Our Programs

Multnomah Arts Center is a program of Portland Parks & Recreation and a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Our goal is to provide high quality instruction and participation in the performing and visual arts to all interested persons, regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic origin, financial means, or level of ability.

Inclusion services are offered to those with disabilities and special needs so they may receive an equal opportunity to fully participate in programs offered.

It is thanks in large part to the Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy) that was approved by voters in November 2020 that MAC is able to stabilize our community arts programming during this pandemic. With resources from the Parks Levy, we are also able to offer Pay What You Can payment options to Portland residents in an effort to limit cost as a barrier to full participation in the arts. For non residents who require financial support, please fill out and submit our need-based scholarship application.

DESKTOP BEGINS HERE

Our Youth programs offer a process-oriented art experience. While providing instruction in the use of art materials and techniques, our teachers guide students through the creative process to elicit and encourage each child’s individual style of visual expression.

MAC’s Drawing & Painting program offers watercolor, oil, and acrylic painting classes and drawing classes from the basic fundamentals to artistic anatomy. Taught by professional teaching artists, students develop their technical skills in a supportive community environment.

In addition to private music lessons in a wide variety of instruments, MAC offers ensemble classes for voice, guitar, ukulele, songwriting, and percussion.

MAC’s certamics program offers classes for children and adults year-round. Our community of teachers and staff are committed to helping you find your way with clay. Adult clay classes include glazes, firings, and open studio.

MAC’s jewelry & metalsmithing program was designed to offer an affordable, cohesive education in the metal arts for all students, from beginners to professionals. Our dedicated instructors are professionals in the field.

MAC’s textiles program offers classes for basketry, felting, knitting, dyeing, spinning, and on-loom weaving. The weaving studio has over 60 floor and table looms, including an AVL compu-dobby; spinning and dyeing equipment; a wide selection of yarns for purchase; and an extensive library.

Increase agility, grace, balance, strength, and flexibility with MAC’s dance program. Develop a sense of rhythm and body coordination while having fun!

The theatre program at MAC seeks to offer a vibrant program that aims to be accessible and responsive to the community; foster collaboration, cooperation, and ensemble building; and offer a professional and organized performing arts space for the creation of work.

Our woodshop and sculpture studio is equipped with 6 woodturning lathes, a SawStop table saw, drill press, bandsaw, chop saw, hand tools, hand-held power tools, dust collection unit, and youth workbenches with clamps.

The photography program at MAC offers courses in digital and analog photography, including darkroom for teens and adults. A traditional darkroom, equipped with six enlargers and all the necessary equipment for developing black and white prints enhances our photography program.

MAC offers classes and workshops for serious students and hobbyists alike to enjoy the art of the print. Additional studio time is included for many of the printmaking classes. Students are encouraged to purchase their own printing paper, though some proof paper is provided.

Everyone has stories. In the context of a supportive and well-facilitated group, explore and realize your stories on the page. All of MAC’s writing classes, from poetry to memoir to fiction to mixed-genre, offer students not only methods to get the words down, but the tools to craft a compelling yarn.

MOBILE BEGINS HERE

Our Youth programs offer a process-oriented art experience. While providing instruction in the use of art materials and techniques, our teachers guide students through the creative process to elicit and encourage each child’s individual style of visual expression.

MAC’s Drawing & Painting program offers watercolor, oil, and acrylic painting classes and drawing classes from the basic fundamentals to artistic anatomy. Taught by professional teaching artists, students develop their technical skills in a supportive community environment.

In addition to private music lessons in a wide variety of instruments, MAC offers ensemble classes for voice, guitar, ukulele, songwriting, and percussion.

MAC’s certamics program offers classes for children and adults year-round. Our community of teachers and staff are committed to helping you find your way with clay. Adult clay classes include glazes, firings, and open studio.

MAC’s jewelry & metalsmithing program was designed to offer an affordable, cohesive education in the metal arts for all students, from beginners to professionals. Our dedicated instructors are professionals in the field.

MAC’s textiles program offers classes for basketry, felting, knitting, dyeing, spinning, and on-loom weaving. The weaving studio has over 60 floor and table looms, including an AVL compu-dobby; spinning and dyeing equipment; a wide selection of yarns for purchase; and an extensive library.

Increase agility, grace, balance, strength, and flexibility with MAC’s dance program. Develop a sense of rhythm and body coordination while having fun!

The theatre program at MAC seeks to offer a vibrant program that aims to be accessible and responsive to the community; foster collaboration, cooperation, and ensemble building; and offer a professional and organized performing arts space for the creation of work.

Our woodshop and sculpture studio is equipped with 6 woodturning lathes, a SawStop table saw, drill press, bandsaw, chop saw, hand tools, hand-held power tools, dust collection unit, and youth workbenches with clamps.

The photography program at MAC offers courses in digital and analog photography, including darkroom for teens and adults. A traditional darkroom, equipped with six enlargers and all the necessary equipment for developing black and white prints enhances our photography program.

MAC offers classes and workshops for serious students and hobbyists alike to enjoy the art of the print. Additional studio time is included for many of the printmaking classes. Students are encouraged to purchase their own printing paper, though some proof paper is provided.

Everyone has stories. In the context of a supportive and well-facilitated group, explore and realize your stories on the page. All of MAC’s writing classes, from poetry to memoir to fiction to mixed-genre, offer students not only methods to get the words down, but the tools to craft a compelling yarn.