Upcoming Exhibits + Events
“tell___'hi' from me” Traveling Exhibition
tell ___ ‘hi’ from me is North Pole Studio’s largest group exhibition to date, showcasing the work of 27 North Pole Studio Artists. This diverse collection of 40 2D and 3D works will travel throughout the region throughout 2025 and 2026 bringing visibility to the extraordinary self-taught artists who work at North Pole Studio and deepening public understanding of Progressive Art Studios.
Iris Tervo Solo Exhibit | 7 C's Gallery
View Iris Tervo’s collection of iconic portraits at Community Vision’s “7 C’s Gallery”, a street-side gallery that is viewed from the sidewalk. The gallery is directly across from the New Seasons on SE Division and 19th.
Look Here
LOOK HERE is a multiphase project that focuses on the changing narrative around art created in progressive art studios and illuminates how neurodivergent artists challenge and expand conventional approaches to artmaking.
Dan Tran | Calendars | after/time collective
As part of his daily practice, Dan Tran draws a single invented symbol in one compartment of a self-made grid on sheets of standard copy paper (either 8.5” x 11” and 8.5” x 14”). He refers to this ongoing practice as “Calendars,” and works on multiple sheets with differing symbols simultaneously. Each consistent gesture marks the passage of time while gradually building a larger composition and a new visual record.
Dan draws deep inspiration from both world history and current events. Many of the colored symbols on his calendars, he explains, represent shields and crosses tied to events from the history of the Crusades. Others reflect the colors of national flags involved in present-day conflicts, such as the Ukrainian-Russian war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some symbols are known only to Dan himself. Interwoven with these symbols are Dan’s handwritten reminders of holidays, personal milestones, and significant dates in American history.
Tracking shifts in response to news and public sentiment, Dan remains non-dogmatic and free from a fixed agenda. The symbols he creates reflect his fascination with both historical and contemporary events. By drawing different symbols across concurrently running calendars, Dan presents world history, current events and time in a linear yet layered three-dimensional conceptual form.
What starts as a routine action transforms into a reflection on process and transience. The work is fluid and multifaceted: part art-making, part record-keeping, part data visualization. It results not only in striking individual and collective compositions, but also in the creation of a system that expresses a private visual language offering insight into Tran’s relationship with time, history, memory, politics, and impermanence.
This exhibition is the result of a collaboration between artist Dan Tran and the North Pole Studio team: Mary Ellen Andersen, Celeste Gutentag, Jade Novarino, and Exhibitions Manager Krista Gregory. The process began with over 1,000 sheets of paper, which Tran initially sorted into groups based on color and symbol. Krista Gregory then refined these groupings, taking into account the gallery space and overall exhibition design, before returning them to Tran. He arranged the final selections in chronological order, a sequence reflected in the exhibition’s layout. Each group’s composition is based on the number of sheets Tran used to explore the life of a particular symbol. Groups containing seven or more sheets are displayed in rows of seven, sometimes stacked, referencing Tran’s ongoing interest in the structure of the Western calendar.
Each grouping is titled according to the symbols’ lifespan.
Dan Tran | Calendars opens on Thursday, October 2nd during First Thursday from 6-9pm at after/time collective.
Joni Smith: Markmaker | Paragon Gallery
Joni Smith (b. 1955) is a prolific, entirely self-taught Portland artist who has been drawing since childhood. She has an extraordinary creative practice, sometimes drawing for over eight hours each day, often regardless of place and circumstance. Art-making is inextricable from Joni’s life – she creates at a drafting table in her art studio, nestled in a recliner in her living room, and even from the bed of a hospital room. For Joni, art is a primary communication tool.
Over the course of her 60+ year art practice, she has filled hundreds of sketchbooks, frequently drawing on the front and back of each page. In 2021, Joni joined North Pole Studio where she began using an upright drafting table and tabletop easel, allowing her to access large-scale paper from her wheelchair and marking a significant phase-change in her creative practice. Using these tools, Joni continues to build an extensive collection of large-scale works, working across various sizes, paper textures and multiple mediums.
