape of our civilization.”In addition to an ecoart light installation by Noah Alexander Isaac Stein (@visionsofthedeluge) and Tridacna Maxima, our First Friday opening event will feature open studios with 15+ artists, live music by Community Jams, light sculptures by Pepper Kocsis, and fire performances by Lizz Grace and Troy Grisa!
6 PM – 10 PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR 97214

LOVE IN PRINT | BITE STUDIOS
Love in Print returns to Bite Studio! As always, a portion of the proceeds go to p:ear. Come join us for a great evening of art from many of Portland’s finest printmakers!
6 PM – 10 PM @ 2000 SE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 97214

THE FEMALE GAZE | SIDESTREET ARTS
The February feature show, The Female Gaze, explores 3 women artists representing the female body through their art. In the history of art, depiction of the female body was traditionally done by male artists. In a modern-day twist, fitting of our times, these women have joyfully reclaimed the female nude.Join us and meet the artists, enjoy some adult beverages, and see the ART!
5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR 97214

MEDITATIONS: TODD JOHNSON | PUSHDOT STUIDO GALLERY
Meditations is a series of pictures about experiencing and celebrating the visual language of photography. The work is focused on abstraction and uses a traditional structure of still life. The work is inspired by artistic practices such as painting and sculpture, design and architecture. Other influences come from the history of avant-garde art such as Futurism and Surrealism, Modernism and Minimalism. The philosophy of Meditations is a concept of going deeper into creativity and spiritual ritual. Todd Johnson is a conceptual and experimental photographer living and working in Portland, Oregon. Johnson received his MFA in photography from the San Francisco Art Institute. Todd is the founder and director of Black Box Gallery.
6 PM – 8 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Ave., Suite 104 – in the Ford Building, enter on Division Street, Portland, OR 97202

THE PINK SHOW | SPLENDORPORIUM
7 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21ST Ave., Portland, OR 97214
DIMENSIONS: KELLY CORRELL | THE ANGRY FLORIST‘Dimensions’ is a study of looking inward and a translation of our perception of this internal world. Kelly’s work explores concepts and imagery around dark faerytales, magic, obsession, archetypal demons, and softness through the use of drawing, etching, dried flowers, paper-cut collage work and media to create layered worlds and 3-dimensional imagery.5 PM – 7 PM @ 401b NE 28th Ave., Portland, OR 97214

FIRST FRIDAY VENDORS MARKET | THE PURPLE DOOR
Join us for the first Vendors market of the year at The Purple Door! Come through First Friday of Feb, 2/3/23 from 5-9:30pm to shop just in time for VALENTINES DAY (oh yes, that dreaded holiday is upon us). Support our lovely local vendors and kickstart someone’s sad little heart with these hot hot HOT buys 
5 PM – 9:30 PM @ 3557 SE Division St., Portland, OR 972026 

SELFIES AND SELF CARE | RADIUS ART STUDIOS
We will be featuring self portraits and hand made self care goods from over 40 local artists and makers. It’s going to be a super sweet time and we would love to see you there!
5 PM – 8 PM @ 2324 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97214

FIRST FRIDAY | MANIFESTATION
COME THRU this Friday! Music, Art, Magic!
6 PM – 9 PM @ 2020 SE Bush St., Portland, OR 97214

FLASH FLOOD | AFRU GALLERY
A group show displaying local Portland area tattoo artist’s flash artwork and other original work outside of the “tattoo world”.
7 PM – 11 PM @ 534 SE Oak St., Portland, OR 97214
PORTLAND WINTER LIGHT FESTIVAL

THE LIGHT OF THE STARS| PDXWLF
Inner SE Light Art
Bike Map
Full program

 

 Visit the First Friday PDX website for more events and the First Friday map
Contact UsWe love to promote art events involving our participating galleries and artists, please be sure to send your news and any feedback to: press@firstfridaypdx.org
Or use our online event submission form!

General inquires: info@firstfridaypdx.org

Holiday Art this First Friday!

Hi,
In both art and the holiday season there is a sometimes seemingly contradictory intersection between the sacred and the profane.

For an artist, a jealous muse rarely tolerates compromise, and yet ones ability to professionally produce art is chiefly dependent on a commercial palatability that is often only tangentially related. This conflict is so embedded in our culture, that achtypes such as the starving artist and posthumous artistic success have become unfortunate tropes.

