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The Purple Door PDX

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10/20/2026

Violet Aveline joins Nathan McKee for a double feature at the Purple Door opening October 30th (swipe through for both features)

“The Last Rider” reimagines our past as if women had always been allowed to participate, limited only by imagination. Violet Aveline revisits the books she grew up with, rewriting their stories to include women who played rough, got dirty, and kept charging. They did it with lipstick on, a baby in a basket as they rode, and a grim smile as they chased flight.

In the front gallery, Nathan Mckee pays homage to “Oldish Portland”, drawing from his memories of growing up in the city during the ’80s and ’90s. McKee captures the places, characters, and spirit of the Portland he still knows by heart. The collection brings together ghosts of Portland’s past alongside the beloved local gems that have stood the test of time.

Join us October 30th, 6-9pm, for the opening reception. Costumes are strongly encouraged, but definitely not required. It’s the season 🐈‍⬛

10/19/2026

Making an Entry
31.5” x 39.5”
Acrylic on canvas
Fabian Lavater Fabian Lavater

Join us Saturday, October 24th, from 5–8pm for the closing reception of Every Summer They Disappear at 4PM. We’ll be pouring w**e, b**r, and NA beverages, with a special acoustic set from a surprise guest AND one last chance to spend time with this gorgeous collection that journeyed all the way from the coast of France.

Fabian himself won’t be making an appearance. He’s already made his exit back to France. But what an entry he made with his debut US solo show here in Portland. It’s been a privilege to share his work with you, and we’d love to see you for one last evening with the collection before it disappears next Sunday at 6PM.

10/04/2026

WAY TO GO
47.2” x 55.1”
Acrylic on canvas
Fabian Lavater Fabian Lavater

I love how the title leaves something up to interpretation here. Is it congratulatory, celebrating the distance already covered? Or is it more of an encouraging directive, a reminder that there is still plenty of ground to cover… or, in this case, water? Or perhaps it’s a more definite statement: this is THE way to go. On your board, over the water, one stroke at a time.

However you read it, there’s a sense of delight to be found here.

EVERY SUMMER THEY DISAPPEAR AT 4PM Is on view through October 25th during our open hours, by appointment and online. Link to available works in bio

09/29/2026

They say “never meet your heroes” because of the disappointing nature of people. Mickey was the absolute reverse of that. You met him, loved him, learned all this crazy s**t about him, couldn’t believe you somehow knew him as a normal person, and then he continued to impress you with his generosity, support, encouragement, and the things he continued to accomplish. Man, when he became a grandpa… wow I’ve never seen someone more proud.
His enthusiasm for life was infectious. I had such a profound reverence for the man that I didn’t want to let myself get too close to him, mostly out of fear of being found unworthy. But he never made me feel that way. He was always deeply interested in what I had going on.
Cat’s Paw changed the neighborhood in immeasurable ways and, without a doubt, altered the trajectory of my life. The friendships, the conversations over far too many drinks, the community that is felt there… all of it led to me opening this gallery. I could go on and on about the little moments at that bar that paved my way here.
Mickey was there for one of the craziest leaps of my life, first by simply being a sounding board, but most of all by encouraging boldness. When I was so afraid of failure, mistakes, and judgment, he always believed in me. Frankly, I didn’t get it, but here we are.
It doesn’t feel real that he isn’t here. That he’s not going to walk in and ask me what’s showing. That he’s not going to be outside hosing down the sidewalk. That he’s not going to be teasing my dog to rile her up. That he’s not going to drive by with a honk and a wave. That he’s not going to see me stressing out and offer me a shot at 10 a.m. (which I often took him up on).
My heart goes out to his family and friends, to Cats Paw Saloon and The End . It is an absolute honor to be a part of this neighborhood. The gallery wouldn’t be here without him.
Mickey was like no other. He is the hero that everyone should be so lucky to meet.
Happy birthday, Mick. Fu***ng love you.

09/23/2026

One Sunny Afternoon, acrylic on canvas, 23.6 x 31.5”

Feeling very grateful for everyone who came out last Friday for the opening reception of “Every Summer They Disappear at 4pm”, an exhibition by Fabian Lavater that crossed continents to be here.

The show is up through October 25th and is also available online (link in bio), but if you’re in Portland or within driving distance, it’s really worth experiencing in person.

Fabian put so much care and attention to detail into this show, from a hand-painted chair, to the muraled extension of one of his paintings, to the back room installation with the most thoughtful video introduction to the artist and his process.

There’s just so much to discover in this one. Come on in and spend a little time with it.

