Exploding Art Scene - Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland's transformation from a sleepy Northwest city, to a hip culture capital, is now official. You see it in the papers. You hear it on the streets. You can almost smell it in the air.

But perhaps the strongest evidence of the metamorphosis is in Portland's exploding art scene. The influx of prominent artists, the increase in the number of galleries, the revolutionized Pearl District, all point to a new era of art in the city. Now "gallery hopping" is an essential part of the Portland experience.

First Thursday

On the first Thursday of every month, Portland's art scene comes to life. First Thursday is an event for gallery-hopping, live music and winetasting. Most galleries in the Downtown and Pearl District stay open late, and the streets flood with eager art viewers.

But the event is not exclusively for art enthusiasts. First Thursday has become a veritable tradition that draws a diverse crowd that includes anyone looking for an exciting night on the town.

Yet trying to visit every gallery