Duck into RiverSea Gallery on Astoria’s Commercial Street to be immersed in a vibrant mélange of artistic styles and mediums, inviting regardless of the weather outside.

Housed in the art deco Copeland Building — one of the first built after the Great Astoria Fire of 1922 — the gallery’s collection is as unique as the space that houses it. 

Opened by owner and curator Jeannine Grafton in 1997, RiverSea Gallery is now at the nexus of Astoria’s thriving arts scene. According to Grafton, the gallery’s goal was to present compelling fine art, craft and jewelry by Northwest artists not yet represented on the North Coast.

“From the beginning, it was important to show these works in a welcoming space that invites interaction and discovery,” Grafton said.

RiverSea Gallery now showcases original art and fine craft by more than 200 established and emerging regional artists. The space has been expanded twice to include 4,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The gallery features a variety of mediums including painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, glass, fiber arts, books and furniture. A dedicated section of the gallery presents a selection of artful jewelry by Northwest designers. Price points are variable, offering an accessible entry point to art collecting.

The collection changes often, with rotating monthly exhibitions that feature individual artists or themed group shows in the central exhibition gallery and alcove space. Show openings for Astoria’s monthly art walk often include live music. The gallery also regularly hosts events such as readings, performances and fundraisers.

Iconic work from the North Coast includes the muted maritime scenes by watercolorist Noel Thomas, whimsical sculptural assemblage by Stephanie Brockway, bold coastal monotypes by Stirling Gorsuch and absurdist, elegant oil paintings by Jill McVarish. 

Grafton’s careful curation and skilled presentation have brought her a loyal following of repeat visitors, locally and beyond. Centered in the midst of Astoria’s thriving downtown and open seven days a week, RiverSea Gallery is a place to seek creative respite and inspiration.