Portland’s largest and longest-running citywide art studio tour returns this month for its 25th anniversary. During the second and third weekends of October each year, Portland Open Studios gives 100+ local artists the opportunity to open their workspaces to the public and “bridge the gap between artist and patron.”
This year’s event takes place Oct. 14-15, and Oct. 21-22, and features 111 participating artists across the metro area, from St. Johns to Oregon City. Artists are juried in by a professional panel — only the top 70% are accepted to join Portland Open Studios.
Founded by artists, for artists
Portland Open Studios began in 1998 with a group of artists who wanted to showcase their work and engage their communities. Today, the tour attracts thousands of people and supports local artists through workshops, training sessions, and educational internships for students. Scholarships are also awarded to emerging artists and historically marginalized artists to help cover the tour’s participation fees and provide ongoing support with customized professional development courses.
“There is no better way to see the incredible creativity that is Portland than in the studios and workspaces of the artists themselves,” said Kirista Trask, the organization’s executive director.
Photo of Gesine Kratzner courtesy of Portland Open Studios
What to expect
The annual tour is self-guided and participating studios are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekend. You can search for artists by neighborhood or by name (the latter option lets you filter your search by the type of media you’re interested in seeing, like ceramic, oil, photography, etc.). There’s also a handy virtual map you can use to plot your route, or you can pick up a limited edition commemorative guide for $10 at studios No. 9, 13, 39, 40, 47, 78, 101, and 114.
Love Portland Open Studios and want to bask in the post-tour afterglow? Join the organization at its 25th anniversary party on Thursday, Nov. 16, at The Village Ballroom. Tickets are $35.
