Current Exhibition
Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Free to the public.
Plein Air Exhibition
On view in the OAC Gallery August 6 - 7, 2026
Plein air painting captures the living essence of a place through direct observation. For the Oregon Art Center's Plein Air Exhibition, we are seeking works created out in the open that reflect the spontaneity, immediacy, and unique beauty of working directly with nature.
This year’s exhibition will be juried by master plein air painter Mike Hernandez. Skilled in gouache, oil, and acrylic, Mike explores the foundations of color and light, finding inspiration anywhere from the Eastern Sierra peaks to industrial cityscapes. After graduating from the ArtCenter College of Design, he spent years as a Production Designer and Art Director at DreamWorks Animation, contributing to films like Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon. Mike is a signature member of the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA) and a highly sought-after instructor nationwide.
Opening Reception: August 6th, 2026 | 5:30-7:30pm
Artwork above by William Martini.
2026 Exhibition Schedule
February
Figure Exhibition
Open to the public.
Juror Austin Eddy
Opens Thursday, February 5, 2026
On view in the gallery February 5 - 26, 2026
March
Portrait Exhibition
Open to the public.
Juror: Zhaoming Wu
Opens Thursday, March 5, 2026
On view in the gallery March 5 - 26, 2026
April
Photography Exhibition
In partnership with the Portland Photographers Forum.
Open to the public. Juror: Bob Bergstrom
Opens Thursday, April 2, 2026
On view in the gallery April 2 - 30, 2026
May
Water Media Exhibition
Open to the public.
Juror: Sandra Pearce
Opens Thursday, May 7, 2026
On view in the gallery May 7 - 28, 2026
June
Rose City Exhibition
Open to the public.
Juror: Scott Conary
Opens Thursday, June 4, 2026
On view in the gallery June 4 - 25, 2026
July
Lean Into Abstraction
Open to the public.
Juror: Jef Gunn
Opens Thursday, July 2, 2026
On view in the gallery July 2 - 30, 2026
August
Plein Air Exhibition
Open to the public.
Juror: Mike Hernandez
Opens Thursday, August 6, 2026
On view in the gallery August 6 - 27, 2026
September
Centennial Celebration
Curated exhibition.
Not taking submissions.
Opens Thursday, September 3, 2026
On view in the gallery September 3 - 24, 2026
October
Oil Media Exhibition
Open to the public.
Juror: Suzy Kitman
Opens Thursday, October 1, 2026
On view in the gallery October 1 - 29, 2026
November
Veterans’ Showcase
Open only to US Military Veterans.
Non-juried.
Opens Thursday, November 5, 2026
On view in the gallery November 5 - 25, 2026
December
12”x 12” Show & Sale
Open to the public.
Non-juried.
Opens Thursday, December 3, 2026
On view in the gallery December 3 - 30, 2026