Another stop on my tour of small galleries and by far, my favorite of all of them. The place itself…read moreis not that big. Two rooms and two different exhibits. The back room had a nudes exhibit with some paintings, sketches and photographs including a Matisse sketch which I enjoyed a lot. The front was the main exhibit. Christopher Rauschenberg, the son of famed artist Robert Rauschenberg ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Rauschenberg). Christopher is a photographer and the photos being shown are a series of shots taken at various famous artists studios including Chuck Close and his father. I even notice a bottle that was painted by Roy Lichtenstein in one of the pictures. Really cool view into their worlds and very colorful pictures. This exhibit just opened recently so I believe it will be around for awhile if you get the urge to get over here. It also doesn't hurt that Christopher Rauschenberg is a Porlander and also founded Blue Sky Photography Gallery, which was my last stop of the day. Really nice work here and I plan to be back.

The Elizabeth Leach Gallery is one of the top handful of galleries in Portland for serious art…read morecollectors. The group of artists represented covers a range of styles. Most are mid career artists with solid resumes. More importantly, the art looks good. They have two major rooms, two simultaneous shows and a large back area. Leach has nurtured a relationship with German artists and created opportunities for her Portland artists to show in Germany. She has also developed personal relationships with Portland's major collectors. She has been the early champion of artists who later achieved great international careers, like Dinh Q Le and has been the Portland outlet for prints from the likes of John Baldassari, Donald Judd and Richard Serra. She has hosted spectacular shows in the past by Richard Misrach (who was first brought to Portland by Blue Sky Gallery). A great gallery and always a great education to see what is showing.

The truth is this place and this artist are one of the best kept secrets in Portland. She has an…read moreEtsy shop online and I used to order her stuff there and when I moved to Portland I just had to go there and check out all of her stuff in person. Her artwork takes me into a lil woodland fantasy world of the Pacific Northwest where things are magical and sparkly and you run into Banjo Bear and and all his friends along Cannon Beach or celebrating fall in the woods. I just wish I could jump into their lil troop and join the fun. This cute lil studio is on MLK and although it's her personal art studio, she also has all of her cards, calendars, prints and some large stretched giclees. I personally own a few giclees in my daughter's bedroom, cards to give out during the year and I have bought the last 3 calendars that she has put out I even have a pin! Maybe next she will partner with someone to create stuffed animals of those cute lil creatures to go along with the art in a child's room? I personally have been pushing for children's books because I would love to read about their lil fantasy stories.

This is a great little studio, and as someone who lives in the neighborhood, I'm fortunate to see…read morethe art daily when I pass. Not only can you buy prints in the store, the artist is very sweet. Kyle children used to walk by daily on their way to the bus for school. One time, around the holidays, the artist came outside and gifted them a winter print . This was so kind and made a true impression on our family.

Hartman Fine Art is a compact gallery with an inconspicuous front facing a segment of the Park…read moreBlocks that, although seedy, still qualifies as part of The Pearl. Its posted hours allow for the serendipitous: X-time to X-time on designated days or "by chance," they say, offsetting (a bit) the rigidity that many galleries exude. Yesterday was First Thursday and an opening reception, so access was sure, and the photos on display were accomplished, but glare off the glass of the frames was a problem. A skylight above one had me shielding my eyes from the invading rays, but even with that, I was squinting. This issue would be season-specific in Portland, of course, but I'm not much inclined to trek to NW 8th in the darker months. If you visit the gallery and have a similar experience, Hartman's Web site will afford you a close, clear look.

What a great gallery. I'm not an art expert, but really enjoyed walking through and chatting with…read morethe gallery and owner. Very informative, and very casual. I'm just getting into the portland art scene and this gallery has set the standard. I can't wait to go to an opening!!

