First Friday PDX - Portland's Eastside Artwalk

Under currents | Sidestreet arts

An Undercurrent might describe an underlying feeling or influence, especially one that is kept secret and contrary to the prevailing atmosphere. Similar to a current of water surging down deep, it moves in opposition to its visible surface, gathering energy while gaining momentum against the status quo. 

Many artists today are keenly aware of the tumultuous tides brought about by these troubled times, and hint at these conflicting emotions in their art. Like the concept of the “calm before the storm”, also compelling is the sea change that brings hope for a cleansing surge and the promise of renewal. 

We have invited four local artists to participate in this exhibition, each adept at describing our evocative Ocean visually. This collection is comprised of painting, sculpture, and glass, suspending the viewer in a poignant, almost sinister reckoning under the forces of its own mysterious, collective strength. We are like ocean bodies caught in uncertain waters, restless between stillness and storm.

This tempest contains multitudes hinting at the coexistence of a duality; a calm serenity, juxtaposed with its explosive potential energy.

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

Visit http://firstfridaypdx.org for a full listing of First Friday art openings and our gallery map

7th Annual Summer Skate Deck Show AND 15th BIRTHDAY PARTY | ADX Gallery

Launching June 5, 2026, the ADX Summer Skate Deck Show returns with a simple prompt and open possibilities: each artist transforms a skate deck into a work of art. With only a few logistical guidelines, participants are given complete creative freedom, resulting in pieces that stretch, disguise, and reimagine the familiar substrate into something entirely new.

The opening night celebrates ADX’s 15th birthday and will feature live music from Unkle Chip, Mend, High Glow, Clarity, and Spare, alongside a full gallery of decks to explore. Step outside to the ADX Art Park for additional activations, including Skate Like a Girl’s zine station and finger skate bowl, a screenprinting setup, a pop up from Skating is Connection and Commonwealth Skate Park, and more vendors to be announced.

Beverages will be provided by True North Bars, with food offerings from Cobra Dogs and neighboring carts just around the block.

The ADX Summer Skate Deck Show is a vibrant convergence of art, skate culture, and community. Don’t miss it!

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

Visit http://firstfridaypdx.org for a full listing of First Friday art openings and our gallery map

OPEN ARTISTS’ STUDIOS | EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

While you’re out enjoying the nice weather and celebrating the weekend, come by East Creative Studios on June 5th from 6pm-9pm and find your next affordable art buy!

Come check out some cool art and cooler artists and see what we’ve been up to!

Thank you for your support and hope to see you at 211 SE Madison St, Portland OR

6 PM – 9 PM @ 211 SE Madison St., Portland, OR
Visit http://firstfridaypdx.org for a full listing of First Friday art openings and our gallery map

FIRST FRIDAY ART RIDE | START AT SIDESTREET ARTS

Casual ride to art galleries for the First Friday Art Walk.

First Friday Art Walk is a monthly tradition where inner SE art galleries stay open late, bring in artists, have free food, and have hands-on arts projects. http://firstfridaypdx.org/

Biking is the best way to get around to these galleries. We get to 5-8 galleries, depending on how long our group spends in each gallery. We don’t know exact routes and galleries, because we decide in the moment. We’ll stay out until ~9:30pm, then see if folks are up for a group dinner afterwards. Join for as many galleries as you like, and leave when you wish. If you have a sound system bring it! I love music on group rides.

Ride details: 5-15 minutes of biking between galleries. Our ride is perfect for new cyclists and families with kids. We’ll go at a slow pace so folks can socialize, and everyone can keep up. We use small neighborhood streets with minimal cars. The ride ends at a different location from the start. If you need advice for how to bike home afterwards or get to your car, chat with the ride leader.

Family Friendly

https://www.shift2bikes.org/calendar/event-23865

meet at 5:45pm, enjoy 1st gallery for 30 min, ride at 6:15pm

5:45 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR

Visit http://firstfridaypdx.org for a full listing of First Friday art openings and our gallery map

ERIC KOOPMAN AND PETER HERLEY | GAGALLERY

Join artists Eric Koopman and Peter Herley as they present their paintings and monoprints at Gagallery.
Snacks and light refreshments will be served at the opening reception.

