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Continuing Education Overview

Our program is designed to provide the community with beginning through advanced education in the visual arts.

Continuing Education is an open program for adults, teens and children. Our program is designed to provide the community with beginning through advanced education in the visual arts. Continuing Education has courses and programs to meet the needs of students at the very first stage of discovery, of committed artists developing a body of work and a personal aesthetic, as well as of professionals pursuing careers in the creative industries. Please refer to the program descriptions for further information.

The ADULT PROGRAM is, primarily, an evening program held during the week. Students enroll in courses for non-credit, credit, or certificate status, depending upon their individual needs and goals. The average class size is 12-13 students which fosters strong student-instructor relationships and creates a feeling of camaraderie and shared purpose among students. Studio classes are generally limited to 18 or fewer students.

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While some students use CE classes as a means to personal growth, other students use Continuing Education as a springboard for their careers. Some students go on to show in galleries, work in creative freelance positions or find employment in the design industry. Students may also complete a compact path of study through our CERTIFICATE PROGRAM in Fine Art, Graphic Design, or Moving Image Arts.

The YOUTH PROGRAM is for children and teens. The curriculum is based on the developmental stages of childhood. All faculty are practicing artists committed to providing a nurturing, supportive and enriched experience for children and youth.

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The OUTREACH PROGRAM is a set of after-school arts courses formed in collaboration with PNCA and selected elementary, middle and high schools in the Portland Public School system; serving low-income and minority student populations. Using studio arts instruction methods, professional artists/educators work directly with the students to develop each student’s artistic skills. Outcomes include increased self-esteem, peer recognition and improved school attendance as well as enhanced visual literacy skills. The program potentially leads to scholarship opportunities in PNCA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

The PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER STUDIOS is for serious students seeking to expand their high school art training, develop a portfolio, and experience a professional art college environment.

Register for Pre-College Summer Studios →