Portland Artists: Local Art

Portlanders are known for their creativity, so it is no wonder that the Portland art scene is among the nation’s most vibrant. In all corners of the city, you can find thought-provoking pieces of art, from coffee shops to larger museums.
Downtown Portland’s Cultural District is home to the top museums in the city. The Portland Art Museum is arguably the most prestigious museum and garners the most attention with its international shows. The museum also hosts a number of events including artist lectures.
Across the street is the South Park Blocks which is home to many public art pieces. From grand statues to more abstract offerings, it can be a perfect complement to a visit to the Portland art museum.
Also located downtown, the Portlandia statue is a popular piece of public art. Sharing its name with a recent television show, the statue looks over downtown Portland and has a history that is as rich as its artistic presence. Because of legal ramifications, the statue is lesser known than it could be, but still serves as one of Portland’s most well-known public statutes.
South of downtown, Portland’s Pearl District is home to many of the city’s top commercial galleries. Whether it is ethnic art or the top up-and-coming local artists, you can find galleries that fit your budget and taste. The Pearl District also hosts the First Thursday event which is a great night to explore the area’s galleries and find your favorites.
In northeast Portland, the Land Gallery resides along Portland’s popular Mississippi Avenue. With a rotating show upstairs, it is a fun and free way to explore the top Pacific Northwest artists. Quirky and innovative, the Land Gallery perfectly encapsulates what the Portland art scene is all about.
For performing arts, downtown Portland is home to many theater companies such as the Portland Center Stage and Artist Repertory Theatre. For live music, north Portland has a number of top spots such as the Alberta Rose Theatre. This refurbished movie theater hosts both music and live art performances. The monthly Alberta Street Fair is another local event where you can come into contact with the top artists in the Rose City.