J Pepin Art Gallery

If you’re loving the Pearl District, you know there’s lots of shops, eateries, brew pubs and art galleries. First Thursday each month, except winter, most art galleries are open. Large crowds flock onto the Pearl sidewalks to browse through galleries – and eat, drink and party!
J. Pepin is a packed gallery on any First Thursday. But I suggest to go there on a less crowded day to open your mind’s eye to see these paintings. Feel the color and vibrance of the artists who have a mental health history. Yes, the paintings are mind blowing! Fascinating abstract paintings, as any in all Pearl District galleries.
The paintings I’ve see now stir my emotions and thoughts! Stirs my words as I describe what I feel taking a deeper look on a quiet day without big crowds to distract me. Wakes up my imagination! My inner voice reflects on the movements stirring by following the brush strokes of vibrant colors bursting from the canvass. My interpretation (s) stream out of a musing consciousness. And it is not beer talking! Maybe I do have a coffee buzz-​zzz going. But this art begs a deeper look!
This day I had an opportunity to talk with Jennifer, the gallery owner, who personally shines with passion overcoming her own bipolar history. She shines with a mission to support artists with a mental health history. Unique artists (yes)! Talented artists (for sure)! Admiring their art I would say they are «specially-​gifted.»
J. Pepin shares the works and stories, the inspirations, of «specially-​gifted» artists. When you are in the Pearl District, take time to check out this gallery. I challenge all « Unilocalers» to see the art – be moved! Just maybe, you’ll feel moved to «Yelp-​out» your own experience! «Are You Experienced? Ah! Have you ever been experienced? Well, I have!” – (Jimmi Hendrix lyrics from his album in 1967)
Ah! Be experienced with J. Pepin art!

I love this gallery! There are range of styles that engages me. I can depend on something that I like regardless of the month since they change it out on a regular basis. What differentiates this gallery is the owner, Jennifer Pepin who supports those artists who have a mental disorder/​challenge. This is a gallery with heart in their active support of such artists. It’s a nice, intimate space as well. Jennifer is an approachable and welcoming presence who certainly enhances the experience appreciating the art work.

I really love this gallery!
I often walk through art galleries, art fairs, and museums for fun, and I have been consistently impressed with the quality of the work here. So much of the Portland local art scene is so self-​indulgent; you have to weed through a lot of mediocre (or worse!) work that is trying too hard or is boring and derivative. But the art here is much more likely to speak with real depth, conflict, and beauty. I have no doubt that this is a combination of the mission statement of the gallery (featuring artists with mental illnesses) as well as the careful curation by Jennifer Pepin’s skillful eye.
Tip: This year and last, the gallery has done a fundraiser in July for NAMI. For $ 20 (or 5 for $ 80), you can get a raffle ticket towards winning one of Pepin’s larger works. The two paintings up for raffle so far have been beautiful, and the money goes to a good cause!

Friday was a day off for me so I decided to head back to the Pearl district. This time it was for visiting the various art galleries scattered about the area. J. Pepin was my fourth or fifth stop. Very small gallery that has only been open four and a half months. Very nice art work, one of the artists definitely had an influence of Edward Hopper. Yes I know my artists.
A cool fact about this gallery is that all of the artists have some form of mental disorder. I asked if it was just the exhibit but was told all the time. I liked several of the pieces.
J. Pepin is just another cool gallery over in the Pearl. Enjoy.