Lawrence Gallery

Wow.
Probably one of the best galleries I ever stepped foot in.
First, it’s FREE.
Second, they had ORIGINAL artwork by Dali, Picasso, Hart to name a few. Strategically placed in what seemed to be a small maze.
Third, there’s what seems to be a wine cellar with more magnificent artwork downstairs.
Lastly, there’s a small sculpture garden that is just breath taking in the back.
The staff is extremely nice and nonjudgemental even though they could probably tell that we’re not going to purchase the $ 8,000 painting we’ve been discussing as we stood there in our tie-​dyed t-​shirts and cut-​offs.

It’s small, but five stars for being free and very interesting! Let me reiterate: free entertainment. In the Pearl.
If you enter through what I consider the back, you’ll pass through an impressive gate and a short area with plants and fountains. Inside is a quiet carpeted atmosphere with a small semi-​labyrinth of art. There’s a downstairs where something involving wine goes on. I’m not sure what.
I was surprised at how much of the art I really loved. Main artists when we visited were Royo (impressionist paintings of women), Martin Eichinger (amazing bronze sculptures, mostly of women in classical style (lots of flowing robes and exposed breasts. He also has a thing for owls), and Dali and Picasso. There are probably fifty different artists on display, but these were the ones that were in great quantities and stood out. I found it overall much more tasteful than the Portland Art Museum, which seemed to focus more on how dark or strange a thing was, and less on skill.
I could not believe how pleasant the people working there were. They knew for a fact we weren’t about to buy anything, and that we might be there for another thirty minutes or more. I never met a shopkeeper or museum guide as pleasant!
The best piece on display, however, is Juliette. Juliette is a preciously adorable bichon frise dog with the fluffiest, softest fur and tentative shyness. She wanders around the gallery, visiting you for a moment if she feels like it. She enjoys a good belly rub.

My local friend told me that people hold weddings here! At an art gallery? Now, fund raisers or small company parties I could see (and we DID see, guessing from the makeshift coat-​rack inside the front window), but weddings? Well, after we wandered through the Dali room, the Picassos, and the «Great Northwest» room as I call it, we came into a room of sculpture that was clearly arranged to resemble an altar. I couldn’t bring myself to ask if that was the wedding room.
Nice variety of art, from modern landscapes to classic sculpture to some really interesting light & resin sculptures in a darkened room toward the back. Tends toward the pricey end, but the staff are still very attentive and courteous even when they know you regard it as a free museum. Basement dining room that you can rent out and a wine bar in the back. Don’t miss the outdoor art garden/​patio at the rear/​side entrance.