OAC FAQs
For nearly 100 years, OAC has nurtured and promoted the visual arts in Portland, Oregon and beyond.
The mission of the Oregon Art Center is to promote the visual arts in the diverse communities of our region, with educational and exhibition opportunities for artists at all levels of accomplishment.
Classes/Workshop
Classes at Oregon Art Center are weekly or one-time offerings that are 4 hours or less in duration. Our classes are taught by some of the best artists and instructors in the Pacific Northwest. OAC offers classes in a wide range of art media and levels to provide quality art education to the Portland community and beyond. OAC class offerings can be found on our class page here.
Workshops are one-time intensive instructional opportunities that generally last for 1–4 days. OAC’s workshop instructors come from around the country to provide quality instruction in the medium of their expertise. Taking a workshop is a wonderful way to try out a new art medium or technique or jumpstart your creativity. OAC offers workshops appropriate for beginning to professional artists. OAC’s workshop offerings can be found on our workshop page here. See our workshop etiquette page for special details about workshops, workshop accommodations, and more.
To provide convenience and accessibility, OAC offers both in-person and online art classes and workshops.
Refund Policy
Classes:
OAC class registration is a first-come, first-served basis. Payment for all classes is due in full at the time of enrollment. OAC operates on limited class sizes to ensure a quality learning experience for all participants. Our instructors depend on the tuition of each student to commit to running the class. When you sign up, you are reserving a place in a class that others cannot sign up for. Please ensure that you will be able to attend when you sign up. By implementing a strict cancellation policy, we aim to maintain fairness and accommodate committed students.
There are no refunds or transfers for no-shows or for withdrawals after a class begins.
Prior to 10 business days before a class begins:
If a student cancels more than 10 business days prior to the start date of a class, Oregon Art Center will refund the tuition paid, less a $10 processing fee for drop-in classes or $30 processing fee for a series class. For drop-in classes, the student should first check with the instructor to determine whether other dates in the class are available. Note: Drop-in classes are not available for refund after the first date of the course, regardless of the date of your registration.
0–10 days before a class begins:
Oregon Art Center does not accept cancellations within 10 business days prior to a class, and registrations are non-transferable.
Workshops:
OAC workshop registration is a first-come, first-served basis. Registration must be paid in full to participate. In the event a workshop or class is oversold, registrations received beyond the maximum number will be refunded in full.
EFFECTIVE for workshops starting after September 1, 2024 – Please scroll down.
CURRENTLY, for workshops through August 2024, the policy is as follows:
There are no refunds for no-shows or for withdrawals after a workshop begins.
Prior to 60 business days before a workshop begins:
Oregon Art Center will refund tuition in full minus a $30 administration fee for cancellations made greater than 60 business days before the workshop start date.
0–60 business days before a workshop begins:
No refunds can be made for cancellations within 60 business days prior to the start of a workshop or once a workshop begins.
5+ business days before a workshop begins:
If you are unable to attend, you may find your own replacement. Your replacement pays you back for your registration fee. New contact information must be given to the OAC office outside of 5 business days. There is a $30 processing fee.
If a workshop is canceled by OAC, students have the option of refunded tuition, keeping their registration fees on account to apply to a future workshop or class, or designating their registration fee as a tax-deductible donation to OAC.
Oregon Art Center is not responsible for any expenses incurred as a result of canceled workshops.
EFFECTIVE for workshops starting after September 1, 2024
There are no refunds for no-shows or for withdrawals after a workshop begins.
If a participant wishes to cancel their registration, for any reason, the following applies. In every case, a $100 processing fee will be assessed:
For workshops of instructors who reside in Oregon or Washington, participants may cancel within 45 days of the first day of the workshop.
For workshops of instructors from outside of Oregon or Washington, participants may cancel within 60 days of the first day of the workshop.
There will be NO REFUNDS for participant cancellations within 45 or 60 days, respectively, before the start date of a workshop, unless the canceling participant’s space is taken by someone else (such as someone on a waiting list).
If there is no waitlist and the participant is able to find their own replacement, they may be able to transfer their registration. The new person will pay the participant directly, but OAC will still assess a $100 fee to update the roster and communication.
If a workshop is canceled by OAC, students have the option of refunded tuition, keeping their registration fees on account to apply to a future workshop or class, or designating their registration fee as a tax-deductible donation to OAC.
Oregon Art Center is not responsible for any expenses incurred as a result of canceled workshops.
Online Classes/Workshops
For online classes, the instructor will send all students a Zoom link 1–3 days prior to the start of the class. For online workshops, OAC will send students a Zoom link 1–3 days prior to the start of the workshop. If you have not received a link within that time frame, please reach out to the OAC office for assistance.
Online classes and workshops may or may not be recorded depending on the instructor’s preference. Find recording details on the course description page or reach out to the OAC office.
Make sure your Zoom account is updated before logging on. Call the OAC office for assistance at 503-228-0706 during 9:00am–4:30pm, Monday–Friday.
Supply Lists
Once enrolled, check the supply list at the bottom of the class or workshop page. Contact the instructor or OAC office with questions.
Class Make-Up Policy
OAC does not offer refunds or transfers for missed classes. Instructors are not obligated to offer make-up dates.
OAC Membership
OAC Membership provides benefits including reduced tuition, discounted exhibition entry fees, early workshop registration, BrushMarks Newsletter, and more. Membership is fully tax deductible.
The Gallery at OAC
The Gallery is an exhibition space onsite at OAC and online at osagallery.org. The Gallery features monthly exhibitions and is free and open to the public.
Donations
Oregon Art Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to visual arts education. Donations to OAC are fully tax deductible.
All donations received by Oregon Art Center are used to advance our mission.
OAC Class Scholarships
Oregon Art Center offers scholarships for youth and adult art classes. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the OAC Board Membership Committee.
Parking/Transportation
OAC has a free parking lot for students and visitors. Trimet bus lines 51 and 63 stop nearby, and additional lines are within walking distance.
Workshop Etiquette Policies
Please follow staff parking directions provided by OAC staff. Be courteous to all members of the OAC community.
Inclement Weather Policy
Oregon Art Center follows Portland Public Schools for weather closures. OAC staff will notify students regarding refunds or make-up dates.
American Easel Panels
OAC is proud to offer American Easel panels at a discounted price.
OAC’s Garden
OAC’s garden is maintained by volunteers and available for student use. To volunteer, contact the OAC office at 503-228-0706.