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Want to Be an Artist? Start at the Best Art Schools in Portland

  • Program variety: We prioritized schools offering diverse programs—from fine arts and graphic design to digital media—made the top of our list.

  • Resources: We evaluated access to studios, tools, and mentorship opportunities as a big factor in determining quality.

  • Expertise: We looked for schools with experienced instructors who bring both teaching skills and real-world artistry to the table.

  • Value for money and financial aid: We examined schools that offer reasonable tuition rates or robust financial aid options that earned higher marks for accessibility.

  • Flexibility: We checked for programs that cater to various schedules, including part-time or evening classes.

A friend once told me they knew they belonged in Portland when they saw someone knitting on the bus with a cup of chai balanced on their knee. That’s the kind of place this city is—creative, quirky, and endlessly inspiring. 

If you’ve ever felt the pull to turn your artistic dreams into reality, Portland’s art schools are where it all begins. 

We’ve dug into the best programs in the city to help you find the perfect place to learn, create, and maybe even redefine what “art” means to you. Let’s get started.

1. Art World School

art-world-school

Services: After-school program classes and camp 

Address: 18335 NW West Union Rd Suite 5-E

Phone: (503) 590-5518

Business hours:

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Website

Google score reviews5/5
Total reviews4.7/5
Score Consistency4.8/5
Program variety4.7/5
Resources4.8/5
Expertise4.7/5
Value for money and financial aid2/5
Flexibility4.5/5

Art World School offers a fantastic variety of fine art programs for kids, making it an excellent choice for young aspiring artists. 

We love that the school offers options in digital and animation art in addition to traditional art forms for those with different creative interests. 

The well-equipped studios and experienced instructors create a supportive space where young artists can truly thrive. We were particularly impressed by how the faculty not only encourages but actively nurtures the potential of each student.

Many parents we spoke with shared glowing reviews of the supportive approach, especially towards struggling learners. The teachers are also enthusiastic about bringing out the potential of their students, especially first-time students.

The flexibility in class schedules is also a real bonus for parents trying to juggle busy lives.

However, tuition can feel pricey for some families. The limited financial aid options just make it harder for everyone to access. 

Pros

  • Variety of program
  • Well-equipped studies
  • Experienced instructors
  • Supportive approach
  • Good for beginner students
  • Flexible learning options

Cons

  • Higher tuition
  • Limited financial support

The staff is incredible and the environment there is calm and accepting

“We count ourselves lucky to have discovered Art World School this summer. Our daughter has loved going and has learned, not only an incredibly amount about fine art, but also about a host of different cultures from around the world! The staff is incredible and the environment there is calm and accepting- a great place for young artists to thrive.”

Charlotte Haws, Google Reviews

Mimi is very professional and good at inspiring kids.

“My two daughters have been studying drawing with Mimi for almost one year. They like to go to Mimi’s studio on Saturdays and often talk about their arts at home. Mimi is very professional and good at inspiring kids. She knows when and how to teach kids drawing skills so that they can have a solid foundation to create more fun and enjoyable arts.”

Bo Wang, Google Reviews

2. High Low Art Space

high-low-art-space

Services: Art classes, workshops, and more 

Address: 936 SE 34th Ave

Email: [email protected] 

Business hours:

  • Via booking

Website

Google score reviews5/5
Total reviews4.7/5
Score Consistency4.8/5
Program variety3.5/5
Resources4/5
Expertise4.9/5
Value for money and financial aid3/5
Flexibility3/5

High Low Art Space offers a focused curriculum centered on structural and tonal figure drawing and oil painting, making it a great fit for serious art students. 

The program dives deep into traditional techniques, giving students a solid foundation while encouraging them to refine their skills and develop a personal style. 

What truly stands out is the meticulous instruction and thoughtful approach to learning. From our previous interactions with their students, it’s clear that both beginners and experienced artists benefit from the detailed guidance offered.