The holiday season is frequently bemoaned for a similar struggle between consumerism and religious holidays. A generous tradition of altruism is easily forgotten in a deluge of cheap products, themselves all too often the products of Al ave labor and environmental degradation.

In these two parallel themes however there is a mutual solution. By supporting local artists, we can both give the unique and beautiful, and help build a world where creativity and artistic expression thrive in place of homogenous plastic waste.

This First Friday we are excited to highlight shows that illustrate this duality, as well as provide the opportunity for us to rise above them in the spirit of the season.

Happy Holidays!

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

 
DECEMBER ART EVENTS

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COSMOS | ADX PORLTAND
New work by Cydney French and Rachael Allen “Conversations with the Cosmos” is a body of work exploring the connectivity between this human existence and the divine. French and Allen use paint on canvas to convey these conversations. Bold compositions and lustrous colors create compelling places to enter the conversations.
 4 PM – 10 PM @ 417 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 
ANARCHY: THE ART SHOW | THE 4TH WALL PDX 
Local artists use paint, sculpture, found objects and video projects to explore chaos and anarchy through personal sovereignty
6 PM – 10 PM @  1445 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR

VERY MERRY CASH AND CARRY | SIDESTREET ARTS
Join us and meet the artists who brought in unique cards, ornaments, and lots of ART! We will have nibbles and wine, too.
5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR

HOLI-CLAY MARKET | RADIUS ART STUDIO
Radius and The Clay Compound are joining forces again this year for the Radius Holi-clay Market! Sunday, December 4th! Featuring artist vendors from both studios.
12 PM – 6 PM @ 2324 SE Belmont St. Portland OR 97214

EMRIE VEGAS | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE 
We are excited to welcome new artist Emrie Vegas to the East Creative building, and will be show casing their work for the holiday season.“Emrie is an emerging middle-aged artist who began painting with oils only one-year ago after a lifetime working and playing with traditional arts and crafts. Emrie also “taught art” to preschoolers for many years which taught her to let go of perfection and expectation and enjoy the process of creatinine in a deep and profound way. She considers herself a folk artist, as she is self-taught and much of her inspiration has been found in the work of folk artists.”The event will feature open studios by acclaimed local artists, live karaoke by Community Jams, the International Mural by Mail project, fire dancing, and more!
6 PM – 9 PM @  211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR

FACING NORTHWEST: JJ GONSON | PUSHDOT STUDIOBoston based photographer Gonson has been “Obsessed with music from the time I was a small girl. In the mid 80’s I discovered that it was possible to get access to musicians and bands by signing on to shoot live and posed photos for magazines and newspapers. For the last half of that decade I shot hardcore and punk bands multiple times a week in clubs around the Boston area. In 1990 I went west, to Portland Oregon. While much of my work is of live music, portraits have dominated my body of work over the span of decades; from the early 80’s to present day. The result of my experiences is a collection of intimate portraits of musicians, friends and fans, both live on stage and candid. My archive includes little seen pictures of Kurt Cobain, Elliott Smith, Jane’s Addiction, Black Flag and hundreds of other punk and independent bands. My work has been published in books including Torment Saint: a Biography of Elliott Smith, Cobain Unseen and Cobain on Cobain as well as in fanzines such as xXx and Suburban Voice and many magazines, including Rolling Stone, Mojo, Q and Spin.” This show focuses on some of her NW bands collection.
6 PM – 8 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Avenue, Suite 104, Portland, OR (In the Ford Building, enter on Division Street)

THINGS SEEN ALONG THE WAY: JARED SOUNEY | RANSOM SIX MFG.
Showing some photographs and paintings along with the reprint of the book “Things Seen Along the Way” at my studio in Portland’s Historic Flavel Arts District, just West of the dynamic Avenue of Roses. Music courtesy of a bluetooth speaker in the corner. Here are some flyers and such. Pop in.
7 PM – 10 PM @ 8101 SE Flavel St., Portland, OR

