Nikki Brovold has opened Luckygirl Gourmet Gallery in Portland's Pearl District, a hybrid space where art takes precedence over food. The gallery's inaugural exhibition, "Who's That Girl," features nine artists including Tom Relth, Eric Rue, Paul Solevad, Michelle Yamamoto, Richard Cutshall, and Paula Bullwinkel, with a focus on abstractive figuration and feminine perspectives. Brovold, who previously worked at a global consulting firm in New York and as a gallerist at the Portland Art Museum, curates the art while also offering a small selection of elevated snacks and drinks, such as Makabi & Sons cookies and Puff Coffee cold brew. The space is co-owned by Brovold's husband, Shawn Przybilla.
This matters because Luckygirl Gourmet Gallery represents a growing trend of hybrid commercial spaces that blend art with lifestyle retail, challenging traditional gallery models. By prioritizing art while incorporating curated gourmet offerings, Brovold aims to create a welcoming, experiential environment that makes art more accessible to casual visitors. The gallery's emphasis on feminine perspectives and abstractive figuration also highlights a commitment to showcasing underrepresented voices in the Portland art scene.