Portland Institute For Contemporary Art hosted an event called Cardiac Organ - A Gothic Cabaret…read morewhich was from start to finish a great time! It was sold out and packed but yet there was space - they did not cram everyone together and they reserved seats for me and my friend in ADA. We had a swank table in the perfect spot. We met some great people throughout the night and I discovered a drink that is apparently "a thing".... called Red Rabbit which is Cabernet Sauvignon with Coke and ice. I ordered it on accident because there is a great local wine (McMenamins) called Red Rabbit which is a fav of mine and delicious. This was actually wonderful though seriously and the only time I have enjoyed Cabernet Sauvignon. The performance was fun, funny and just a really great time with some great music. We were loving the real red roses at each of the tables and all the amazing decorations. Such a unique and lovely evening reminding me of past and also appreciating the present. I cannot imagine this event in a better space - such a great arrangement. This area is great also since there is plenty of parking nearby. If you are taking a rideshare it is perfect and straightforward for the drop off and even public transportation is an easy time.

Such a great space! It can be a touch challenging for parking. There is plenty, it is just that you…read moremay need to do some walking due to the entrance facing a street without parking spaces and due to it's positioning, the street parking is a blocks away with a few spaces only right in close. The space is very open for them to really arrange depending on the performance or use. I just recently saw an amazing performance there and it felt very intimate, even with the space pretty full. Keep your eye out for AWOL because the performances they produce or perform are always such a treat.

Jaw-dropping, eye-popping, spine bending --- electrifying aerial and dance performance! Feels a…read morelot like a Cirque du Soleil performance except you are seated close up --- way more intimate seating. You could rub elbows with the dancers! The aerial dancers were spinning and hanging from the rafters and or performing floor movements with a spirited and haunting musical set while interpreting the muse before sleep fading into a dream world. A superb story with balance of music, choreography and flying dancers! Wow! And what power and grace with passion and flexibility these amazing dancers displayed flying through the air. Wow again! You'll be amazed and you should definitely treat yourself to a one-of-kind AWOL performance! Go AWOL! Fly!

AFRU Gallery is a decent place. We went here for an art show and the space was the perfect…read moresize...intimate without being too intimate. If you are looking for a place to hold more than 30 people comfortably, you may want to look elsewhere. But for an intimate setting, this was not bad at all.

Some of the strangest and most interesting art in Portland! If you are looking for real Portland…read moreart this is the place.There hours are on Face Book the web site seems to still be under construction or something ..

I love this place. Soundview does everything from audio and video to events and they've been in…read morebusiness for 25 years. I think that that says it all. The studio is right in the heart of downtown Portland, too. The staff is exceptionally friendly and really works to make sure you're happy. I was referred for a wedding, and it went great! Planning and everything was well done. Definitely check them out.

It was a fantastic venue. The owners were really nice and it was the perfect place to throw a large…read morefundraiser It was easy to make good use of the space and we're excited to use it again. It was easy to clean as well which made our lives easier.

My partner and I got married at the last minute this November (planned and married in the span of…read morefive days), and we were lucky enough that Team Event Center had an opening that Sunday for us. They were communicative, flexible and extremely reasonable in price, and gave us a lot of leeway in setting up the space. They already had lights strung up and blank walls we could set up to our liking. Setting up music via their audio system was also very easy. We were really happy to get to support a business in the neighborhood we live in and were amazed with how reasonable the cost was. We'd gladly hold an event there again and have already recommended it to others.

The Portland Art Museum sits directly in front of the South Park Blocks, a historic 12-block green…read morespace stretching through downtown Portland. It's a beautiful area within the Cultural District. The museum itself is easy to navigate, it's well-curated, and well-designed. There are several outdoor pavilions - the doors to which are contact free (you just wave to open them). My only complaint is the "All User" bathrooms which lack privacy and feel awkward to use. The Hockey exhibit is worth seeing - as is the Rothko collection, NW, and european collections. The Vancouver Art Museum may want to take note...

