Besides an opportunity to meet and observe the artists at work, the event also promises live music, tasty food and drink, and a general camaraderie among like-minded individuals. Take this rare chance to see and purchase art from where it is made.

Portland is a mecca for artists. More than 70 of them are participating in Open Studios. You’ll find all approaches to art including jewelry, apparel, paintings, printmaking, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and more. Besides those who work in the NW Marine Art Works (NWMAW) building, artists who craft in the North Coast Seed Building, Carton Service Building, and River St. Studios will join them. All these studio buildings are owned by the Unkeles Family LLC. This occasion allows the public a unique glimpse into the crafters’ studios and creative spaces.

Observe artists demonstrating their skills during your visit, including artist Mary Lee who will show her encaustic painting techniques. Iwata-Medea, Inc. (global headquarters for Iwata airbrushes and distributors of numerous art supplies) will be demo-ing Iwata airbrushes and providing an opportunity for guests to try them. For a real treat Rachel Escoe will be displaying her glassblowing skills on site using her mobile furnace, called “The Glass Current: A Mobile Glassblowing Studio,” allowing the public to see hot glass in person.

Fundraiser Supports Artist Mentorship Program

This is the second year for the “Small Art/Big Give” campaign held during the Open Studios event. Each artist receives a 6”x6”x6” board six weeks ahead of the Open Studios. They can use the board (or not) but their piece can’t be larger than 6”x6”x6”. Artists will price their creations to be sold for either $75 or $150 at the event. This year all proceeds go to the Artist Mentorship Program, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides creative spaces for homeless youth, where they can engage in music and art activities.

Last year, Kimberly Stafford of A Stone’s Throw, crafted a pair of earrings that sold for the fundraiser. 

“This year I will be contributing one piece for a $75 donation and a second for $150,” she says.

Todd Elliott, who specializes in collages in a vocabulary of shapes, motivated by architectural motifs, transportation design, and typography, plans to make this year’s entry more dimensional than last year’s.

“My dad was an architect and my constant access to art and design as a child really inspired me,” he says. Elliott also teaches art at Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University.

Plan to spend the day and partake in all the activities. Listen to the sounds of Chamberlain/Gonzalez, an acoustic duo, Beacon Street Trio (jazz), Jennifer Moriarty (jazz) and as a special treat, the Center for Cassette Studios will play international vinyl from the 60s-80s.

Everyone should start their day with a donut or two from Donut Drop, and of course, your morning coffee. To satisfy your burrito cravings, the Fuego Food cart plans to sell its delicious Mexican fare. Local restaurant and food cart, Bing Mi will be selling their popular Jiangbings (fried cake), which are savory Chinese crepes often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.

You’ll have the opportunity to show your love to some of Portland’s beverage producers. Buy a beverage to sip while perusing the art. Choose from Level Beer, Freeland Spirits, and Loop de Loop Winery. 

Entry is free but bring money to spend on art. Open Studios runs from 10 am to 4 pm on June 1 and June 2. The NWMAW building is located at 2516 NW 29^th in Portland.

When attending Open Studios, guests have the opportunity to visit artists “in their natural habitat,” learn more about the processes that go into creating works of art, and support full-time artists who contribute to the vibrant and creative culture of Portland, says Stafford.

For more details, please visit our website.