When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Art World School After School Program
Why Art World School After School Program is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Art World School After School Program offers an enriching environment where students can develop their artistic skills in a positive and nurturing atmosphere. Located in Portland, near the Bethany area, the school provides small class sizes and personalized lesson plans tailored to each individual student's level, interests, and age. Their curriculum covers a wide range of artistic disciplines including drawing, painting, clay and pottery, digital art using Procreate, animation, calligraphy, arts and crafts, and even STEM-related classes. Classes are designed to promote mindfulness, creativity, and well-rounded growth while fostering strong foundational skills across different mediums. Every student receives individual attention with daily projects, personalized feedback, and progress tracking to nurture their talents and build impressive portfolios. The program features flexible scheduling with transportation service from nearby elementary schools like Findley, Bonny Slope, and Cedar Mill among others. Additionally, students enjoy opportunities to showcase their work at prestigious venues such as the Portland Art Museum and participate in multiple state and national competitions. This combination of structured skill-building, creative freedom, and community engagement makes Art World School an excellent place to meet up with friends and explore the arts after school.
Here's what people think of Art World School After School Program
As of recent, Art World School After School Program holds a 5-star rating based on 118 reviews.
Reviews for Art World School After School Program reflect a strong overall satisfaction among students and parents, contributing to its impressive 5.0 rating from 118 reviews. Positive comments frequently highlight the dedication and professionalism of the teaching staff, many of whom are practicing artists with formal art degrees. Reviewers appreciate the small class sizes, individualized instruction, and the school's commitment to cultivating each student's creativity and confidence. Many parents note the diverse class offerings, including digital arts and animation, as well as the program’s flexibility with schedules and transportation, which makes it convenient for families. The opportunity for students to participate in competitions and exhibit their art publicly also receives praise as motivational and enriching. On the other hand, any critical feedback tends to focus on minor logistical issues such as availability or scheduling constraints due to class popularity, although these are not prevalent. Overall, the reviews convey a highly positive community experience centered on quality art education, personalized growth, and safe, engaging after-school activities. This strong consensus underlines Art World School's reputation as a supportive and inspiring place for youth to develop their artistic talents and socialize with peers sharing similar passions.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Celina Walkowicz
Art World School has been an amazing experience for our family. The instructors are thoughtful, caring, and really help the students achieve. My daughter has been with Art World for going on three years now. Her skill and love for art has grown immensely during that time. She loves the extra STEM classes and Yoga during the week. Everyday she is at Art World it’s the focus of her conversation. Director Yan has gone above and beyond to help accommodate our difficult and fluctuating schedules. I do shift work (24 hour work place and my schedule can change pretty dramatically on short notice), and I was so worried about finding childcare that had the hours we needed. But the extended drop off, and Saturday Camps have made that a breeze. There is a yearly art show at the Portland Art Museum, and several art contests (national, and local) the kids participate in. My daughter has participated in three now. It has truly impacted understand of dedication and commitment. It can be seen her submissions, and she placed 3rd in age group for Oregon on the most recent national contest. It’s incredible to see her progress, and continued dedication to competition pieces. We look forward to another summer and school year with Art World.
Hannah Love
Such a great camp! We originally ended up here even though we don't live in the neighborhood because it's one of the few that takes preschool-age kids - but I'm so glad we found it. My 5yo thoroughly enjoyed every day of his spring break camp, looked forward to returning, had good things to say about his teachers, and not only did art but learned about art techniques in age-appropriate ways. The class offerings look fantastic, and I wish we lived closer so we could explore that side of Art World School at well.
Aaron Franco
Can't speak highly enough of the director and her staff. Our son has attended both summer camp and after school camp, and has loved it. Summer is fun because it's a full day camp with meaningful choices for students to make—art or yoga, indoor or outdoor play time. During the school year, we really appreciate that Art World School picks up our son from his school. And I haven't even mentioned the amazing art he brings home, from sculptures to paintings to drawings! He is receiving stellar instruction from talented artists and teachers who help him look at the world in a new way and embrace his creativity. Highly recommend!
J A
Our daughter has been going to Art World School for the past 2.5 years. She brings home extremely beautiful art pieces. She finds the art challenging and loves going here. Her creativity has developed well due to this exposure and can be seen in her own works of art/ illustrations at home. They offer a fine art program as well that we plan to enroll for as well. Highly recommend this school. Its well managed and Mimi is very responsive to all questions n emails. Thank you.
Nicole K. Andeen
Wonderful afterschool programming, no-school camps, and summer camps! Our boys love sports and we don't do much art at home, so this has been a great way to broaden their interests. Lots of options for drawing, painting, clay, and other media. I appreciate that it helps our kids think and act creatively, while also learning fundamental art concepts & practices. Director Mimi and all the instructors have been extremely caring and go the extra mile for the students and families.
How to reach Art World School After School Program
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Why rally at Art World School After School Program with your friends?
Gathering with friends at the Art World School After School Program is an ideal choice for anyone looking to blend creative expression with meaningful social connection. Unlike typical hangouts, this program offers a vibrant, immersive environment that encourages artistic exploration and personal growth within a community setting. Whether you want to bond over painting, sculpting with clay, or experimenting with 3D art, the space is designed to inspire collaboration and fun. The program’s personalized approach to teaching ensures that everyone, regardless of skill level, finds their place to shine, making it a welcoming hub for groups of friends seeking both learning and leisure.