I do like an art museum, but $27 is quite steep. The museum is nice with four floors. About 50-70%…read morewas more modern art, and only about half a floor was classic. For my proposes I'm calling modern art anything produced in the last 40 years. There were some unique exhibits like the one where you lay on a bed at watch a video on the ceiling. And some classic art, like paintings from historical masters. I tried to include a wide variety of photos to provide a sample of what to expect. Nice museum, can spend a few hours here, but make the ticket price more reasonable... Maybe $15-20.

The Community Music Center is perfectly Portland. This old firehouse is a small reasonably priced…read morenon profit music school for children and adults. They have a concert space to rent and free concerts all the time. If you are a recently arrived music teacher, they are an easy start point to teach. If you are looking for music lessons, especially group lessons, they are a great resource. Childrens' music lessons. Good spot to bring children to hear free concerts. They also have instrument rental. They are partnered with the City of Portland Parks and Recreation department, another stellar example of your government at work. In the Peoples' Republic of Portland, this is the place of the people's, your, music!

Do not call yourselves "Community Music Center" If you're not going to serve the community. I…read morewalked in this place, and someone rudely greeted me with "uhhhh, can I help you?" I checked back later, there was a sign that said "no walk-ins" I called, asked about practice rooms or rehearsal space. "oh no, we don't rent out space to other organizations." Totally fine, unLESS you're called COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTER. Guys, rebrand.

I absolutely love this place, everyone is so kind and the art here is magaical!…read more I utlizize this space for sewing/crafts and every since i have been able to expand my vision. I love begin with other visionaries who inspire me to keep creating and keep making art! Kudos to Alan!!

Located in the old Moody barge building at Zidell Yards, just north of the tram at OHSU on the…read morewaterfront, this building has been transformed into a creative space for artists of various art mediums and creative thinkers. On the first floor, the halls are lined with lots of local art, and I enjoyed taking my time and marveling over the pieces. Several spaces serve as creative think tanks. Upstairs, several artists have their workspaces. Yesterday, I attended an Open Studios exhibit showcasing three local artists. The unique, handcrafted, contemporaries jewelry by Clara Ines Arana was incredibly beautiful. There were so many stunning and exquisite pieces created from metals in silver, gold and black. Each design was a one-of-a kind piece and you could see the love and detail that went into each. I'm obsessed! Earrings ranged in design from big, bold geometric shapes to dainty drops of hoops. Clara's eye for detail and shapes is apparent; her metal skills impeccable. In the collection there were pins and broaches with a contemporary and joyful update. Wearing one of Clara's broaches on a solid colored dress or top would totally transform an outfit. There were several necklaces, some long created from various hoops and ovals; some were short and made of cable wire to form a collar. The collar necklaces showcased a pendent, many a square silver base with accents of gold and / or black metal. Some had a pearl or gemstone to accent the piece. These designs were both eye-catching and stunning. You can also purchase additional pendants to hang on the collar or your own necklace. Did I mention that I am obsessed! The studios cover a variety of art and mediums. Down the hall, Rudy Barton has his workspace. Rudy is a Professor at Portland State University's School of Fine and Performing Arts and received his Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University. Rudy has curated exhibitions both locally and nationally, and authored numerous publications, and still finds time to create and exhibit his art. I particularly liked his whimsical collection of small A-frame houses on stilt like legs, all made from twigs and paper, in a variety of colors. While I have not seen a theatre performance here, I wanted to share their mission, in their own words: "Artists Repertory Theatre's mission is to produce intimate, provocative theatre and provide a home for a diverse community of artists and audiences to take creative risks." Because some of the studio artists live in the same condo building as me, I discovered The Old Moody Building and look forward to staying in contact and enjoying more art exhibits and seeing some theatre performances. My hope is that this community will attract more local artists and become a destination for local artists and the community of art lovers. This building sits back a bit from the road. Easy access from streetcar, Max, or tram. There is also parking out front. Call for appointments to see studios.