TRANSMUTATION | EARTH SPACE PDX
The invasion has begun. We are here for peace. We are here for the uprising. We are here to raise the vibration of humanity. We are here to align the planet to the light. Do you feel the awakening? This body of work represents the themes of DNA activation, shedding of old skin, ego death, and aligning to higher self. The dark night of soul breeds new beginnings. As we rise to the occasion of connecting fully to the divine, we release old programs and attachments. We cocoon and metamorphosize anew. We honor the old and thank it for what it has taught us. We release and celebrate the soul we are becoming. Momo Carter is an intuitive living in Portland, where they love to be in nature, assist others in their healing journey, and cuddle with their husband and cat. The exhibit will be accompanied by a curated light and sound experience.Tarot readings by @the.love.cult aka @psytherial
6 PM – 10 PM @ 4135 SE Gladstone St., Portland, OR 97202

MERRY SMASHMAS | AFRU GALLERY
The Last Show at the SE Oak Street space!!!! Let’s make this one count!!!!
7 PM – Close @ 534 SE Oak St., Portland, OR 97214

 Visit the First Friday PDX website for more events and the First Friday map
Contact UsWe love to promote art events involving our participating galleries and artists, please be sure to send your news and any feedback to: press@firstfridaypdx.org
Or use our online event submission form!

General inquires: info@firstfridaypdx.org

Bodies of Art


At the intersection of fecundity and cessation, we are confronted by the physicality of what it means to be human. We undeniably exists, reproduce, and die as mater, and yet explanations that end at a materiality also seem to inexplicably miss something essential. The dead linger with us, stories define us, and promises of transcendence motivate us in ways materialism seems unable to.

The essence of these things are captured nebulously in words like spirit, and it is in their nature to be intangible in concept as well as form. One thing is clear however; their existence breaths life into the inert, and their symbols light the hidden oceans of the unknown.

Likewise, what is inexpressible with concepts may be touched with art, and as we briefly reach out towards the unknown this week, I am excited to highlight shows which likewise feature the intangible essence of spirit.  

Happy Halloween, see you on Friday!

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

 NOVEMBER ART EVENTS



DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ALTAR SHOWCASE | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE 

We are very excited to participate in this years Día de los Muertos Altar Walk with Milagro Theater and Ideal PDX!

For our November open studios, East Creative will be transformed by decorations and altars created by Yathzi Turcot. Visitors will be invited to bring items to add to the altars as we remember and welcome the spirits of the departed.

The event will feature open studios by acclaimed local artists, live karaoke by Community Jams, the International Mural by Mail project, fire dancing by Larissa Kurucz, and more!

Also, don’t miss the altar bike tour with Friends of the Green Loop that ends at East Creative and other amazing Día de los Muertos events in the district.

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



THE RETURN | BITE STUDIO

Okay, for real this time! Come join us at Bite Studio to celebrate our a First Friday return November 4th!

6 PM – 10 PM @ 2000 SE 7th Ave., Portland, OR



FRUITING BODIES | RADIUS ART STUDIO

Our incredible Studio Assistants are approaching the end of their year-long program, and we are hosting an event to show off all their artwork! Come celebrate them and see their cool clay creations from 5-8pm on November 4thfor our First Friday Opening of Fruiting Bodies. We can’t wait to see you all here!

5 PM – 8 PM @ 2324 SE Belmont St. Portland OR



MYTHS AND MONSTERS | SPLENDORPORIUM
7 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21st Ave., Portland, OR



DEAR DEAD DAYS: BEN MILAM | AFRU GALLERY

A History Of All My Dead Pets by Ben Milam 
The Last Show at the legendary AFRU/ EGG/ Launch Pad space!Sin City Ramblers
The Saloon Ensemble
Divorcee

7 PM – Close @ 534 SE Oak St., Portland, OR



MASKS MAKING WORKSHOP | ADX PORLTAND

Josh Gaines is the best kind of human. He is a multi-potentialite who works in a many mediums. Josh brings magic into the world through his art and helps others to do the same.

Join us for an utterly unique art workshop to design and build your own wearable cardboard monster mask! Using cardboard, hot glue, tape, paints and other decorative materials, you’ll walk away from this workshop with a colorful new prop to wear on your head. This workshop will be hosted by Josh Gaines, a multi-faceted local artist whose own mask creations have been spotted at Mt Tabor dance parties, art galleries and throughout Portland this past Summer. This workshop will be a vibrant, playful dive into pure imagination! Materials will be provided with ticket price, but feel free to bring your own additional decorations (suggestions: glitter, glow-in-the-dark paints, beads, interestingly-shaped items from the recycle bin, etc). This workshop is a blast, Josh is rad, and supports creative
expression in a beautiful way.
•25 person cap, $25 tickets
•4hrs but no need to stay whole time
Sign up on the adxportland website!!! 

