Absolutely love coming here! The classes are such high quality, and affordable. I love to create…read moreart, but have no formal training so would consider myself an absolute beginner when I started here. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and didn't make me feel bad for not knowing anything. It's a real community that loves to spread their love for art! Becoming a member was one of the best things that I've done. I was going through a lot emotionally at the time, and these classes were just what I needed for healing the part of my soul that needed community. I have thrived here

This is a really friendly group of people who want to learn to paint, draw, and create. They have…read moreboth online classes and in-person classes. Their physical space is huge, so you get lots of table space to work on, which is great, and they offer the most affordable classes in town. Best little nonprofit in town!

Such a hidden gem I wish more people knew about. A place to paint, design, carve and drink....all…read morein a bright large room that's filled with art. They have classes weekly, summer camps for all ages, so many drop in options I couldn't list them all (but canvas, bags, glass cups are just a few). The people working there are extremely friendly and helpful. It's also rather affordable. Definitely should check them out!

I had a great time! The instructor was great and very helpful and took his time. We paid $34 for…read morethe event and they supplied all of the supplies we need. The only thing I would say is to pregame before you go because the drinks are separate. We paid around $30 for a bottle and split the bottle between 3 of us. Other than that we had a great time and will definitely do it again!

What a lovely way to learn how to create art, and to learn something about yourself at the same…read moretime. So much of what Phil teaches spills into other areas of life too--areas where perfectionism and self-criticism reside. He helps us be more gentle with ourselves as we approach creativity. The energy in the room is not competitive, it is supportive and helpful. People return, year after year, to retake the "beginner" classes, in part to stay in touch with the beginner mindset and sense of wonder. The Drawing Studio is wonderful!

If you're looking for an art class where the instructor shows you how to hold your brush to paint…read moreclouds, this is not the class for you. Phil Sylvester does something much more valuable: he helps you to ignore critical thinking when you paint (or draw--he has drawing classes, too). Keeping your left brain from sabotaging your artwork can be a formidable task for some people, myself included. Phil basically helps you become that 5 year old kid with crayons again, where you have no expectations of what your art is supposed to be. His exercises encourage you just to paint, while he cites mantras from himself and other artists amid occasional music. This process leads you down a path where you find yourself and lose yourself at the same time. I can honestly say, in the short time I have been painting, that Phil has made me a better artist. Any class which does that is a good thing. So I suggest taking classes that teach techniques and color theory as well as taking the types of classes offered at the Drawing Studio. Every time you expand your horizons as an artist your soul will benefit.

Our daughter has been going to Norris Arts every week for 6 years, and we finally understand the…read moremagnetic pull to Ted & Anna's studio! My husband and I enjoyed a date night lesson last night and IT WAS SO FUN!!! Can't wait to return in 2 weeks for a glazing lesson and to be in community with creatives. It made all the heavy stuff fall away for a couple hours! Ted was an amazing teacher and so patient and encouraging. We're hooked!!

If you are looking for a fun and relaxing way to unleash your creativity, I highly recommend Norris…read moreArts. I took a class (well technically two in a valentine's day special class which was an amazing value) there over the last 2 weeks and I was amazed by how much I learned and enjoyed. Ted is not only a talented artist, but also a patient and inspiring teacher. He showed me how to turn a lump of clay into a beautiful bowl, step by step, with clear instructions and helpful tips. He also encouraged me to experiment with different shapes, textures, and colors, and to express my own style and vision. He made me feel confident and proud of my work, even though I had no prior experience with pottery. The studio itself is a cozy and inviting space. There are plenty of tools and materials to choose from, and everything is clean and organized. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive, and you can chat with other students or work quietly at your own pace. Ted is always there to answer your questions, offer feedback, or just share his passion for art. He creates a stress-free environment where you can relax and have fun. I had a wonderful time at Norris Arts, and I can't wait to go back for another session. I learned a lot and brought home multiple unique pieces of art that I love. It is a hidden gem in the Camas and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try something new and creative.

