About Us

Urban Art Network is a registered 501-C3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for self-representing local artists.

We are collectively engaged in:

  • Creating and hosting events for artists to showcase and sell their work
  • Working with businesses and other organizations to promote the arts
  • Networking and outreach for both established and emerging artists

Since 2000, a devoted team of artist coordinators has presented a street art gallery in the Pearl District on First Thursdays. For one vibrant evening each month from April through October, artists at all stages of their careers, self-represent and sell their work. The Street Gallery is open to the public, rain or shine, every First Thursday (5pm - 9pm) April through October.

Current board members are Jennifer Kapnek, Porsha Hendrix, Dana Gravelle, and Chelsea Smith.

Artist Coordinators

Porsha Hendrix

President

4 years

Fabric Artist

I adore volunteering with Urban Art Network because it provides a unique platform for local artists and makers to showcase their talents and contributes to the vibrancy of our community!

Jennifer Kapnek

Vice President

23 years

Painter

I love the magic that happens at the Street Gallery. I am honored and proud to be a part of Urban Art Network.

Steve Tannenbaum

Street Gallery Coordinator

4 years

Mixed Media

I want to be involved in the awesome community of artists in UAN, helping other artists move forward in showing their work.

Dana Gravelle

Digital Coordinator

19 years

Involved with UAN since 2005. I'm happy to assist whenever I can.

Jeff Curry

Coordinator

1 year

artist

After dedicating considerable time to vending at events and interacting with fellow vendors, I joined the urban art network with the aim of actively participating and contributing to the maker community. My decision to get involved was fueled by a desire to give back and support the creative community that I had become a part of through my vending experiences.

Kimberly Stafford

Coordinator

2 years

Artist

First Thursday is such a fun event to connect with other makers and customers and I want to help support the low-barrier-to-entry opportunities that UAN provides for Portland’s creative community.

Darius Northern

Coordinator

2 years

Artist

First Thursday is my favorite market to be a vendor, the atmosphere, the other vendors, the music, everything! For those reasons I enjoy getting there early as a volunteer (chalk ready), being a part of the setup, and seeing the transition from a bare street into a street full of passionate business owners and casual shoppers.

Chelsea Smith

Coordinator

2 years

Artist

I’m passionate about supporting local artists and creating opportunities within our community for the arts to thrive.

Rebecca Demeter

Coordinator

1 year

Artist

It is an honor to help support Portland's vibrant community of artists and makers.

Terry Eidsmoe

Coordinator

18 years

Artist

Basically I love the event and the people. It is fun to see vendors excited with a sale or a compliment.

Stephen Hinton

Coordinator

11 months

Artist

dedicated spot for events