About Josh: Josh Gaines is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, stopmotion animator and also he paints things sometimes. Lately he’s been playing with cardboard and glue a lot. He grew up around Albuquerque and Denver before moving to Portland in 2020. This workshop is also about freedom, self acceptance and allowing humans to embrace their creative selves.

6 PM – 10 PM @ 417 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR



GABRIELLE WIDMAN AND SEQUOIA: THE CONCERT | THE HALLOWED HALLS

Warm greetings dearest friends and family! I hope everyone is healthy, happy and really doing well as we shift into this new fall season.

I am excited to invite you to a very special event taking place on Friday November 4th.  Kevin and I are proud (as well as relieved) to announce the completion of “The Concert,” a filmed version of a song cycle based on the poems of Edna St. Vincent Millay, with music composed by Kevin and sung by yours truly!   ; )

At Hallowed Halls, Nov. 4th at 7pm, the film will premier 1st, followed by a live concert of other works for a full evening of song, piano, harp and even a little bit of theater for your entertainment pleasure. We would love to see you, and also encourage you to spread the word to others who might be interested. If for some reason this date does not work for you, or if you are too far away to be able to attend the concert in person however, there is also the option to stream a recording of the entire evening from Dec. 4th on, so either way, we hope you will be able to support us and fit this evening into your busy schedules. 

Ticket purchasing information, a 2 minute trailer, as well as a link to Kevin’s website with even more details about this concert are available below.

Thank you for all your loving support and we hope to see you there!🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

Gabrielle

Here’s a teaser/trailer for the film:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydykPlWtwW4

You’ll find a description of each song on the program here on Kevin’s website:  https://kevinbryantlay.com/event/the-concert/

For those of you too far away and/or unavailable that night, the whole show will be streamed one month later.Here is the LINK FOR TICKETS:  https://kevinbryantlay.ticketleap.com/

7 PM @ 4420 SE 64th Ave., Portland, OR



MACHETE FACTORY X | ONE GRAND GALLERY

The exhibition will feature over 30 artists images etched onto machete blades with live music performances BA. It’s gonna be a wild night and month at @onegrandgallery. with live music performances by @sangbylotus and D3M! The lineup of participating artists is staggering in its amount of talent. I’m truly honored to have so many brilliant artists contribute their skill to this dream of a wall of machetes. We can’t wait to show y’all these crazy blades, these artists really flexed!

Sale of machetes in the show will be benefitting the creating artists as well as contributing to a fund to support BIPOC tattoo artists through @machetefactory .

6 PM @ 1000 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214



LU LU CADEAUX | POP-UP

Mark your calendar for November 4th. @lulucadeaux will be doing a First Friday popup at Raylee! All my pottery will be displayed in the back room, and there will be wine and snacks from 5-9.

5 PM – 9 PM @ 3080 SE Division St., Portland, OR



OPIE FAMILY ART EXHIBIT | SIDESTREET ARTS

Amelia Opie | John Opie | Susan Opie | Carol Opie | Helen Opie

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

 Visit the First Friday PDX website for more events and the First Friday map

Contact Us
We love to promote art events involving our participating galleries and artists, please be sure to send your news and any feedback to: press@firstfridaypdx.org
Or use our online event submission form!

Transformation and the Art of Ghosts

The end of summer is always bittersweet, but when the looming ghosts of winter mix unnervingly with the vivid palette of fall, there is also an undeniable energy in the air. This energy is a potent force for connecting to the creative energy of the subconscious and everything that lurks, hidden in shadows. This is also the celebratory aspect of Halloween; transformation or destruction is only a matter of perspective, and life is nothing without change. 

And few things are more celebratory of transformation then art, and especially the dark art of First Friday 😉

Hope to see you for a spooky night of art and ghosts this Friday!

