Art, art everywhere at Nucleus Portland

This Southeast gem, which doubles as an art gallery, is gearing up to host Los Angeles-based artist Matt Furie’s outlandish cartoons. You can see them anytime, but for some liquid inspiration, visit during their weekly Drink and Draw Society meetings (Wednesdays, 5 p.m.–10 p.m.) On these nights, colored pencils, paper, and blank coasters are provided at no cost. The dreamy, open, plant-filled space also offers a variety of items from international artists ranging from limited edition screen printed growlers to wool Star Wars pennants as well as beanies specifically for their Drink and Draw society so you can “have warm thoughts while you doodle.”   

Pun drunk painting at Vine Gogh

Opened in 2011 as Portland’s first sip-and-paint studio, Vine Gogh offers wine, beer, and cider to pair with your painting class. Teens are welcome, and there’s a special Saturday session for kids. Most courses are held at Vine Goh’s studio in Sherwood, with occasional events at Stickmen Brewing, Skamania Lodge, and Love Bites bakery. Want to team-build while you paint? Vine Gogh’s “On the Gogh” program will bring the drinks and doodles straight to your office.   

Drunk Ikea, basically, at DIY Bar

Portland’s premier artsy boîte, DIY Bar has preset craft projects ready for you to assemble when you show up. Book a week in advance and choose from a range of nifty ventures ranging from cat scratchers to six-pack carriers. Insider tips: Tuesdays are a discounted $29 per person, while Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m.–2p.m.) bring $10 bottomless mimosas. One-off events include Bob Ross comedy nights, candle-making, and ceramic planters.

Stay-at-home pet portraits at The Loaded Brush

Some people prefer to drink and draw at home, in their sweatpants, with their pet as inspiration. The Loaded Brush gets you, animal lovers. Send a photo of your furry friend, and they’ll deliver a hand-sketched canvas to paint over. Paints and brushes are included with the kit; all you need is your favorite boozy beverage and your four-legged best friend/life partner/territorial menace. The Loaded Brush also offers nights of painting local landmarks, Monet replica classes, and, of course, paint-your-pet parties fueled by local ciders, beers and wines.

Feel-good crafting at SCRAP + Tonic Lounge Craft & Drink Event

Once a month you can support SCRAP’s education program while sipping cocktails, indulging in cheap vegan bar eats, and flexing your creativity muscles. A sliding scale entrance fee ($5 minimum) goes straight to the non-profit, which offers low-cost art classes to youth and educators, and in return you get access to whatever crafting tools and materials SCRAP happens to bring (you can always count on a button maker, a shrink-plastic station, and lots of hot glue).