Last Thursday on Alberta: July Recap!
August 6, 2008
Whether you make your way through Alberta from the west or east, you’ll find a colorful and distinct variety of vendors, galleries, studios, artists, musicians, capoeiristas and street performers. Generally, I like to start on the west end at about 14th Ave and meander my way towards 30th Ave and back again. If you arrive via bicycle, the first task is to find somewhere to lock your ride, which is no easy feat on Last Thursday! Finding a parking spot for your car is even more challenging, so it’s advisable to use alternative transportation.
As I walk towards the masses, the sound of art chatter and about three different styles of music simultaneously vie for my attention. It’s hard to determine which side of the street to walk up, as both seem equally appealing. Eventually one of the many voices grabs my attention with: “Pranksters for Pedestrians buttons $1, t-shirts $5!” She’s part of a group seeking full pedestrian street use during this once a month event on Alberta Street. The cost? $1500/month! At first thought, that doesn’t sound too bad for an event that takes up an entire city street for one night, especially if you split it between the hundred plus vendors who take part each month. However, the whole point of Last Thursday is to give vendors the freedom to display their work without contracts and fees. The Pranksters must be proud though, because it’s 7:30pm and most of the street is already filled with pedestrians and bikers anyway. Maybe the shear volume of walking and biking traffic alone will naturally close the street for every Last Thursday!
Alberta’s Last Thursday began in 1997 with four galleries and has grown exponentially since. The event, sponsored by Art on Alberta, is held roughly between 5pm and 9:30pm every month of the year. During the summer, however, there is still a high volume of activity well beyond 10. If you’re planning on eating at one of the many new or well-established restaurants, expect a long wait. But with the high creative energy in the air it’s worth the wait to relish in Portland’s eclectic art scene.
by Faith Watkins
NEW The Portland Forum is now LIVE!!
Faith,
I think it is great that you are supporting “Pranksters for Pedestrians” and sharing the history of Alberta’s last Thursday. How can we ensure enough funding to shut the street down every month other than buttons and tee shirts? I am all for this!
What about a suggested donation boxes set up at each end and a few in between or maybe get a sponsorship of some kind?
Just some thoughts.
I think the city just needs to close the street for nothing. Last Thursday is so good for Portland’s artists, galleries, and small businesses. And of course for the Alberta community…
Thanks for your response, it is good to see that there are others in support of this community event. I will respond with more details later on how we can help.