An Artist's Look at Portland's Best Galleries

Where to find art in Portland

Ryan Bubnis is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and educator who’s been living and creating in Portland for 18 years. Originally from Northern California, he’s “always been drawn to Portland’s strong, independent and entrepreneurial spirit,” he explains. “The city has always made me feel that if I worked hard enough, I could make something happen.” And Bubnis has certainly been hard at work. Visitors can discover his boldly-colored works, with geometric shapes and patterns, at One Grand gallery (pictured above), on posters created for the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team, on custom shoes designed for Vans, and at our sister property, Dossier, where he’s one of several local artists on view. Drawing inspiration from graffiti, folk art and fringe culture, he incorporates a range of mediums, including found objects, paper, wood, canvas and aerosol. And though Bubnis feels that Portland artists each have a unique style and voice, there’s one thing he feels unites them all. “Our proximity to nature and the outdoors,” he says, is influential across the city.

Here, the artist shares his picks for Portland’s best art galleries.

Stephanie Chefas Projects

“I’m represented by this gallery—I just wrapped up my second major show with them.”

Nationale

“Smart curation—I love their roster.”

Land Gallery

“This gallery is above the retail space Buyolympia in North Portland. Their monthly shows feature illustrators, designers and children’s book authors.”

Antler & Talon Galleries

“Friendly and passionate owners and curators with an emphasis on the natural world,” he says of these two galleries from the same owners.

Nucleus Gallery

“This gallery features both artists and illustrators. The front portion is dedicated to zines, prints, pins and other merchandise. It also has rotating beer taps.”

Augen Gallery

“This is a long-standing Portland Gallery that features local and international artists. Along with the work in the main space, I’m a big fan of their print section in the back.”