My wife and I have been taking weekly pastel classes here on Wednesdays with Barb, we've learned a…read morelot and have been having an absolute blast. Everyone in the class is so incredibly kind and encouraging, so it's a really positive and uplifting environment to be part of. This class is a fantastic way to express yourself and relax, it really helps a lot with my anxiety, and helps me appreciate the beauty in imperfections. The store itself also has a large variety of art supplies so we always shop here when we need to restock colors and materials.

Saw this on the news, what a great concept. Horrid employees. Very unwelcoming for no reason…read more Rolled her eyes as we walked in. As a person of color, this did not feel right. Why hang art if you do not want people to come in and look at it? Especially in a mall.

This was one of the best experiences of my life as I not only learned a new skill and met wonderful…read morenew people, but was also able to receive close instruction from the artist herself. True is amazing and made us so comfortable in her home. She generously offered me a cup of coffee before we started the class. Her home was also in a cute little neighborhood where parking on the street was easy to find. I grew up watching Bob Ross as a child and am absolutely in love with everything about him. It was really nice to be able to learn his style of painting and to be able to use the different tools for the different affects on the canvas. The overall experience was very therapeutic and I was so happy that my painting turned out so beautiful and amazing. I even brought my Bob Ross wig for the final pic of all of us together. I would definitely do something like this again and highly recommend True as an instructor if you would like to learn oil painting (Bob Ross style).

True is amazing. I took a private lesson today and I learned to much. I would recommend her hands…read moredown! I can't wait for my next lesson!

Come to the Arts Desire for the best painting class in the Portland Orego/Vancouver,Washington…read morearea. Beverly is an excellent instructor and a wonderful Artist in her own right . she teaches Watercolor, Oil, and Acrylic painting. if you're missing any supplies she has a complete art store on the premises. Her instruction prices are unbelievably low . At the time of this writing, she charges $15 for a 3 hour class. It has to be the lowes cost for classes in the area. Dont let the price fool you, however, Bev is the best instructor I've been to or seen on the internet and I've seen A LOT. The other classes I've either taken or priced in the area are $20-$100 per hour or more. If you love to paint and would like to improve your craft you owe it to yourself to take classes. And from the best: Bev Birdwelll at Arts Desire. On St Johns in Vancouver near the old High School Pharmacy.

Looking to improve your painting skills in a relaxed environment? Bev offers classes from the…read moreinexpensive brush up or beginning classes to the well worth it more expensive classes from nationally known art instructors, some of which you may have seen on TV. If you are short on supplies, she also has those for sale. It's a fun way to learn or improve (I have taken classes with beginners and experts that are there to improve their skills, learn new techniques or just to paint with others.). I always enjoy the class. I'm not a professional but have been going to her classes or those near my former residence on the east coast with the same traveling art instructors for about 20 years. Go, you'll be glad you did.

I had the most amazing experience recently at this studio. Beth Ann is a wonderful art therapist,…read moreshe is very relaxed and carries with her an air of calm and creativity. I was very impressed the class started with meditation and breathing exercises, then a brief tour of the studio and short explanation of how to begin our own personal process. I love the piece I made: it is nothing like what I usually do, but through talking a bit during class about personal situations, I was able to let some things go and it really shows in my work. I will definitely be returning. Just being in that environment is calming and very welcoming. even if you're not an artist, I would highly recommend giving one of these classes a try.

A fantastic place to get creative that overflows with fresh new art from local artists every first…read moreFriday. They have classes for both adults and children, they also have a cute shop to buy local art and art supplies. With a website that is updated frequently so you'll never miss a happening at the 100th Monkey Studio.

I can absolutely guarantee you will not find a better recording studio anywhere in Oregon. Other…read morestudios around the Portland area will try to lure clientele in with a lot of bs and hype, but while they're out promoting themselves the folks at Black Diamond are mastering their craft. They have you covered no matter what style of music you play and will invest themselves 100% into every project whether it's a single, an demo CD, or a full length. Matt Jefferson took care of us through the entire process: acting as producer, musician, and coach while never over stepping potential boundaries. If you are looking to record anywhere in the Northwest, go here. You will not be disappointed.