We also love the small class sizes. They create an environment where students get personalized attention and one-on-one feedback. 

The instructors, all practicing artists with impressive portfolios, bring real-world experience to the table. Students have mentioned how approachable and dedicated the instructors are, helping them work through creative challenges and improve their techniques.

While the instruction is top-notch, financial aid options are limited. In addition, class schedules are a bit rigid, which works well for consistency but might not suit those looking for more flexibility.

Pros

  • Focused curriculum
  • Strong foundation
  • Skill refinement
  • Suitable for all levels
  • Personalized attention
  • Experienced instructors

Cons

  • Limited financial aid
  • Rigid schedules
  • Limited art technique focus

Impressive amount of time spent with each student

“I took the structural drawing class with Maeve, who is a master at her craft. She took us from drawing squares and spheres to a live portrait in 7 weeks. Her articulation, amount of time spent with each of us, and ability to guide us through the drawing process was impressive. She’s got high standards for the work she expects out of her students, which pushes you to try more, but also might not feel as good as your kindergarten teacher who thinks everything you doodle looks great. Great place if you want to progress. Love that this community space exists in the neighborhood.”

Nancy, Google Reviews

Ensures good understanding of the basics and demonstrates techniques

“I had an awesome time taking the oil painting class from Ryan. He ensures good understanding of the basics and demonstrates techniques to give a solid foundation for oil painting. Highly recommend this class and the studio. I’ll be taking another course soon!”

Anna Stecher, Google Reviews

3. UlnaArt Studio

ulnaart-studio

Services: Art classes 

Address: 215 SE Morrison St Studio 2004

Contact: via Instagram DM @ulnastudio

Business hours:

  • Via booking

Website

Google score reviews5/5
Total reviews2.5/5
Score Consistency4.5/5
Program variety4/5
Resources4.5/5
Expertise4.6/5
Value for money and financial aid3.2/5
Flexibility4.5/5

UlnaArt Studio provides a welcoming space for artists of all levels. It offers a range of workshops and classes in intuitive drawing and landscape painting. 

One of the studio’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on creative exploration. With ample resources and an environment that encourages experimentation, the studio is designed to support artists in their journey of self-expression.

We love that the instructors promote creativity and personal growth. Rather than sticking to rigid, traditional techniques, they foster an approach that prioritizes helping students develop their own unique artistic styles.

Another plus is the flexibility in class schedules, including convenient evening sessions that make it easier for those with busy schedules to participate.

That said, UlnaArt Studio offers limited financial aid options. Although their rates are reasonable, some may still find it hard to access their classes.

Pros

  • Welcoming space
  • Focus on intuitive drawing and landscapes
  • Wide variety of workshops and classes
  • Skilled instructors
  • Emphasis on creativity over traditional methods
  • Reasonable rates
  • Flexible schedules

Cons

  • Limited financial aid options
  • Less structured teaching methods

The teachers and fellow students are encouraging, supportive and fun

“I’ve taken classes with both Jolyn and Cole as well as utilizing their great offer of free open studio time when enrolled in a class. The teachers and fellow students are encouraging, supportive and fun. The new space is huge and inviting. I highly recommend taking classes here.”

Tracy Burkholder, Google Reviews

It’s a safe space to explore creativity, build a community, and try new things

“I began taking classes with Jolyn in 2018. It has been a such a gift to spend a few hours every week learning something new. Classes are a mix of ages and experience, some are brand new and some have been to art school. Young adults to retirees. It’s a safe space to explore creativity, build a community, and try new things.”

Stephanie Briggs, Google Reviews

4. Northwest Academy

northwest-academy

Services: Art and academic preparatory program 

Address: 1130 SW Main St

Phone: (503) 223-3367

Business hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 8:30 AAM – 3:50 PM

Website

Google score reviews4.8/5
Total reviews2.5/5
Score Consistency4.1/5
Program variety4.8/5
Resources4.8/5
Expertise4.6/5
Value for money and financial aid4.6/5
Flexibility4.5/5

Northwest Academy stands out with its impressive, all-encompassing arts program that spans visual arts, performing arts, media arts, and literary arts.

