Since the early 1960s, Pioneer Square’s Victorian storefronts and dusty upper floors have provided a haven for gallery owners and artists alike. Today this artistic community is the center of Seattle’s art scene.

First Thursday in Pioneer Square is the first Art Walk in the USA. In 1981 a group of Pioneer Square art dealers printed handout maps, did small-scale promotions, and on the first Thursday of the month painted footprints on the sidewalk outside their galleries. First Thursday soon evolved into a beloved fixture on the local arts calendar.

Today, First Thursday takes place each month in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, from noon to 8PM, when leading art galleries throw open their doors to introduce their new exhibitions and artists. The Art Walk in Pioneer Square is enhanced by the dozens of public art installations that can be found when walking between galleries. From the historic Native American Totem Poles in Occidental and Pioneer Square parks to the bright red “Sentinels” on guard outside the new Fire Station 10. A complete list can be found at www.seattle.gov.

The Art Collective at the OK Hotel opens their doors to the public at 5PM.  The OK Hotel maintains The Gallery at the OK Hotel and is home to The Arts Collective at the OK Hotel.  The Collective is comprised of tenant artists, craftspeople, musicians and other services supporting creative endeavors in the Pioneer Square community.  These tenants of the OK Hotel maintain studios and offices in the where they work and create.  In addition to tending to their own works, The Arts Collective at the OK Hotel each month Guest Artists to show their works in their area, creating a vibrant, exciting ever changing experience during First Thursday!

The Arts Collective at the OK Hotel invite you to stop by each and every month to see what is happening in this historic home to Seattle arts!