Dead People I Raped For You
The primary reason I listed this show was just so I could type the title with my own hands. Zeffrey Throwell combines human blood and watercolor to create his elaborately-titled drawings. Let's hear it for raping dead people! Littman Gallery at Portland State University, Smith Center, 1825 SW Broadway, 725-5656, Through Nov 23

Geography
Kirsten Ryan creates dark, heavily-worked diptychs of acrylic, charcoal, and pastel on wood that recall the scratchy, angsty works of Cy Twombly, Lucinda Parker, and Susan Rothenberg. Gallery 114, 1100 NW Glisan, 243-3356, Through Nov 26

New Tradition
In what should be an important regional exhibition, Archer Gallery brings together the work of six contemporary Native American artists, including Rick Bartow, Marie Watt, and the incomparable James Lavadour. Archer Gallery, Clark College, 1800 E McLoughlin, Vancouver, (360) 992-2200, Through Dec 2

Next
It's impossible to overstate how nice and classy the new PDX and Pulliam Deffenbaugh galleries are—from the New York-y entranceways to the movable walls and pristine floors, these two look like they just stepped out of Yo MTV, Pimp My Gallery. PDX artists get their chance to shine in this group show featuring new work by the usual gallery suspects (Brad Adkins, Storm Tharp, James Lavadour, etc). Noteworthy, however, is the fact that the esteemed Tad Savinar has joined the PDX stable. PDX, 925 NW Flanders, 222-0063, Through Dec 3

Soon and Very Soon
This new Eastside gallery launches its inaugural exhibition with a shit-ton of artists from Portland, New York, L.A., Philly, Chicago, San Francisco, and beyond. Renowned, 811 E Burnside #111, (714) 642-8009, Opens Fri 6-10 pm; closes Nov 27