They provide invaluable hands-on exposure for those interested in pursuing careers in animation, visual storytelling, and related fields. Students can also explore a range of creative disciplines, from digital photography and graphic design to painting and sculpture.

What we really appreciate about the visual arts program is it encourages students to experiment with various mediums, including ceramics, illustration, and more. 

Similarly, the performing arts program offers students ample opportunities to perform and collaborate. 

The school’s state-of-the-art facilities are another major plus. Coupled with personalized mentorship from the faculty, this creates an environment where students can really grow.

We were particularly impressed with the flexibility in class schedules, which cater to both full- and part-time students. Plus, there are \solid financial aid options available.

That said, the wide variety of programs might feel overwhelming for anyone looking for a more specific focus in their art education.

Pros

  • Diverse arts program
  • Hands-on exposure
  • Top-notch facilities
  • Personalized mentorship
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Financial aid support

Cons

  • Overwhelming variety
  • Possibly challenging for specific interests

Provides a great and adaptable learning environment

“While other schools dont provide children with arts programs NWA does, it provides a great and adaptable learning environment. I am in the middle school program and I love this school.”

Genny McRae, Google Reviews

The arts programs provide a safe space for all the kids to try new things and have positive experiences in front of audiences. 

“NW Academy has been a great experience for both of my children even though they are very different people. The school provides a rigorous academic experience with lots of training in good work habits and study skills while at the same time making the work meaningful for the students. The arts programs provide a safe space for all the kids to try new things and have positive experiences in front of audiences. The close knit community provides a positive and almost family like environment that really allows the kids to grow as learners. I also really love how the downtown campus fosters an appreciation for all the city has to offer as well as teaching independence as my kids have become comfortable using Trimet and even their bicycles to travel to and from school. I think NW Academy provides a fantastic educational experience.”

Jessica Nesseler, Google Reviews

5. Portland Child Art Studio

portland-child-art-studio

Services: Preschool, homeschool, and after-school art classes 

Address: 1610 NW 14th Ave

Phone: (503) 316-3672

Business hours:

  • Via booking

Website

Google score reviews4.9/5
Total reviews4.9/5
Score Consistency4.5/5
Program variety4.3/5
Resources4.5/5
Expertise4.7/5
Value for money and financial aid4.6/5
Flexibility4.5/5

Portland Child Art Studio offers a colorful mix of art classes for kids, from painting and collage to murals and visual art. 

The variety of programs is fantastic for sparking creativity in young minds, providing them with the opportunity to explore different artistic mediums in a fun and supportive environment.

One of the standout features is the studio’s welcoming atmosphere, paired with teachers who really know how to make learning fun. 

We were particularly impressed with how the teachers managed to balance creativity with structured learning, ensuring that kids are both engaged and challenged.

We found the pricing pretty reasonable. Plus, there are some financial aid options available, making the studio accessible to more families.

That said, if you’re looking for advanced art education, older students might not find what they’re looking for here.

Pros

  • Variety of classes
  • Experienced instructors
  • Focus on creativity
  • Affordable pricing
  • Financial aid support
  • Flexible class times

Cons

  • Limited options for older students

This studio gives children an opportunity to explore art in every medium.

“Amazing Small Business. This studio gives children an opportunity to explore art in every medium. The class is an hour and 15 minutes – giving time for clean up that doesn’t take away from the art time.”

Kimberly Lehmann, Google Reviews

The employees are kind and helpful. This studio will inspire you to do more art and make more art with your kids

“This is a magical place. A place to leave the world at the door and create something just for the fun of creating! My kids love it, and I love watching them have freedom to paint and make. The employees are kind and helpful. This studio will inspire you to do more art and make more art with your kids!”

Jessamyn Johns, Google Reviews

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