Community News & Events
Tonight is a very special night. Hillsboro Art Walk, one of the earliest examples of modern cultural art in Hillsboro, is turning 20. We have always had events and gatherings in Hillsboro; 60 years here in our community have taught me that. From big bands at Shute Park’s historic pavilion to Western Days on Main Street in the 60s and 70s, the people of Hillsboro have shown they know how to have a good time. Having said that, the fine arts came onto the scene in the last two decades, starting with small venues displaying canvases, pottery, glasswork, and more from our fine local artisans in our historic downtown. The Hillsboro Art Walk, founded by Linda Holland and others, brought all of that to Hillsboro’s “Living Room” to support our downtown merchants, the arts, and music. Like a fine cask of Tualatin Valley Pinot Noir, the event has been a beacon for our finest artists, and as we face the future, it calls on us all to come out and celebrate. Tonight is a special one, and the 411 from the City of Hillsboro and the organization is listed below.
20 Years of Creativity: Celebrate the Hillsboro Art Walk’s 20th Anniversary!
To commemorate 20 years of bringing art to the community, the Art Walk is hosting a very special sticker hunt! The project, coordinated by the Catherine Bede Gallery and the City of Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District, features a one-of-a-kind collection: 20 Years • 20 Artists • 20 Stickers.
Twenty talented local artists were selected to create original digital artwork, which has been transformed into high-quality, 3×3″ circular, dishwasher-safe vinyl stickers.
How it works:
Visit the 20 participating Art Walk locations on September 1st.
Pick up a FREE commemorative sticker at each spot (while supplies last).
Collect them all to build your own mini-gallery of Hillsboro artists!
Learn the whole History of Art Walk here-
For two decades, Hillsboro Art Walk has weaved together art and music through the shops and streets of Downtown Hillsboro.
Hillsboro Art Walk is a free, family-friendly event held from 5 to 8 pm on the first Tuesday of each month in celebration of creativity and connection in Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District.
September 1 will mark 20 years of Art Walk showcasing local talent and supporting Downtown businesses. The monthly tradition continues to grow and thrive, bringing in new businesses, creatives, and community members to explore and experience Hillsboro’s creative scene.
“As an artist-owned gallery, community is at the heart of everything we do,” said Catherine Bede, owner of Catherine Bede Gallery on 3rd Avenue. “We love to open our doors during Hillsboro Art Walk because it represents the values we stand for: connection, collaboration, kindness, and supporting one another.”
From Grassroots Beginnings to a Community Tradition
Hillsboro Art Walk began in September 2006 with a handful of participating organizations and businesses, including Tualatin Valley Artists and the Walters Cultural Arts Center.
Longtime nonprofit partner Influence Music Hall has helped coordinate local musicians over the years and continues to curate a monthly lineup of performances.
The City of Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District also supports the event through partnerships, marketing, community programming resources, and the Artist Stipend Program.
It’s a community effort with creativity at the heart.
“Art Walk began as a grassroots-organized event, and it still is,” said Bridie Harrington, Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District Manager. “Art Walk is an example of what is possible when artists, musicians, small businesses, and creative spaces work together to celebrate Hillsboro’s creative community. It’s a community-driven event founded on partnerships. That history makes it special.”
Celebrating 20 Years of Art Walk
In honor of the 20th anniversary on September 1, Catherine Bede Gallery and the Hillsboro Cultural Arts District launched an effort for 20 local artists to create 20 commemorative stickers that will be available at 20 local businesses. The idea for the anniversary stickers was inspired by local business leader and Art Walk participant, Kara Kazemba of Ancora Wellness.
Art Walk attendees can collect all the limited-edition stickers while exploring Downtown Hillsboro and celebrating two decades of art, creativity, and community.
Special Programming for the September 1st Anniversary also includes these free activities:
- All ages activity: make a Garbage Goblin! Make a puppet out of upcycled materials, like bottle caps, scrap materials, and cereal boxes! Host: Bag&Baggage Productions at the Vault Theatre.
- Artist demonstration: Local artist Lieta Gratteri will be doing a watercolor demonstration: painting sunflowers. Host: the Gallery at Dee’s Divine Finds.
All ages activity: Color your own tote bag to take home as a keepsake at Art Walk’s newest—truly delicious—location. Host: Sweet T Bakery.
- Interactive Artist Talk: Photographer Angela Holm will share a selection of photographs alongside the cameras used to create them as viewers make guesses and discover how each image was made. 6:00 PM. Host: Walters Cultural Arts Center Gallery
- All ages activity: Get creative with a “find your sparkle” craft. Host: the Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP).
For complete details and participating venues, visit the Hillsboro Art Walk webpage.
Due to cancellations from heat and smoke, the Tuesday Night Market has been extended through September 1 so it will also take place the evening of the Art Walk 20th anniversary celebration in Downtown Hillsboro.
Amazing that the Walters Center only predates Art Walk by two years.