HSU First Street Gallery

The HSU First Street Gallery was an art gallery in the historic Janssen Building in Eureka that featured contemporary works through rotating exhibitions. The space displayed paintings, sculptures, and photography from a range of creators working across different artistic traditions.

The gallery opened in 1998 as a project of Humboldt State University and operated as a contemporary art venue for roughly 20 years. Financial pressures led to its closure in 2018, ending an important exhibition space for the local region.

The gallery brought national and international artists to Humboldt County, connecting local visitors with contemporary art practices from beyond the region. These connections helped residents experience artistic traditions and styles they might not otherwise have encountered in their daily lives.

The gallery was accessible during regular hours and hosted Arts Alive events on the first Saturday of each month, featuring exhibition openings and direct interactions with artists. These monthly gatherings made it easy for visitors to engage with the space and meet the people behind the work.

Students in the Humboldt State University Museum and Gallery Practices program worked directly on managing, curating, and installing exhibitions. This hands-on training gave them real experience running an art space and building professional skills in the field.

Location: California

Inception: 1998

GPS coordinates: 40.80510,-124.16700

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:20