Joni’s process is kinetic and expressive; she harnesses raw energy into mark-making that oscillates between sweeping, delicate linework to forceful, striking motions that can tear through the page. Seemingly guided by intuition, she draws in continuous, rhythmic movement while making instantaneous decisions about color as she adds layers to build each form. Joni’s process is episodic; themes in color and shape can be found throughout her work in sets or multiphase series. Joni’s most recent works showcase her exploration of an elegant arcing shape – variations of which take an almost shell or cloud-like form. In other works, undulating orbs are put in tension with one another, almost as if dualling, and in earlier works, Joni works across the perimeter of her page, giving the impression of a central magnetic force as each shape is drawn inward and towards one another.
Joni’s creative practice and collection of work has only become known to the public within the last 5 years, and this is the first solo exhibition of her work.
Joni Smith: Markmaker opens on Thursday, October 2nd during First Thursday. The opening reception will be from 4-7pm with a short program at 5pm.
Joni Smith: Markmaker - Opening Reception at Paragon Gallery
Join us for the opening of Joni Smith: Markmaker Thursday, October 2nd during First Thursday. The opening reception will be from 4-7pm with a short program at 5pm.
North Pole Studio Holiday Pop-up Shop & Gallery
Get your Holiday shopping started at North Pole Studio’s Holiday Pop-Up Gallery & Shop: a festive marketplace of original creations by NPS artists.
From November 6-14, we will be taking over the vacant storefront below the studio to share some holiday magic! Original artwork, prints, NPS merch and of course: Davis Wohlford’s Misfit Toy collection will all be for sale.
Join us for the kick off event on November 6, from 5-9pm during First Thursday Artwalk in the Pearl. We’ll have snacks, a DJ, and lots of great artwork to purchase. What are the Holidays without a little bit of North Pole magic?!
Kickoff Event: November 6, 5-9pm
528 NW 11th Ave (just below North Pole Studio)
Holiday Shopping hours Nov 7-14 coming soon.
Future Mythologies | J Pepin Art Gallery
Join us for the opening reception of Future Mythologies, an exhibition of work created by North Pole artists Eva Adneral, Aaron Cunningham, Annie Rose Macer, Dan Tran, and Scott Tullock during a six-month residency at Mullowney Printing Company.
This exhibit will open on Thursday, November 6 from 5-8 pm during First Thursday.
East Creative Hoppin' Halloween Art and Craft Show
North Pole artists Manta Jay and Aisha Abioto will be joining the artists of East Creative for an evening of art, music and fun! They will have artwork on display and for sale.
The East Creative Collective is a studio and gallery home to artists and creators in mediums ranging from oil painting to digital design and sculpture. Located in the inner SE Arts District of Portland, East Creative holds monthly open studios and regular public events featuring both East Collective members and outside artists.
Dan Tran | Calendars - Opening Reception at after/time collective
Celebrate the opening of Dan Tran’s solo exhibition “Calendars” during First Thursday in the Pearl District.
“tell___'hi' from me” | Opening Reception
Join us for the Opening Reception of North Pole Studio’s largest group exhibition to date, tell ___ ‘hi’ from me on Thursday, July 17th from 4:00-6:00pm at Littman & White Gallery. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments, and take in a short speaking program from the staff and participating artists. July is Disability Pride Month, and the reception will include drop-in engagement opportunities to celebrate including button-making and more!
North Pole Studio Presents: Rhythm & Hues at The Montavilla Jazz Festival
North Pole Studios presents Rhythm & Hues at the 2025 Montavilla Jazz Festival!
Leading off the Festival Kick-off Night at the Alberta Rose Theatre, North Pole’s collaborative project, Rhythm & Hues paired three local composer/musicians—Luke Wyland, Machado Mijiga, and Harlan Silverman—with three NPS artists—Joni Smith, Annie Rose Macer, and Austin Brague—invited the composers to write a song in response to an artwork. The results are vibrant, swirling pieces that illustrate the power of creative expression.
These three songs will be performed as the opener for PJCE’s Performance!
Aug 29th
8:00 pm (doors at 7:00 pm)
Alberta Rose Theatre
Tickets for this concert are on sale here. Attend more of the festival and buy a pass!
