The Oldest & Largest Art Gallery in Portland

Last Thursdays’ First Thursday opening at Attic Gallery was fun. When I arrived, I was so excited to see all my work placed so prominently in the front window!

Attic Gallery is the oldest and largest art gallery in Portland, so this is an honor indeed–especially since they agreed to squeeze me into their schedule, which is already fully booked for the next year!

Portland, Oregon Artist Cedar Lee with her oil paintings of trees at Attic Gallery

You can see my painting “Majestic Giants” placed in the center of the front window, with several of my other large-scale paintings visible in the background.

Portland, Oregon Artist Cedar Lee’s oil paintings of trees at Attic Gallery

I feel like my artwork never fully translates through photos, because you can’t tell the scale of them. Here’s a photo with me in it for scale–but they are so much better in person, where you can get up close and check out the depth of the color and texture.

Portland, Oregon Artist Cedar Lee with her oil paintings of trees at Attic Gallery

The owner of Attic Gallery, Diana Faville, founded the gallery in 1973 in the attic of her home, when she was a young mother. It has since grown into something wonderful. Her passion for art is evidenced by the wide variety of talent represented in the gallery.

Portland, Oregon Artist Cedar Lee with Diana Faville, founder & owner of Attic Gallery

Diana’s daughter, Maria, works at the gallery and will greet you with a friendly smile.

Portland, Oregon Artist Cedar Lee with Maria at Attic Gallery

I had a great time chatting with some of the other artists currently exhibiting there. Here is David W. Ferriday (with his work behind us.)

Portland, Oregon Artist Cedar Lee with fellow artist David W. Ferriday at Attic Gallery

And Norwegian painter and singer Kristin Blix. I particularly enjoyed a group of small pieces she did in collaboration with her 4-year-old son.

Portland, Oregon Artist Cedar Lee with fellow artist Kristin Blix at Attic Gallery

It was entertaining–as it always is at art openings where nobody sees you at first or knows you’re the artist–to sort of stand in the background and watch people walk in the door and observe their reactions to my work. For that moment, I can be like a fly on the wall.

It is always gratifying to hear a passing person say to whomever they’re with, “Ooh! Look at THIS!” while making a beeline for my paintings.

Art enthusiasts viewing paintings by Portland, Oregon artist Cedar Lee at Attic Gallery

If you’re in Portland and looking to feast your eyes on some art, I highly recommend dropping in on one of these First Thursday events. Lovely ambient music was provided this time by Tony Kalhagen.

Multi-instrumentalist Tony Kalhagen performing during June 2015 First Thursday opening at Attic Gallery

Once you’re inside the gallery, it just goes on and on. In addition to the gigantic main gallery showroom, there are many back rooms also filled with incredible artwork. So many treasures to be found!