GAGALLERY is a vibrant art gallery and community space in Portland, Oregon. We offer a variety of events, classes and exhibitions. We are open for special events, evening receptions, First Friday Art Walks, and by private appointment. Our mission is to promote the work of visual and performance based artists and to create a welcoming space for the community to come together

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

ROSE CITY | SPLENDORPORIUM

Please join us for the opening reception of The Rose City Show on Friday, June 5th 7-9 PM.

This show features new work by painter Brian Pellican Murphy and over 30 other local artists celebrating our city and her floral emblem in a variety of styles and media.

We will have:

Ice Cream and Coffee for sale by Sinister Coffee and Creamery

Live Piano Music by Lee Comet

Flower Essence Oracle Readings by Primrose Apothecary

And

Tarot Readings by Lucy, Bringer of Light Tarot

Our Children’s Gallery (inside the Main Gallery) will be showing the Best of Art4Life, a showcase of the wonderful work students in our afterschool programs have created this school year.

The show runs through July 30th (a two month exhibit).

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 11-5.

Pictured: Warmth after the Rainstorm, Acrylic on Canvas by Brian Pellican Murphy

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

Visit http://firstfridaypdx.org for a full listing of First Friday art openings and our gallery map

BODIES IN MYTH | SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTION CENTER

Painting show featuring four Portland based artists whose work explores bodies, figures and myths juxtaposed with iconography of our current cultural zeitgeist.

6 PM – 9 PM @ 400 SE12th St., Portland, OR

Visit http://firstfridaypdx.org for a full listing of First Friday art openings and our gallery map

What a beautiful day for an art ride!

FIRST FRIDAY ART RIDE | START AT SIDESTREET ARTS

First Friday Art Walk (bike to art galleries)

Sidestreet Arts (art gallery), 140 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Fri, May 1, 2026, 5:45 PM

meet at 5:45pm, enjoy 1st gallery for 30 min, ride at 6:15pm

Casual ride to art galleries for the First Friday Art Walk.

First Friday Art Walk is a monthly tradition where art galleries stay open late, bring in artists, have free food, and have hands-on arts projects. http://firstfridaypdx.org/

Biking is the best way to get around to these wonderful galleries, as they’re spread around inner SE/NE. We get to 5-8 galleries, depending on how long our group spends in each gallery. We don’t know exact routes and galleries, because we decide in the moment. We’ll stay out until ~9:30pm, then see if folks are up for a group dinner afterwards. Join for as many galleries as you like, and leave when you wish. If you have a sound system bring it! I love music on group bike rides.

Ride details: 5-15 minutes of biking between galleries. Our ride is perfect for new cyclists and families with kids. We’ll go at a slow pace so folks can socialize, and everyone can keep up. We’ll use small neighborhood streets with minimal cars. The ride ends at a different location from the start. If you need advice for how to bike home afterwards, chat with the ride leader or other cyclists.

https://www.shift2bikes.org/calendar/event-23509

5:45 PM @ 140 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR

Open Artists’ studios  | East Creative collective

FIRST FRIDAY! – It’s fun! Visit OPEN ARTISTS’ STUDIOS at EAST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE and see Artists and their artwork!

The East Creative building is home to an ever-evolving community of artists, and creatives. Come by and visit our art studios, see our work, buy a cute piece of art, and meet the artists on FIRST FRIDAYS! Featuring new artists every month to chat with, new exciting art, installations and more. Buy direct from local artists!

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

Visit http://firstfridaypdx.org for a full listing of First Friday art openings and our gallery map

PATRICK DESHAYE ART GALLERY OPENING | HIPBONE ART STUDIO

Join us in person for an exciting evening at the Patrick Deshaye Art Gallery Opening. Explore stunning paintings from life by the talented Patrick Deshaye. It’s a perfect chance to connect with art lovers and soak in the creative vibes. Patrick Deshaye has been an artist in Portland for over 30 years. All the paintings in this gallery are done from life at Hipbone Art Studio where this will be hosted and other galleries around the city. He is sadly retiring and leaving Portland. Don’t miss out on this unique experience, come see the beauty he has captured before he departs!

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM @ 1847 E. Burnside Street, #104 Portland, OR

Visit http://firstfridaypdx.org for a full listing of First Friday art openings and our gallery map