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

 
OCTOBER ART EVENTS
AN ENDLESS PARADE OF GHOSTS | RADIUS ART STUDIO
Our First Friday Gallery opening features spooky artwork by painter Jasòn Edward Davis and ceramic artist Rae Pierce. Stop by and say hi to the artists, and let the work give you goosebumps of excitement 🦴
5 PM – 8 PM @ 2324 SE Belmont St. Portland OR 97214
ANTHESIS: ARNOLD PANDER | PUSHDOT STUDIO
Anthesis Original Watercolors on paper by Arnold PanderWorks in watercolor depicting floral still life’s in various states of bloom.After the death of my mother in 2016, I went into a very reflective place and my artwork took a more internal turn. I submerged into the sensual and fragile creative medium of watercolor.With each new series of works in this pigment based traditional art form, it exercised my mind and soul from a state of mourning to a place of healing while finding a new language in which to create. This new series of watercolors I spared the subject matter down to this body of floral still lifes that I have entitled “Anthesis”, named for the period or act of expansion in flowers which also echoes the process of my own creative discovery in watercolor.
6 PM – 8 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Ave, Suite 104, Portland, OR, 97202
FIRST FRIDAY OPEN STUDIOS | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE 
Step inside the studios and meet the artists of the East Creative Collective. Featuring the art of 15 local artists and creators, live karaoke by Community Jams, international mural painting for Palestine and Ukrainian, and more.
6 PM – 9 PM @  211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR, 97214
THE TAROT SHOW | SPLENDORPORIUM
7 PM – 9 PM @ 3421 SE 21st Ave., Portland, OR 97214 
THE HOUSE THAT HAUNTS US ALL | AFRU GALLERY
An eclectic look at Halloween, and the things that go bump in the night.
AFRU and Sincanvas presents a show of the classic Haunted Houses we all loved going to when we were young! When Halloween was REAL fun!!!
Featuring: Sincanvas, Gavin Eveland, Nik Sin, & Aine Kennedy.
DJ StrawberryPickle from Rainbow City playing some amazing music!
7 PM – Close @ 534 SE Oak St., Portland, OR 97214
START YOUR ENGINES | FORD GALLERY PDX 
Start Your Engines group Art Show featuring the work of local PNW artists who call the ford building their home. We are gearing up for a new era under new management with our inaugural exhibit opening on Friday October 7th from 5-8 pm.
6 PM – 8 PM @  2505 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
NATURE IS CALLING: AMELIA LICHTENBERG | EARTH SPACE PDX
We are honored to announce “Nature is Calling”, Amelia Lichtenberg’s solo exhibition that opens Friday October 7th from 6-10pm here at Earth Space! @am.licht.art🍄We can’t wait to see the nature inspired work that Amelia has in store for us! Mycology lovers and appreciators, you won’t want to miss this one 😉Gong Sound Bath by Phoenyx 6:30-7:30PM🎶Ambient Music by Vibes 🔮Tarot by @psytherial aka @the.love.cult🍵Gongfu Tea Lounge by @russell_bohrThere will be a special print release of 5 on hot-pressed watercolor paper, numbered and signed, for many featured paintings. They’ll only be available to purchase in-person at Earth Space for the duration of the show!
6 PM – 10 PM @ 4135 SE Gladstone, OR, 97202
POSITIVE FORCED CHANGES | BRASSWORKS ANNEX
We are so excited to share! Brassworks Assistant Curator Kristin, is curating her first group show at Brassworks Annex with 6 amazing artist!
6 PM – 9 PM @ 127 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
ANOTHER REALM | SIDESTREET ARTS
For this October Feature show we invited a diverse group of artists to create artworks under the title of: Another Realm. Imaginations were set wild; fantasy people, nations and galaxies now await our viewing.Artists: Melody Bush, Shelly Durica-Laiche, Erica Gibson, Sharon Jonquil, Anna Magruder and Jeanne Steffan
5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 9721

 Visit the First
NESTING: SHANTEL KRISTIN BENNETT | THE ANGRY FLORIST
 In this series of original paintings and prints by Shantel Kristin Bennett, the artist uses bright colors and whimsical brush strokes to convey coziness, home and a sense of comfort and rest. While the images are abstract and flowery-and can be largely interpreted by the viewer, Shantel hopes to reflect a sense of joy and a feeling what it means to be at peace within our own personal “nesting places” both literally and within our own bodies and minds.
5 PM – 7 PM @  401b NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Contact Us
We love to promote art events involving our participating galleries and artists, please be sure to send your news and any feedback to: press@firstfridaypdx.org
Or use our online event submission form!

