THE ART LOVER’S GUIDE TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
The Art Lover’s Guide to Collecting Fine Art in the
The Pacific Northwest, encompassing Washington and Oregon, is a region like no other. And its two main metropolitan cities, Portland and Seattle, simply bleed creativity. In addition to the rainy vibes, which add their own layer of melodrama, both cities are awash in the scents of fresh coffee and the work of street performers, musicians and artists. There likely isn’t a street corner in either of these cities that isn’t dazzled in some way with the imaginations of artists who’ve stepped foot there.
In Seattle, visitors and art lovers can gallivant around Pike Place Market exploring the myriad of public art on the walls and alleyways, as well as the Market’s famous bronze sculpture, Rachel the Pig. Seattle Art Museum has three major facilities, with its main building located downtown. The museum, which features the colossal Hammering Man at its entrance, has a growing collection of nearly 25,000 works from across the world, including everything from antiques and historic works to contemporary art. At Seattle Center, visitors will find what is considered to be the largest exhibit of glass art by Dale Chihuly, an otherworldly “garden” of blown-glass botanicals.
The Seattle Art Fair happens every August, allowing collectors and art lovers the chance to explore artwork from nearly 100
local, national and international exhibitors. The event recently celebrated its five year milestone this past August.
In Kirkland across Lake Washington is Parklane Gallery, showcasing works from 40 Pacific Northwest-based artists. Arts institutions can be found throughout the state of Washington, including the Tacoma Art Museum, Cascadia Art Museum in Edmonds and the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner. Also located in La Conner is bronze and wood sculptor Peregrine O’Gormley.
Traveling south to the sister state of Oregon, art aficionados will find a wonderland of art, culture and creativity. Founded in late 1892, Portland Art Museum is among the oldest museums in the Pacific Northwest, boasting a collection of more than 50,000 objects. The distinguished collection is known for its art of the Native peoples of North America as well as graphic arts and more. Downtown’s Pearl District has a vibrant art scene, with art spaces including the Art Institute of Portland and a number of events happening each month such as the First Thursday Art Walk.
During Portland Open Studios—held this year on October 12, 13, 19 and 20—nearly 100 artists open their studios to the public, providing a unique educational opportunity for people to observe and learn the creative practices of these artists.