In 2006 local artists in the Columbia River Gorge community created the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour, a yearly public tour showcasing the wonderful art of Gorge artists and providing insight into the environment in which that art is created. Now, this amazing event happens once a year giving visitors and locals alike an amazing opportunity to walk and talk about all things art as they explore the creative side of the beloved Hood River.
Though the tour only occurs once a year, it is not the only time you can view the beautiful art of Hood River residents. With the help of these amazing, Hood River art galleries, you can view creative masterpieces all year long right here in the Columbia River Gorge!
Art On Oak
210 Oak Street
541.436.4472
Artist-owned gallery Art On Oak features many different mediums of artwork from a variety of well-known Gorge artists, as well as work from newer up-and-coming local artists within the Hood River. The gallery is even staffed by the artists who make the work, so you’ll have the privilege of speaking with them about their pieces and their processes as you peruse the gallery and take in the beauty of their creations.
While there, you can even purchase pieces from the floor, making this a great place to find unique items that are crafted right here in the Columbia River Gorge!
Columbia Center for the Arts
215 Cascade Avenue
541.387.8877
On a mission to cultivate the arts in the Columbia River Gorge by providing experiences that touch the heart, challenge the intellect, and spark conversation is Columbia Center for the Arts. Since its opening, they have been dedicated to offering a wide range of opportunities for students, artists, and audiences alike to engage with the arts and with the local community.
They’ve managed to make this vision a reality with the help of their fine art and craft gallery, theatre/auditorium for performing arts, and multi-use spaces for educational arts programs. They invite everyone from novices to experts to visit the center where you’ll uncover masterpieces around every corner all while learning about the fascinating world of art.
Made in the Gorge
108 Oak Street
541.386.2830
In March Made in the Gorge celebrated its 21st anniversary, making it the longest-running artist-owned cooperative gallery in the Columbia River Gorge. Here, five creatives offer handmade art, gifts, décor, pottery, jewelry and more giving art lovers a chance to find some special, locally made items. Like Art On Oak, the daily staff here are also the artists behind the creation of the beautiful masterpieces on display, giving you the perfect opportunity to chat with them about their pieces.
The gallery also currently has an open call for artists who are looking for a place to display their work so head on down local Hood River artists and see if you’re the right fit for this established gallery!
301 Gallery
301 Oak Street
541.215.6681
Housed in the elegant and historic Butler Bank building and showcasing a unique aesthetic of artists who live and work in the Gorge community is the 301 Gallery. The gallery opened in 2018, adding a distinctly vibrant presence to the galleries that already decorate Oak Street with its sophisticated atmosphere and inspiring works along the walls.
Collectively 15 artists run the gallery, all of which have decades-long histories as artists and art organizers. These members are at the gallery daily, happy to walk you through the maze of creative works and introduce you to the world of art through their eyes. Find something that catches your own eye, and you can take it home with you to fill your home full of magnificent imagery and colors.
The Frame Gallery
402 Oak Street
541.386.1844
For 30 years The Frame Gallery has been doing business in Hood River, displaying works from local artists and offering framing services to boot. Everything from pottery to glasswork, charcoal pieces to watercolors, sculptures to wood carvings — they have it all and they’re excited to have you visit!
Each month they hold an artist showcase for one of their special creators, dedicating a series of walls to their specific works to highlight their talents. It’s an amazing opportunity to recognize their hard work and skills and gives a chance for Hood River residents to take in breathtaking, local art created right here in the Gorge.
So don’t wait for the next Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour. Stop in at any of these amazing art galleries right here in the Columbia River Gorge and view art anytime that creative spark strikes you!