The Art of Mark Bishop
This small solo exhibit at Alberta Street Gallery displays Mark Bishop’s masterful collection of vivid, dimensional portraits which draws inspiration from iconic figures to reflect the struggle, resilience and humanity of lives deeply lived.
This exhibit will open on Thursday, August 28th from 6-9p during Last Thursday, a vibrant Portland event where Alberta Street is closed to traffic and comes alive with music, art and vendors.
West End Wednesday “Taste the Block” with Woonwinkel
North Pole Studio is popping up with Hey Day (Doughnuts!) at Woonwinkel for August’s West End Wednesday, themed “Taste the Block” on Wednesday, August 27th from 5-7pm.
Woonwinkel x North Pole Studio will be launching a set of limited edition prints featuring work by Annie Rose Macer, Joni Smith and Dan Tran! During the event, Dan Tran will be doing a live drawing demonstration from a still-life that features Hey Day’s gorgeous doughnuts, Woonwinkel’s colorful homewares and fresh flowers - visitors have the unique opportunity to flex their creative muscles by taking a seat with Dan to make their own drawing to take home! Also, don’t miss Joni Smith’s stunning window display on 10th street while you’re in the neighborhood.
Treat yourself to a doughnut, browse Woonwinkel’s gorgeous store, chat with North Pole Studio staff and artists and spend the summer evening in community with us!
Workshop! Annie Rose Macer at Cargo
Paper Quilts with Annie Rose Macer
an art workshop hosted by North Pole Studio
Saturday July 26th | 1:00-2:30pm | $35
Register HERE
Join artist Annie Rose Macer for a vibrant collage workshop exploring pattern, color, and texture through cut paper. Drawing inspiration from her Central American heritage and lifelong fascination with mandalas, Annie Rose guides participants in creating layered "paper quilt" collages using repurposed materials like paint swatches and painted paper. This hands-on session invites you to celebrate joy, nature, and personal expression through playful, intentional design.
Joni Smith Window Display at Woonwinkel
In celebration of July’s Disability Pride Month, Joni Smith will be taking over Woonwinkel’s Window Display, located on SW 10th and Washington. Take a moment to drive or walk by and absorb Joni’s energetic web of line and color.
“Carnival of Animals” | Opening Reception with Davis Wohlford at Cargo
Please join us for an Opening Reception of Davis Wohlford’s Carnival of Animals on Sunday, July 13th from 12-2p at Cargo. Stop by to meet Davis in person over light snacks and refreshments and delight in the pure wonder of Cargo!
Davis Wohlford’s solo exhibition, Carnival of Animals is on view in Cargo’s enchanting exhibition space. Using his signature painted collage technique, Davis transforms animals from all over the globe into delightfully imperfect colorful patternscapes constructed through real and imagined animal markings and absracted body positions. Cargo’s vibrant and consuming environment provides the perfect home for these paintings, which at the same time camouflage and make noise among the vibrant artistry that surrounds them.
“Carnival of Animals” | Davis Wohlford at Cargo
Don’t miss Davis Wohlford’s solo exhibition, Carnival of Animals in Cargo’s enchanting exhibition space. Using his signature painted collage technique, Davis transforms animals from all over the globe into delightfully imperfect colorful patternscapes which he constructs through real and imagined animal markings and absracted body positions. Cargo provides the perfect environment for these paintings, which at the same time camouflage and make noise among the vibrant artistry in the surrounding space.
Please join us for an Opening Reception on Sunday, July 13th from 12-2p to meet Davis in person over light snacks and refreshments.
North Pole Studio at the Portland Pickles Game!
Join North Pole Studio staff and artists for a fantastic night out with the Portland Pickles! Sit with North Pole community members in our reserved Party Plaza Section, shop for special edition NPS-designed Pickles merch, and see NPS Artist and Pickles super-fan Adam Richards throw the first pitch! Tickets are just $25, and 50% of each ticket sold will go to benefit North Pole’s programming.
