Things are happening down at the Tashiro. The artists have moved into their subsidized, low-rent lofts, the gallery proprietors are finally getting accustomed to the new-paint-fume high, and Pioneer Square is opening to more experimental and emerging artists. Joining the fray this week is the exciting new artist-owned Platform Gallery while SOIL, the dependably innovative artists’ co-op makes the move from Capitol Hill. SOIL’s group show “Masquerade” asked the gallery’s members to create a portrait of themselves-and the results should be unconventional. Look for work by painters Buddy Bunting, Margie Livingston and Randy Wood, sculptor Yuki Nakamura, and photographers Thom Heileson and Debra Baxter (whose Self Portrait is shown). First Thursday opening: 5-8 p.m. Thurs. Sept. 2. Opening reception: 7-10 p.m. Sat. Sept. 4. SOIL, 112 Third Ave. S., free, 206-264-8061. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs.-Sun.