First Thursday

"Silent Fall"

Finally! Considering how long I've lived in Portland, I can't believe it's taken until now to attend First Thursday, a monthly art event in which a select number of galleries open new exhibitions of works by painters, sculptors, photographers and glass artists.

It was founded 24 years ago by members of the Portland Art Dealers Association and it spawned a grassroots-flavored street festival on the eastside (our part of town) called Last Thursday. The two events could not be more different.

First Thursday spills all over Northwest Portland, from Old Town to the Pearl, and attracts a more well-heeled crowd while, not incidentally, generating lots of business for restaurants and bars in the area. The quality of the art -- at least in the galleries -- is pretty high; the wares being sold on the street range widely, on the other hand. Everything from handmade furniture and jewelry to photography and low-brow paintings of beer cans.

Lori and I met some friends for a light dinner on Broadway and then broke off to tour the area with Colleen and her daughter Ryeder.

It was a gorgeous night to be outside, with a not-too-warm summer evening and not-too-full bellies. We spent a good chunk of time at the Auden Gallery, 714 NW Davis St., which featured some prints by Warhol, Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein, along with newer works by local artists including Dharma Strasser Maccoll. who does a lot of mixed media on paper with a delicate feel to it. "Silent Fall," above, is one example.

First Thursday was enjoyable on a lot of levels. It combined food, fun and the open air. It allowed me to spend time with my wife and two friends I don't see enough of. These are exactly the kinds of things I was thinking of when I wrote "I wish..."  earlier this week.

Artwork: http://dharmamaccoll.com