Moreover, the program prides itself on a safe, supportive environment where friendships can deepen through shared creative projects. With professional artists as instructors, the workshop atmosphere is rich with expertise and encouragement, elevating the experience beyond casual art-making. This is not just an after-school program; it is a place where creativity meets community, perfectly tailored for social meetups that are fulfilling and engaging. Whether it's a casual get-together or a special occasion with family and friends, Art World School offers something unique — a space that cultivates connection through art, making every meetup both memorable and meaningful.
What activities does the Art World School After School Program offer for groups?
At Art World School, the range of activities available is extensive and thoughtfully designed to accommodate varying interests and skill levels, making it perfect for a group visit. The program offers classes in fine arts, including drawing, painting, and mixed media projects that allow your group to experiment with different artistic techniques. Clay modeling is another favorite, where friends can collaboratively build sculptures or create individual masterpieces while sharing tips and inspiration. For those interested in more specialized crafts, there’s calligraphy and arts & crafts sessions that encourage detailed work and personal flair.
Additionally, the school offers 3D art classes, which are ideal for groups ready to push the boundaries of traditional art forms and explore spatial creativity together. Yoga sessions are also part of the offering, providing a calm, meditative complement to the more energetic artistic activities. The classes are always small, ensuring that each participant receives individual attention from professional artist-instructors, which boosts confidence and skill development. The program also organizes creative competitions and projects, giving groups the chance to engage in friendly contests or collaborative pieces that can be displayed at their annual art show held at the Portland Art Museum.
Why is Art World School perfect for hosting a group meetup?
Art World School’s atmosphere is uniquely suited for hosting group meetups, combining a creative, relaxed vibe with professional guidance and a strong community spirit. The school is located in a convenient, accessible part of NW Portland, with ample parking and proximity to local schools, making it easy for friends or family to gather without logistical stress. The physical space supports social interaction with open studio areas where participants can freely move between projects, share materials, and inspire one another. This layout naturally fosters dialogue and cooperative learning, which enhances the social experience.
What truly sets this program apart for group meetups is the expert instruction tailored to multiple skill levels and interests within one group. Whether your friends are beginners or advanced artists, the instructors provide personalized feedback, ensuring everyone feels challenged yet supported. The school’s documented history of student success in competitions and exhibitions adds an extra layer of motivation and pride, which groups can collectively experience and celebrate. Beyond the art, the program places a high value on community building — regular events like the annual art show give groups a platform to showcase their work, learn from peers, and share accomplishments with the broader community. These elements combine to create a memorable outing where artistic growth and friendship flourish side by side.
How does the program support learning and personal growth for children and teens?
Art World School emphasizes a balanced approach that integrates art education with academic support and personal development. Alongside its core art activities, the program offers help in foundational school subjects such as reading, writing, and math, providing a comprehensive after-school experience that supports overall child development. This academic support ensures that students can manage schoolwork effectively, giving peace of mind to parents and participants. Moreover, the personalized lesson plans adapt to each child’s level and interests, which nurtures individual strengths and inspires continual progress.
The environment is carefully structured to promote not only technical skills but also creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. With small class sizes and dedicated attention from instructors, students receive meaningful feedback tailored to their unique artistic journeys. This kind of mentorship builds confidence and encourages experimentation, which is essential for growth at any age. The school also nurtures social skills through group projects and collaborative learning, helping students develop communication and teamwork abilities in a positive setting. Ultimately, Art World School’s focus on both art and academics creates a supportive space where children and teens can thrive creatively, intellectually, and socially.
What are the highlights that make Art World School’s community stand out?
A significant highlight of joining Art World School is becoming part of a thriving, talented creative community. Students regularly participate in statewide, national, and even international art competitions, bringing recognition and pride to the school’s collective achievements. Some of these contests include prestigious events such as the Doodle for Google and various themed competitions hosted by organizations like the Oregon Humane Society and UNICEF. These opportunities provide motivation and goals for participants while fostering a sense of belonging to something larger than the classroom.
The school’s annual art show at the Portland Art Museum is another hallmark event where the community gathers to celebrate artistic achievements. This public exhibition gives students a remarkable platform to present their works to a broader audience, boosting confidence and inspiring further artistic endeavors. Media coverage in respected local outlets highlights the school’s reputation and the success of its students, reinforcing a sense of pride and accomplishment within the community. These factors, combined with the passionate and experienced teaching staff, create an inspiring environment where everyone from novices to advanced artists feels encouraged, valued, and connected.
How accessible is the Art World School After School Program for families and friends looking to attend?
Accessibility is a core strength of Art World School’s after-school program. Situated in the Remington Village complex in NW Portland and near multiple elementary schools, the location is ideal for families looking for convenient after-school options. The program provides transportation from various local schools like Findley Elementary, Bonny Slope Elementary, and Cedar Mill Elementary, among others, which alleviates logistical challenges for busy parents and guardians. This ease of access makes the program attractive for students across a broad geographic area.
In addition to location convenience, the program offers a variety of class schedules, including daytime, evening, and weekend sessions, allowing families and friends to find times that fit their personal calendars. This flexibility means that whether your meetup is planned after school or on a weekend, there are plenty of options to engage in quality art instruction. The facilities are equipped with parking and designed to be welcoming and safe, making it easy for groups to gather comfortably. The school’s commitment to clear communication and attentive service creates an inviting experience from initial registration through participation, ensuring that families feel supported throughout their artistic journey together.