After hosting their first online festival in 2020, Art In The Pearl Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is returning to the Pearl District and celebrating their 25th anniversary in person. The festival’s Board of Directors unanimously decided to proceed with the 2021 event, featuring 100 jury-selected artists from across North America. Welcoming artists from across the nation to Portland and ensuring a safe event for everyone is of their utmost concern, so the decision to move forward was not taken lightly. The board is composed of working artists so they understand the amount of risk an exhibiting artist takes by participating at such an event. To address the persistent health and safety concerns of Portland’s downtown, appropriate measures are being taken and will result in multiple changes to this year’s festival. 

If you’re new to Portland or have never attended, Art In The Pearl is Portland’s largest outdoor art fair, drawing thousands of people to its beautiful location under the canopy of trees. Each year, more than 900 internationally recognized artists compete through a rigorous jury selection process for 110 booth spaces, located on two park blocks within the Pearl District. These accomplished artists will be available to greet the public, present their art and discuss their process and inspiration behind it. It’s a spectacular display of contemporary work in every medium and it’s a great opportunity to view and acquire heirloom-quality fine art and craft.

As in years past, the festival will be located in the iconic NW Park Blocks, situated between NW Davis & NW Flanders streets. In order to adhere to public safety guidelines provided by the state of Oregon, they will be omitting the food booths and the live music stage will be replaced with strolling musical performers. This allows for more spacing for the artists’ booths and prevents people from gathering in one location. The festival perimeter will also be gated as a way to maintain a safe attendance level (if required), offer a directed flow of foot traffic through the show and provide an additional level of security. You can still find the educational demonstration booths at the event, however the “Hands On” Pavilion will not be available this year.

As Covid safety guidelines evolve, the festival’s board is committed to staying transparent with their planning, while keeping the health and safety of the artists and community at the forefront.

The following health and social distancing measures will be in place:

• Double the amount of hand washing stations
• Hand sanitizer will be provided at each booth
• Mask requirement will comply with Oregon’s Covid policies at the time of the event

Art in the Pearl has long been a favorite festival in Portland. The location of the event, combined with first-rate talent and demonstrations from experienced artists and craftspeople, allows festival visitors an authentic connection to the world of artists. It’s the perfect Labor Day destination to gather and celebrate the end of summer in the Pearl District.