To learn more and reserve your spot, visit: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northpole5
“The Architecture of Experience” | Adam Richards & Deanna Weisenhaus at Never Coffee
The Architecture of Experience showcases the work of North Pole Studio artists Adam Richards and Deanna Weisenhaus. Their pieces interweave elements of language and structure, offering visual frameworks through which we make sense of our environments and lived experiences. This exhibition invites viewers to consider the personal architectures we construct to navigate the world.
Treat yourself to a cup of Never Coffee and spend a moment with this stunning collection.
NWMA Open Studios
North Pole Studio will be heading back to NWMA to participate in the Summer Open Studios as a vendor in Building 5.
NWMA will also be holding a fundraiser for us called Small Art Big Give!
Hope to see you there!
“Paper Quilts & Flying Dogs” | Opening Reception
Join us for the Opening Reception of Annie Rose Macer and Raf Spielman’s exhibit, Paper Quilts & Flying Dogs at the Lowell shop gallery. This exhibit places four of Annie Rose Macer’s colorful hand-cut “paper quilts” in converation with Raf Spileman’s whimsical figures. Please stop by to join in the celebration!
📍Lowell
2136 E Burnside, Portland, OR 97214
Artists: Annie Rose Macer, Raf Spielman
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 17, 3–5 PM
New Studio Community Open House
Come and see our NEW STUDIO in the Pearl District. We will be opening our doors to the community during First Thursday Art Walk in the Pearl to show off our new space and showcase our artists work. Swing on by while you cruise the neighborhood galleries!
514 NW 11th Ave Ste 203, Portland OR 97209
“Crescendo” Exhibition
“Crescendo” at Elbow Room Gallery features the work of 20 artists, including North Pole Studio’s Christopher Anders and Doug Wing. The exhibition, curated by Nick Norman around the theme of music, will be open from April 26th - May 24, 2025.
Gallery hours are Fridays from 2-5pm or by appointment
📍Elbow Room
331 SE Madison St.
Portland, OR
Studio Moving Sale & Puppet Parade
Come and buy some art and enjoy a public performance of our Puppet Parade before we move to our new studio space in the Pearl District!!
Affordable Art! Free Stuff! Puppets! Music! Raffle! And More!
Outsider Art Exhibit 2025: featuring Manta Jay, Kristy Yawman, Connor Bauman
Outsider Art Exhibit 2025 is a celebration of artists with disabilities and the organizations that support them. The show aligns with Developmental Disability Awareness Month and seeks to highlight the gaps in Spokane's arts ecosystem, particularly in providing dedicated spaces for artists with disabilities to create and thrive. This exhibition is an opportunity to honor the incredible talent of these artists while encouraging conversations about how essential these spaces are to our community. Learn more here.
![[amorpha] featuring Joni Smith](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0369d1defb8d4269f09c59/1740079387082-TV82F4TA7ZW26VC11T79/Screen%2BShot%2B2025-02-20%2Bat%2B11.22.07%2BAM.jpg)
[amorpha] featuring Joni Smith
Joni Smith was selected for a juried group show at Imperfecta Gallery. Join us for the Opening Reception on March 8 from 5-7pm. Note gallery is closed March 25-29. Learn more here.
2025 Outsider Art Fair-NYC
North Pole Studio will be representing artists at the 2025 Outsider Art Fair for the fourth year. Congratulations to: Davis Wohlford, Austin Brague, Adam Richards, Christopher Anders, Annie Rose Macer, Doug Wing, and James Enos.
Unconventional Wisdom: The Work of North Pole Studio
The annual invitational show from Waterstone Gallery, Unconventional Wisdom: The Work of North Pole Studio features works by Adam Richards, Adolph Bastendorff, Davis Wohlford, Deanna Wiessenhaus, Doug Wing, James Enos, Nathan Ueno & Tyla Parsons.
Opening reception February 6, 5 - 8 pm
NW Marine Artworks Open Studios
Artists at NW Marine Art Works are opening their studio doors on December 7th and 8th for its annual Open Studios + Holiday Market. This one of a kind event provides the opportunity to visit the studios where art is created and shop directly from makers this holiday season.