I adore Guardino Gallery. It's a warm and inviting space, perfectly located in the most lovely…read moresection of NE Alberta, in one of the historic buildings that line the street. Guardino is lovingly curated, with a flair for dramatic and whimsical pieces that are absolutely delightful. Some of my favorite artists have shown their work here, like Stephanie Brockway, Tamae Frame, and Jay Perry. The front portion of the gallery is dedicated to the one or two artists being featured that month, while the remaining portion of the gallery on the west side and rear house pieces by a collective of what I assume are local artists. You'll find handmade jewelry, small artifacts and gift items, as well as large statement pieces like sculptures and totems. I could spend hours taking in the sights, dreaming, and falling in love with the art found here. Guardino is a special place.

I used to adore Guardino Gallery, but no more. Today, June 11, 2025, I politely asked if they'd…read moreput up a poster for Saturday's "NO KINGS DAY" anti-Trump rally in downtown Portland and was verbally attacked by the manager (in front of a customer). I introduced myself as a neighbor and customer (we've bought a big painting, jewelry and other smaller artworks over the last 2 1/2 years). But under the new ownership, the vibe is definitely different. Previously, I would have given Guardino Gallery a 5-star review. P.S. The new owner's response does NOT give an accurate picture of the tone and tenor of her remarks in the store.

Luckygirl Gourmet Gallery's owners are great people to work with. Professional is every way. The…read moregallery, the newest is the Pearl District represents local PNW artists of diverse influences and traditions. Lighting and display are exceptional. Month-long exhibitions are showcased throughout the year. The gallery also offers unique gourmet treats; an unusual and fun diversion during one's visit.

Open Studios is an A+ event! Gorgeous space, fantastic artists, wonderful music and food. Check out…read moremy photos for some breath taking art. Can't wait to come back!

A massive crush of holiday shoppers wandering around the tight quarters of an endless variety of…read moreartists and miscellaneous other vendors.

Worksound is one of Portland's underground art venues with a good curatorial eye. They have bands…read moreand DJs at openings and a great creative crowd for conversation. And yes, they can close early and unpredictably and I haven't figured out how to see shows other than the openings. The chief curator is a local art prof from Senegal and artist. Sometimes top rank local curators pick the shows, usually involving 5-10 artists. It's a must stop for Portland art openings, usually the first or second Friday of the month, sometimes music events other times in the month. And yes, the bathroom is not so great, but if you think that is bad, look out the window at the building foundations! Low rent and cool art, just like we like it!

I have no idea what just happened…read more Worksound is a gallery and a music space. I bought PBR for $2 and in general had a good time. There were various pieces around the space (a fairly large space at that!), which showcase a broad mix o' media. I have to be honest, I'm feeling pretty Switzerland about the whole venue. I think the one thing that annoys me is the limited online information about the location. I think when any business dabbles in a little of everything, they become hard to define. In the case of an art gallery, that might be something you're really looking for but for this kid...it just makes me want to shake someone down and demand answers. I had a good time, heard some good music but I admit that I occasionally looked around frantically and wantd to yell "hey! just what the hell is happening here?!" Here is what I know for sureabout the mysterious Work/Sound gallery space thing: I showed up and paid 7 dollars. Saw some music and then bought some beer. The rest is up for interpretation. Super Necessary Info: They have one bathroom. Consider letting it flow before you enter.

A community of artists and makers, very welcoming and accepting of other artists…read more I hope to be a part of this scene one day

Past Lives Makerspace is an ideal facility for hobbyists, inventors, craftspeople and artists…read more There are studios and workspaces for all kinds of activities: metal shop, wood shop, ceramics studio, glass and stained glass studio, textile arts studio and so much more. Every work area is well equipped with the tools of the trade and the tools are well maintained. It's the kind of makerspace where you can spend all day. There's a full commercial kitchen and communal eating/meeting area, so no need to leave in the middle of a project. And the community of makers is phenomenal. The member-teachers I've learned from so far have been top notch - I look forward to taking classes in ceramics, stained glass and art framing next. I highly recommend Past Lives LLC for quality, community and learning.