If you have a little Monet, Chagall or Michelangelo on your hands, but aren’t willing to turn your spare room into an art studio yet, consider signing them up for a children’s art class in Portland. This way, they can let their creativity flow freely and you’ll keep paint off of your carpet! Here are five spots that offer art classes, open-studio times and vacation art camps.
Ano’s Art Academy
If you’re searching for an art program in Portland where your budding Picasso can take a regular class each week, then Ano’s Art Academy is a fantastic option. They offer classes on Tuesday through Saturday for all ages, with specific classes exclusively for 3 – 6 year olds. You can also custom build a private class for a small group of kids, which is a fun idea for getting together regularly with other families. You can even drop off the kids for art and use it as a chance to grab a quick cup of coffee with the other parents!
10220 SW Park Way, Portland
503-292-927
The 100th Monkey Studio
Offering art classes for all ages of artists (from age one through adult), The 100th Monkey Studio is a special studio with a very creative vibe. Because they offer more than just art classes for children, The 100th Monkey truly takes the creativity in its youth program to the next level, while still letting the kids have fun with art. The Messy Monkeys sessions are especially cool – they are drop-in art classes where families can socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee and make art, all at the same time – perfect for rainy day play dates!
110 SE 16th Avenue, Portland
503-232-3457
Gymboree Play & Music
Believe it or not, Gymboree offers some of the best art classes for kids in Portland. With two locations, one in Cedar Hills and one near Bridgeport Village, they offer art classes for kids as young as 18-months old. Gymboree art classes are also a great option for families with artists of varying ages. They have Family Art Classes where children ages 18-months to 5-years old can participate together to create art. Don’t forget to ask to try a class for free before signing up!
Two locations in the Portland area – see their website to pick the one closest to you
Multnomah Arts Center
A wonderful art program that is via the Portland Parks and Recreation Department, families love coming to MAC for classes! Children can start as young as 18-months, with parent involvement, and there are a few different classes to pick from including themed-classes or classes where getting messy while making art is the goal. Bonus points to MAC for keeping class prices low – a typical 5-week session will run you around $40.
7688 SW Capitol Highway, Portland
503-823-2787
My Masterpiece Art Studio
An art studio that was born from the arts programs being cut from Portland Public Schools, My Masterpiece Art Studio is run by two moms with backgrounds in art, history and education. They offer a variety of classes for preschoolers, toddlers and school-aged kids to learn about art and techniques. We think their open-studio sessions are especially cool – no reservations are needed and the studio is open for you and your kids to get creative!
Parkside Business Center, 7905 SW Cirrus Drive #27G, Beaverton
503-453-3700
– Katie Kavulla
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