Fabian Lavater and , thank you for making the long trip from France to Portland. It was an honor to share our little corner of the world with you 💜

09/11/2026

Fabian Lavater’s U.S. solo debut is almost here! Follow his journey in his stories!

Our pal made a very special run of hats featuring Fabian’s work, available EXCLUSIVELY at Up North Surf Club + The Purple Door Gallery. No online drop. You gotta show up to get one, and you have two chances:

PRE-VIEW MEET n’GREET PARTY September 17, 5–8pm 
The grill will be hot, b**rs will be flowing, and we’ll have a delightful surf movie up on the screen. Come hang.

OPENING RECEPTION Friday, September 18, 6–9pm 
Records will be spinning, your favorite b**rtender will be behind the bar, and the full art collection will finally be revealed after its long journey from coast (France) to coast (Oregon)

Come meet the artist making waves and get a little closer to the water without actually getting wet.

“Every Summer They Disappear at 4pm” is On view September 18–October 25. Collectors Preview Available ~ DM or email to view the work in advance.

09/10/2026

…A CLOSING RECEPTION This Friday, September 11 · 5–8pm

Join us for a very special closing reception for Ashley Innis Ashley Innis and Teresa Christiansen Teresa Christiansen as we say farewell to their …A Memoir / …An Epilogue photography exhibition. Both artist will be in attendance so bring those questions and curiosities!(and praise! So much praise!)

And to send them off properly, we’ll be serenaded by the beautiful music from members of the Charles and Ritchie Band, your new favorite alt-rock indie band Charles&Ritchie 🎶

Come see the work one last time, have a drink, grab a puzzle/ a print/ an original, and stick around for the music.

09/08/2026

CALL FOR KIDS ART (swipe 👉🏼)
The Purple Door Gallery’s Annual Youth Show is back…and this year, for the first time, we have a theme: Little Worlds!

Young artists will exhibit their work alongside local professional artists Sebo Walker and Nathan Paul Rice Nathan Paul Rice in this special celebration of joyful creativity, and the wildly unique and inspiring worlds kids dream up on paper

11 × 14” · All 2D mediums welcome · FREE to participate · Everyone gets in!
• Ages 1–16
• Intent to Participate deadline: September 27
• Final artwork due: October 18
• Show launch: Dec 5!
• Artwork sales benefit the local Ronald McDonald House Ronald McDonald House Oregon
• Kids must be entered by an adult. Multiple children per household are welcome!

Reserve your kids spot by Sept 27 → LINK IN BIO

09/03/2026

𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗔𝗧 𝟰𝗣𝗠
We’re beyond excited to welcome Swiss-born artist 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 Fabian Lavater to The Purple Door for his debut U.S. solo exhibition!

Coming all the way from the coast of France, Fabian brings a new body of work inspired by the sea, coastal landscapes, and the moments in nature that bring us back to ourselves. In a culture of constant acceleration, Fabian’s work is an invitation to slow down… to go for a swim, catch a wave, watch the clouds, or simply but where you are. Through a reduced visual language, dynamic lines, and a deep sense of stillness, his work creates contemplative spaces that invite us breath and reflect.

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟴 · 𝟲–𝟵𝗣𝗠
The Purple Door, Portland // drinks, tunes, and the beautiful gathering of art and friends.

We’re also teaming up with our pals at 𝗨𝗽 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 Up North Surf Club for a special pre-opening evening with Fabian on 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕, 𝟓-𝟖𝐩𝐦. Come meet the artist, sip some b**rs, watch a surf flick, and check out the limited-edition merch we created with Up North exclusively for the exhibition.

𝐅𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟖–𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕, 𝟓-𝟖𝐩𝐦
𝐔𝐩 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛

Image: Holding the Sunlight (2026) 23.6” x 31.5”;
Collectors Preview Available ~ DM or email for access

08/31/2026

Artist Talk with Ashley Innis and Teresa Christiansen
Co-hosted by Soho House Portland
Thursday, September 3rd, 6-7:30pm
•
Join artists Ashley Innis Ashley Innis and Teresa Christiansen Teresa Christiansen for an informal conversation about their work, creative processes, and the distinct ways they approach photography and the natural world.
Hear more about the ideas and experiences behind …A MEMOIR and …AN EPILOGUE, and how two very different photographic practices come together in these companion exhibitions.
Bring questions, curiosity, or just a love of art. We’ll take care of the rest! We’d love to see you there! Light refreshments provided.
FREE! RSVP link in bio

Address

3557 SE Division Street
Portland, OR
97202

Opening Hours

Thursday	4pm - 7pm
Friday	4pm - 7pm
Saturday	4pm - 7pm
Sunday	2pm - 5pm

Telephone

+15034513265

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