Our Mission
Blue Sky’s mission is to inspire and build community between contemporary photographic artists and our audiences through exhibitions, publications, and dialogue.
Our Vision
Photography’s power to show the world through someone else’s eyes comes with great responsibility. Our vision is to embrace that responsibility and serve as a welcoming gathering place to connect with each other to advance a more vibrant, just, and equal world.
Our History
Founded as the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts by a group of five young photographers in 1975, Blue Sky quickly established itself as an important venue for local photography. In a short period of time, the organization expanded its offerings to include national and international artists, many of whom exhibited at Blue Sky early in their careers.
Blue Sky’s special endeavor continues to be the exhibition of emerging and established artists that exemplify the finest in photographic vision and innovation. As such, Blue Sky has earned the accolade as having “the best record of discovering new photographers of any artists’ space in the country.”
Today, from our 3,700-square-foot facility in Portland’s historic DeSoto Building, Blue Sky presents 20 - 25 exhibitions annually, maintains a public research library, showcases regional photographers in an annual juried exhibition of original works in its Pacific Northwest Drawers, and offers artist talks and programs — all free to the public.
Core Values
Excellence, in artistic practice, in nonprofit administration, and in the production of exhibitions and publications;
Integrity, in transparent operations, in community relations, and in the creative endeavor;
Respect, for the history of photography, for Blue Sky’s longevity and collaborative traditions, and for the diverse community of individuals who support and are represented by the organization.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Blue Sky is committed to advancing a more just and equal world to positively impact our artists, staff, board, volunteers, members, visitors, and community. With our dedication to bringing forth visual stories from a range of voices, we recognize we can all learn from the richness of diverse perspectives and histories. As an organization, we examine all our policies through an equity lens, find ways to be more responsive, and continually pursue ways to maximize inclusion.
Land Acknowledgement
We at Blue Sky humbly acknowledge that our programming is being held on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla and many other Tribes who made their homes along the Columbia (Wimahl) and Willamette (Whilamut) rivers.
Blue Sky, the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID# 51-0185021
If you or your business would like to Sponsor an exhibition, please email bluesky@blueskygallery.org
Blue Sky is generously supported by its many members and donors, including:
Follow us on Instagram @blueskygallerypdx for exhibition previews, selections from the archive, and special behind the scenes shots.
