I don't get out to art galleries as often as I should, but when I do, there are a few I make sure to always visit. Portland sports a vast number of galleries, and not just in the Pearl. Recently, the east side has seen the growth of galleries and offers First Friday as an answer to First Thursday, the established art walk of the Pearl and Old Town districts. And we all know of the hemp fuelled revelry on Alberta on Last Thursdays. It can a be too much to see, but I do have my favorites, and here are six of them.

1. The Lawrence Gallery - Portland's premier art gallery and my personal favorite. The work here is always first class, and the variety offers something for everyone. Make a point to visit and check out the paintings by Jennifer Gray.
2. The Attic Gallery - Don't let the website fool you. It may look like it was designed in 1997, and probably was, but the Attic Gallery is huge and fun. Their new digs on NW 10th make a great place to view art...really big art, which I remember from my last few visits. Plus the staff is surprisingly friendly.
3. Laura Russo Gallery - Consistent quality and a beautiful space make this gallery worth many return visits. As with all galleries on this list, they have wonderful people working there, and their openings are intimate events that put you in the company of some of the finest artists in Portland.
4. Quality Pictures - The new kid on the block, QP specializes in photography, an art form sadly neglected in Portland. While the space is small, the quality of work shown more than makes up for it.
5. Newspace - Newspace isn't a gallery per se, they offer a wide range of activities for photography, such as studio rental, classes, darkroom, etc; but they also have a gallery where photographers can share their work. If you have an interest in what the locals are shooting, stop by and check it out.
6. Working Artist Studio - Also not just a gallery, WAS could only exist in Portland. Established as a place where artists can find studio space, and classes on art business, they occassionaly have member shows at their location and other spaces around town.

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