Neighborhood Profile: Artsy & fun in Alberta Arts District
Posted by Kelly Asmus on Sep 12, 2011 in Latest News, Neighborhood Profiles, _Special | 0 comments
Alberta Arts, a neighborhood with beautiful homes and a thriving arts community. Everywhere you look, from coffee shops and restaurants to clothing boutiques are filled with local artists showcasing their work. For the most part, art is displayed in stores, rather than in galleries for artists to get their work noticed within the community.
The Alberta Arts District was first settled in 1872 when the town of Albania was plotted by Edwin Russell and William Page. Alberta was thought to be named after Princess Alberta or the Canadian province named after her. In 1891, Albania and Alberta Street was annexed into the city of Portland. Alberta is not technically a neighborhood, but a street that spans about 20 blocks. It is usually defined as a neighborhood because it has unique and unifying qualities that lets it stand alone as its own district.
Some of the aspects that sets the Alberta Arts district apart is their sense of community pride and appreciation of creativity. To show their pride, every last Thursday during the summer months, the Alberta Arts District throws a block party named accordingly “Last Thursday.” It has grown so large that it has people coming from far and wide to take part in this event. Last Thursday has everything from fire dancers, to live music, to free food carts. Staying true to the street name, an abundance of local artists also gather here to showcase and sell their work. There is something for everyone, young and old in this street fair. Although most art in Alberta is displayed in unconventional ways, there are a few art galleries located along Alberta Street. One gallery that represents Alberta Arts well is Ampersand, a vintage bookstore, gallery and retail store. The overlying theme of the store is language, both written and visual. Ampersand is interested in how we all communicate, whether that be by old black and white photographs, vintage letters or other forms of art. With creativity brimming from this street, it’s no wonder that Alberta residents love and appreciate this beautiful neighborhood.
Renaissance Homes is proud to be building new LEED certified vintage style new homes in the Alberta Arts neighborhood. Visit us today and become a part of this arts oriented community.
History compiled by Macey Howard.