General inquires: info@firstfridaypdx.org

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Support local art this December at First Friday

This December we’re excited to share holiday art shows at East Creative Collective, Afru Gallery and Sidestreet Arts, as well as amazing looking openings at EARTH Space PDX, Pushdot Studios, and Neighbors Taproom.

While its difficult to trace the origins of December holiday traditions, gift giving dates back at least as far as the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia. While consumer culture gives us many choices of how to be part of this tradition, an art walk is a great opportunity to support local artists and to give a truly unique gift. By spending locally you directly contribute to communities you care about, and help keep Portland’s vibrant art scene alive.

Look forward to seeing you on Friday!

Noah Alexander Isaac Stein
First Friday PDX President

IN-PERSON EVENTS

HOLIDAY ART MARKET | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

Come warm up at East Creative’s annual Holiday Art Market! Featuring great gifts by local artists, open studios, a special 100 works under $100 show, live music by Community Jams, and more.

6 PM – 9 PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR 97214

LIMINAL MATTER | EARTH SPACE PDX

we cordially invite you to visit this exhibition of art and witness the new work of the bone goddess on Friday, December 3rd, 2021.

in addition to this new painting series there will be a brand new live performance, curated specifically for this event.

come and enter the space between our world and worlds beyond.

please wear a mask and be respectful to others in the space

“Kelly Delay’s perfectly composed photographs show the beauty in decay and the dignity in decline.” Tiny’s Coffee

6 PM – 10 PM @ 4135 SE Gladstone St Portland, OR 97202

IVAN SALCIDO | PUSHDOT STUDIO

Recuerdo: (rreh-kwehr-doh) NOUN, masculine (plural: recuerdos)

  1. Memory
  2. Souvenir, memento, memorabilia
  3. Regards

By taking a look at personal history, this exhibition touches on themes of nostalgia, connection, legacy, and remembrance. The work highlights the human experience and incorporates themes of cultural and family legacy, artistic heritage, and the significant value of the contributions of immigrants to our society.

Ivan Salcido is a multidisciplinary artist based in Portland, OR. Born in El Paso, TX, Salcido holds an MFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio. His background is in sculpture, but he also makes paintings and installations. His latest series of artworks draws on personal experience, family history, and interests in collectibles (such as sports cards, photographs, and flags) for inspiration.

8 AM – 5 PM @ 2505 SE 11th Avenue, Suite 104 – in the Ford Building, enter on Division Street – Portland, OR 97202

HOLIDAY ART SALE AND LIVE SANTA WRESTLING | AFRU GALLERY

Famous December art show & sale!!! Give the gift of art!
Plus, Santa Wrestling Live!!! WTF?
This is a free event. Donations welcome. Refreshments available.
live music from The Dead To Rights!

7 PM – Close @ 534 SE Oak St., Portland, OR 97214

VERY MERRY CASH AND CARRY | SIDESTREET ARTS

Come in for first Friday Artwalk and meet a number of different artists represented in our Very Merry Cash and Carry Show.

5 PM – 7 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, Or 97214

PET PORTRAITURE – HYPER-REALISTIC OIL AND WATERCOLOR BY JUSTIN WESTPHAL | NEIGHBORS TAPROOM

Justin Westphal, a local painter specializing in hyper-realistic pet and animal portraiture, exhibits a collection of oil and watercolor paintings throughout the month of December at Neighbors Taproom. Come enjoy these works up close in person while treating yourself to a rotating selection of curated beer, wine, and plant-based coffee drinks in a dog-friendly, bright and spacious interior!

12 PM – 10 PM @ 1306 East Burnside St, Portland OR 97214

VIRTUAL EVENTS

MING FAY SCULPTURE | BUTTERS GALLERY

We present a special online exhibition of vintage works by New York-based Ming Fay.  We have worked with Fay for well over 30 years and have presented many spectacular exhibitions.  This new show is an opportunity for collectors to see work that has never been shown in our gallery in the past.  Jeffrey Butters has personally curated this collection we are presenting–focusing on his picks of the “cream of the crop” of available Ming Fay works.  

VIEW ONLINE

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.