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The Creative Student's Guide to Portland Art Education and Careers

...for students of art, design, fashion design, photography, film/video, advertising, interior design and other creative fields.

Visit our Complete Directory of
Portland Art Schools and Art Colleges!

by C.J. Gustafson
ArtSchools.com Contributing Writer

art schools in Portland Partners Frances Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy tossed a penny to name their 640-acre stake on the Willamette River. Pettygrove won two out of three, and the future city of Portland was founded.

Situated amongst lush forests and volcanic remains, Portland's 538,544 residents share 145.4 square miles of the most temperate climate in the northwest. Winter temperatures average 35-45°F and summer remains a balmy 70-90 degrees. Portland is sometimes known as "the City of Roses" for its spring rose festival, the International Rose Test Garden and the Rose Garden section of its downtown.

Cultural interests bloom as well at the Portland Art Museum, whose offerings include collections of Native American and regional contemporary art, films, and lectures/presentations by such notable figures as contemporary environmental installation artist, Christo.

Microbrews, Museums and Underground Tunnels

Known for microbrewing, the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail system, a new streetcar line, under-sized city blocks, and a downtown area that encourages pedestrians and cycling commuters, Portland also has a thriving arts culture. In addition to the Portland Museum, the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art and the Contemporary Crafts Museum and Gallery are popular destinations, and the SK Josefsberg Gallery will thrill photography students and enthusiasts with its acclaimed collection of photographs. The Northwest Film Center has year-round offerings, including film classes, and also presents the annual Portland Film Festival.

The city is also known for its series of underground tunnels that used to help facilitate a rash of abductions that took place in the city in the 1800's wherein victims were pressed into service aboard seafaring ships. Although several cities around the world experienced these maritime kidnappings, Portland was unique in that those involved in this illegal recruiting of sailing crews were able to take advantage of trap doors to drop their victims down to tunnels and walkways under the businesses. The unwilling deckhands were held in cells until they were put aboard ships. Guided tours of the tunnels, known as Portland's "Underground", have become a big hit with many tourists.

Art Everywhere

Another way to see the city (above ground) is to participate in an art walk. Portland is so enthusiastic about art that it has two monthly art walks. One is on the first Thursday of every month and includes shops in Portland's Old Town, Pearl District, and downtown neighborhoods. Galleries in these areas include Alysia Duckler, Mark Woolley, and Blackfish. The other walk is Northeast Alberta Street's "Last Thursday" art walk, which features a relatively new group of galleries including Guardino Gallery, Talisman Gallery, Jackson Art, and Bohio Studio. The Portland Saturday Market, the nation's largest and longest-running open-air crafts market, is held every weekend from March through December in the Old Town area of Portland.

art student in Portland Behind Portland's healthy arts culture are the many organizations and groups that support the arts, including the Asian Arts Council, the Native American Art Council, the Contemporary Art Council, the Lakewood Center for the Arts, the Photography Council, the European and American Art Council, Northwest Business for Culture and the Arts, Portland Art Dealers Association, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council. These groups help fund art projects, organize events and exhibits, and create art such as the Art Agogs -- twenty metal sculptures in the shape of people on the street.

Perhaps it's all this art in the air that tends to give Portland its unique feel. The city is filled with a diverse population. Self expression is everywhere, in dyed hair, multiple body piercings, and in local music and art. Mickey Sterling, a local design artist, calls Portland "funky, but in a good way." Feeling restless after living in the city her entire life, she moved to California but returned within the year. "There is such a sense of neighborhood in Portland. I really missed that; and the weird, jumbled way that we all come together here to make an exciting and interesting place to live. One thing about Portland," she added, "it's never boring."

Art Schools and Programs

Portland also is host to a large number of educational venues and art programs. The Oregon College of Art and Craft, The Art Institute of Portland, and Pacific Northwest College of Art are examples of Portland-based higher education facilities geared specifically toward art students. Many of the area's general colleges and universities also have arts programs, including Concordia University, History of Arts Program, Lewis and Clark College's Art Department, Portland Community College's Architectural Design Program, Portland State University's Department of Art, and Reed College's Art Department. fine art in Portland Students at these schools have the opportunity to earn Fine Art and Art History degrees, Architecture degrees, Advertising degrees, Photography degrees, and pursue graphic design careers, interior design careers, and fashion careers. Other program areas include animation, web design, textiles, and art education.

A wealth of arts centers and studios also offer certificate programs and workshops on a wide variety of topics from jewelry making to drawing to graphic design. A partial list includes the American Jewelers Institute, Arne Westerman Watercolor Workshops, Multnomah Arts Center, Hipbone Studio, Graphic Cat, Innerscape Art Center, Itisness, and Sellwood Art Academy.

Portland is an area with mild weather, incredible arts and cultural opportunities, and a host of arts education schools and programs. The unique neighborhoods, beautiful scenery and people-friendly activities make the City of Roses an ideal choice for many art students.

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