Exploring Coastal Art Galleries

If you are building your own personal art collection or just wish to bring home a very special momento from the Oregon Coast, Historic Old Town Florence is a great destination for art shopping.

With close to a dozen galleries clustered on and adjacent to Bay Street, exploring both local and international collections is easy to do. You can also round out your gallery tour with sightseeing the area's public art. Between colorful outdoor murals and the Sea Lion sculptures, there are many artistic compilations to admire.

Backstreet Gallery

The Backstreet Gallery was awarded "Best of Florence's Galleries" in 2018. It is an art co-op of over twenty Florence artists with mediums ranging from photography to fiber arts. For an authentic feel for the coastal art scene, this artist-owned and operated gallery is the best destination. The Backstreet Gallery also hosts artist receptions and workshops from felting to poetry writing.

Florence Regional Arts Alliance

This casual storefront supports Florence's local art community. The Florence Regional Arts Alliance showcases both local artists and local authors and you'll get the best in-depth scoop on the art scene here. Their book selection includes fiction and local history. If you are looking for local authors, this is the place to find some really excellent and relevant books to read. Additionally, you can pick up resale art supplies and products and enroll in art and writing workshops. Some of their programs may still be paused, so call ahead.

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) also hosts annual arts festivals often involving wine, jazz or other art partners. 

The Mustard Seed

Like FRAA, you can do crafts here as well as browse and shop. This creative hub is designed as a community and visitor gathering place for sharing artistic pursuits. They also wrap culinary and cultural explorations into their event calendar. The Mustard Seed has online shopping and "Take & Create" kits too... so if you, or the kids, or both need a little down time after a whirl of coastal activities, retreat to the hotel room with a ready-made project.

Oregon Coast Galleries

Family-owned Oregon Coast Galleries showcase a cluster of eye-catching art and gift galleries along Bay Street in Historic Old Town Florence. Each gallery offers slightly different collections with a focus on local northwest artists — although artists from across the nation and the globe are included in the mix.

At Sticks & Stones, tree trunks and beautiful stone texturing create the perfect backdrop for a unique collection of art. A parade of wooden ducks in yellow raincoats and rain hats called "Rainy Day Quackers" by Mike Mikutowski is a popular draw. 

Across the street the Blue Heron Gallery highlights elegantly blown glass floats and vases, metal wall hangings depicting forest scenes and herons by KC Scott and unique bells made from repurposed CO2 canisters and skateboard wheels.

At Of Land & Sea, you'll find sea-themed metal art by Gary Manos — think dolphins and sea shells — and Mova globes that spin without batteries or magnets. 

The popular Wind Drift Gallery features "Exotic Sands" shifting picture art and lots of beautiful glass and metal work. Here you can also find small gift items, pottery, wind chimes, carmel corn, candy and logo shirts.

The River Gallery

The River Gallery overlooks the Siuslaw River with a collection of fine art by local artists. The gallery space is light and bright and features blown glass, pottery, paintings and photography.

Waterlily Studio Florence

This shop is not just for the art collector — artists revel here too! Stocked with an amazing amount of beads and crafting materials, wandering through here will get your creative juices flowing. Discover natural elements incorporated into jewelry, woven baskets and ornamental pieces. Pick up sea glass necklaces and "soap rocks" for perfect coastal gifts. The Waterlily Studio has also offered jewelry making and wire art classes, but on-site instruction is on hold for the present.

The Laughing Crab Gallery

The Laughing Crab Gallery is a locally-owned boutique gallery featuring over 50 Oregon artists. On display is exquisite metal work, paintings and pottery. And one of their fun features is their tasting room — where you can taste Oregon wines, beer and cider while you shop.

Second Saturdays Gallery Tour

Art lovers can pick up a gallery passport from a participating location and take a self-guided tour of Florence's best art. Each month on the second Saturday from 3 - 5 p.m., enjoy artist receptions and entertainment along with the visual arts. Completed passports can be entered into a drawing for prizes. Please note: This program has been a tradition for many years, but due to pandemic disruptions, it is currently being revamped. Check the website for updates starting late spring 2022.