In my opinion, Portland, Oregon is one of the most creative cities in the USA. While I may be biased in my view, you can feel the creativity oozing out of the city wherever you go – as it has lots of vibrant street art, music and culture. With this in mind, it makes sense that it has many art classes which teach people how to draw, paint, and generally unleash their creative energy.

In this article I have picked the best places to practice art in PDX. Some of these are academic institutions that offer long-term art courses, whereas others are for casuals, kids, and hobbyists. Enjoy!

Pacific Northwest College of Art

PNCA is a prestigious art college located in Portland. They offer a range of classes and workshops for both adults and children.

Address: 511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209

Oregon College of Art and Craft

OCAC is a well-known arts and crafts college in Portland. They offer a variety of classes in different art disciplines such as ceramics, painting, photography, and more.

Address: 8245 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum offers classes in painting, drawing, printmaking, and other art forms for both adults and children. They also have summer camps and workshops.

Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Oregon Society of Artists

The Oregon Society of Artists is a non-profit organization that offers art classes and workshops in various mediums, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.

Address: 2185 SW Park Pl, Portland, OR 97205

Art Adventure Academy

Art Adventure Academy is a Portland-based art school that offers classes and workshops for children and adults. They offer classes in painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.

Address: 185 SW 5th Street P.O. Box 376. Madras, OR 97741

Muse Art and Design

Muse Art and Design offers a range of classes for adults and children, including painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Address: 4220 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215

Multnomah Arts Center

The Multnomah Arts Center is a community center that offers a range of art classes, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and more.

Address: 7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology

Sitka Center offers a range of art classes and workshops in painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, and more. They also offer artist residencies and retreats.

Address: 56605 Sitka Dr, Otis, OR 97368

The Drawing Studio

The Drawing Studio offers a variety of classes in drawing, painting, and printmaking for all skill levels. They also have open studio time and private lessons available.

Address: 3614 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

Portland State University

PSU’s School of Art + Design offers a variety of classes and programs in art and design, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and more.

Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201

Art Institute of Portland

The Art Institute of Portland offers degree programs in graphic design, interior design, digital filmmaking, and more. They also offer continuing education classes in art and design.

Address: 1122 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209

Gage Academy of Art

Gage Academy of Art offers online and in-person art classes and workshops in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more. They also offer artist residencies and a youth program.

Address: 1501 10th Ave E #101, Seattle, WA 98102

Hipbone Studio

Hipbone Studio offers art classes and workshops in drawing, painting, printmaking, and more for all skill levels. They also have open studio time and private lessons available.

Address: 1847 E Burnside St #104, Portland, OR 97214