North Pole Studio will be open on Sunday, December 8th ONLY due to a big event we are hosting on Friday, December 6th! Stop by on Sunday to say hi and shop!
Annual Holiday Gala!
Kick-off the holidays with North Pole Studio at our most magical event of the year! This captivating evening is hosted by Portland’s own Drew Carney and includes beautiful food, delicious wine, stunning artwork, a fun raffle, live auction and powerful program. Join us to celebrate North Pole Studio artists, and support the continued growth of this important organization.
The Misfit Toy Show
Join us for a magical Opening Reception of Davis Wohlford’s wonderful holiday show, The Misfit Toy Show. This interactive, mixed-media exhibition features Davis’ interpretation of Misfit Toy Island from the original Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer story.
The Opening Reception will take place on Saturday, November 2nd from 3-6pm at Elbow Room’s Gallery: 331 SE Madison St. Portland, OR. 97214.
LEVEL up for North Pole Studio! (Level 2)
Join us at LEVEL 2 Multnomah Village Taproom on Tuesday, September 17th, from 3 PM to 10 PM, for a fun-filled evening. Meet our talented artists, savor a pint of exceptional beer, and pick up some cool North Pole Studio merch.
With 30% of draft sales going to North Pole Studio, your support helps us continue to provide valuable arts programming for our artists.
📍Level 2 Multnomah Village Taproom
7840 SW Capitol HWY, Portland, Oregon 97219
September Studio Sale!
Stop by on Saturday, September 14th between 12-5pm for our end-of-summer September Studio Sale! Shop art and new merch, check out the studio, meet the artists or just pop in to say hi and have a conversation! The amazing Phoebe Mol will be facilitating a free puppet self portrait activity for all who are interested… all ages, all abilities!
If you’re TBA-ing please swing through the studio between events to say hello! We will have light snacks and drinks available and a comfortable couch for sitting on. Let the most wonderful of Portland art weeks begin!
LEVEL up for North Pole Studio! (Level 3)
Come out to LEVEL 3 Buckman Kerns on Monday, September 9th, from 3 PM to 10 PM, and help us LEVEL up for North Pole Studio! Enjoy a night of great drinks, meet our wonderful artists, and grab some exclusive North Pole Studio merchandise.
With 30% of draft sales supporting our mission, it's a perfect way to enjoy a unique beer while making a positive impact.
📍 LEVEL 3 Buckman Kerns
1447 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
LEVEL up for North Pole Studio! (Level 1)
Join us at LEVEL 1 Brewery + Taproom on Tuesday, September 3rd, from 3 PM to 9 PM, for an evening of fun and beer! 30% of draft sales will go to support North Pole Studio. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy great food, beer and support our artists!
📍 LEVEL 1 Brewery + Taproom
5211 NE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97230
“A flower, a shell, and a water tower'“
EXHIBITION RUN: August 29th - September 27th
Join us for the opening reception of "A flower, a shell, and a water tower" at Alberta Street Gallery on Thursday, August 29th from 6-9pm! This vibrant exhibition showcases the work of six North Pole Studio artists: Dan Tran, Deanna Weisenhaus, Doug Wing, John Mosser, Joni Smith, and Tyla Parsons.
The opening coincides with Alberta Street’s last Last Thursday of the summer so the street will be full of activity and art! Come prepared for large crowds, bustling activity, and loud noises, and expect to hunt for parking and walk or wheel a few blocks to the gallery.
If you aren’t able to attend the opening, the show will be on view through September 27th and Alberta Street Gallery is open daily from 11am - 7pm.
Join us for McMenamins Friends and Family Night on Tuesday, August 13th!
Head over to McMenamins Tavern and Pool Hall on NW 23rd in Portland for an evening of fun and creativity. Start with an engaging drawing workshop led by one of our talented artists, participate in our exciting raffle, and cap the night with a thrilling pool tournament. Best of all, 50% of the proceeds will go to supporting North Pole Studio. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to support our creative community!
5PM - 7PM : “Sketchy Time” with guest celebrity sketch facilitator Rachel Mulder
7PM - 9PM : Karaoke
9PM - 11PM : Pool Tournament