Links!

Take an on-line journey through a wonderful world - Scroll down to find Art Links for Portland Locals as well as Inspiring Artists and Art Teachers (including those I've learned from - or taught - and highly recommend!).   I'll be adding new categories related to Innovation and Creativity in Business, On-line Art Supply Resources as well as Crafty Inspirations and Links for the Artistic Entrepreneur . . . there's just too much to do in one sitting! 

Disclaimer: Many of these people and businesses are friends, and I've visited these places, bought things there, or taken classes from almost all of them at one point or another.  But no, I don't get any kickbacks from any of these folks, who are listed in Alphabetical Order.  Nor do I get kickbacks from any of the Portland art links.  In fact, if someone does decide to pay me for mentioning them here, I will let you know.  Promise.

Art Links for Portland, OR Locals

100th Monkey Studio  Run by art therapists, this is a safe place for exploration.  They have monthly art openings, classes, and art supply swaps, and members can use the studio space . . . wow!

Collage on Alberta  Ah, my favorite art supply store!  If they don't have it, they'll order it for you.  They have a great mix of bargain art supplies, professional quality supplies, stuff for kids, scrapbooking goodies, rubber stamps, and on and on. If there's a new trend or product in the mixed media art scene, they try to get it in!  And then there's the lovely Lounge in the back . . . home to open craft nights on Friday, and DIY Lounge most other days of the week . . . Oh, and they're opening a new location on SE Woodstock this summer!

DIY Alert  They've got a crafty map of Portland, a calendar of Northwest events, and will even send you a weekly e-mail letting you know what kind of grooviness is happening here in Portland!  This is your key to getting craftily connected in PDX.

DIY Lounge  A great place to take art classes, if I do say so myself!  And they also offer occasional classes for the arty entrepreneur . . .

Knittn Kitten  This is like a thrift shop exclusively for art supplies: buttons, beads, yarn, fabric - you get the idea.  Wonderful and cheap.

SCRAP  The School and Community Reuse Action Project keeps tons of waste out of the landfill by encouraging local businesses and individuals to donate a bizarre array of items, and then showing the community how to use these items in art and craft projects!  Find old frames, scrap tile, fabrics, paper, stickers, yarns, foam, mat board, and more all at crazy low prices.

Inspiring Artists and Art Teachers

Dayna Collins, Alley Arts Studio  Dayna is a seeker, exploring her own creativity and encouraging others to do the same. She offers Artist's Way Creative Clusters in Salem, OR (check out Gretchin Lair below for Portland area groups) as well as offering other workshops.

Stewart Cubley, The Painting Experience  I've taken Process Painting workshops from Stewart at least once a year since 2000, and it's helped me enormously, particularly when it came down to getting through blocks and outwitting my own inner critic! Definitely check out his website, and learn more about what he offers.  And, he teaches nationally, meaning there may be a class near you no matter where you are.

Wendy Huhn  An amazing mixed media fiber artist who teaches transfer techniques for fiber as well as a variety of other surface design techniques.  She's a Northwesterner, but also teaches and exhibits nationally. 

Deborah Koff-Chapin, Touch Drawing  She developed an intuitive drawing meets monoprint technique called Touch Drawing, and also has a lovely line of cards called SoulCards.  I use this technique in some of my classes, but hey, if you've got the chance, learn it from the master!  And yes, she teaches nationally as well - along with offering a book, video and CD of her practices.

Gretchin Lair, Scarlet Star Studios  A Creative Advocate, Gretchin is your go-to-gal for Artist's Way Creative Clusters in Portland, and other events that nurture your inner artist!  Her gentle leadership and firm support is a true gift.

Stephanie Lee  A found-object jeweler, plaster artist, sculptor and generous teacher, you can find Stephanie at mixed media art events in the Northwest and around the country.

Phil Sylvester, The Drawing Studio  Drawing classes at his studio on SE Division will change the way you see and the way you approach art making.  Get loose and learn to take risks while still drawing representationally - you know, drawing what you see.

Linda Womack, The Hive  Want to learn more about encaustic painting or beeswax collage?  Take a class at her Portland studio, get her book, or just check out her work.