April at Blue Sky
April Exhibitions and Programs at Blue Sky
Blue Sky is pleased to announce April Exhibitions and Programs. Please join us on Apr 2 from 5 - 9 PM for First Thursday Opening!
2025 Critical Mass Exhibition
Elliot Ross
A Question of Balance
Image © Elliot Ross
Apr 2 - May 2, 2026
First Thursday Opening: Apr 2, 5 - 9 PM
Elliot Ross’ project A Question of Balance examines a water crisis shaped by inequity in the American Southwest. As the region faces its worst drought in 1,200 years, Navajo Nation residents haul and conserve scarce supplies while nearby communities consume abundantly at low cost from the same source. This project reveals how water access defines daily life, landscape, and opportunity. Rooted in lived proximity and relationships, Ross asks not just how water will be managed in a changing climate, but for whom. Elliot Ross is the recipient of the 2025 Critical Mass Solo Exhibition Award, chosen from a pool of 200 portfolios.
Creative Resilience: Critical Mass 2025 Top 50
Curated by C. Meier
Apr 2 - May 2, 2026
First Thursday Opening: Apr 2, 5 - 9 PM
Curator Walkthrough: Sat, Apr 4, 2 PM
Conversation with Chris Rauschenberg and Stu Levy: 3 PM
Blue Sky, in partnership with Photolucida, is pleased to present Creative Resilience: Critical Mass 2025 Top 50. Curated by Blue Sky’s Exhibitions Director, C. Meier, this exhibition features one image from each artist of the Critical Mass Top 50, offering a dynamic snapshot of this year’s outstanding work. This exhibition celebrates Photolucida’s 25 years of excellence and its deep connection with Blue Sky.
2026 Pacific Northwest Drawers
Apr 2026 - Mar 2027
First Thursday Opening: Apr 2, 5 - 9 PM
Blue Sky is pleased to announce the 58 artists selected for the 2026 Pacific Northwest Drawers. Each artist showcases a series of 10 photographic works, which will be on view in the Pacific Northwest Drawers flat files from April 2026 through March 2027 and on the Blue Sky website in perpetuity. The 2026 cohort comprises a strong showing from Blue Sky’s home state, with 38 artists from Oregon. Other artists hail from Washington (16), Idaho (2), and Montana (2). The photographic work includes both lens-based and alternative processes, with a range of themes including identity, environment, connection, and social issues. The exhibition was juried by Leo Hsu, the Executive Director of Silver Eye Center for Photography.
OPB Open House and Screening
Fri, Apr 3
VIP Reception: 5 - 6 PM
Open House: 6 - 8 PM with screening at 7 PM
Join us for a gallery open house and preview screening of a new short film from Oregon Art Beat. The film highlights the gallery's 50th anniversary and its long-term impact on photography in the Pacific Northwest.
Community Wall Feature
Introspection
New Work by PNCA Photo Students
Image © Miguel Adrian Anselmo Espitia
Apr 2 - May 2, 2026
First Thursday Opening: Apr 2, 5 - 9 PM
Blue Sky is excited to present Introspection, an exhibition of new work by photo students from Pacific Northwest College of Art. This feature is facilitated by Rachel Wolf from PNCA Photo Department. Introspection includes work from Laila Skye Ashrafi, Sage M. Beaver, Ryder Booth, Kyla Capp, Christian Lambert, Carl Schubert, Miguel Adrian Anselmo Espitia, Mag F., Ylva W. Lehtonen, Malique Pye, Braydin Rose, Alec Sellers, and Morgan Simers.