When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Hipbone Art Studio
Why Hipbone Art Studio is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hipbone Art Studio, located at 1847 E. Burnside in Portland, Oregon, has been a cornerstone of the local art community for over 35 years, offering a welcoming environment for artists of all skill levels to engage in figurative art. Founded by Jeff Burke, who uniquely combined his experience as a model and his knowledge of human anatomy, Hipbone pioneered uninstructed life drawing sessions that emphasize the model as a sensitive, expressive individual rather than just an object. This approach encourages artists to tap into deeper states of creativity and expression. Today, the studio continues as a community-run space known as Hipbone Art Studio, offering weekly drop-in sessions, figure drawing, painting, and sculpting classes. The studio also hosts concerts and exhibitions, enriching the local cultural scene. It provides a simple, clean, and inclusive setting promoting creativity and artistic growth. Models are respected partners in the creative process, and the studio maintains a strict policy against any untoward behavior, ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere for both artists and models. Additionally, Hipbone offers unique perks such as a free giclée printmaking station and access to an on-site art gallery, making it an inspiring and resourceful gathering place for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Here's what people think of Hipbone Art Studio
As of recent, Hipbone Art Studio holds a 4.6-star rating based on 50 reviews.
User reviews of Hipbone Art Studio consistently reflect high satisfaction with the inclusive and supportive environment it provides. Many reviewers praise the studio's unique approach to life drawing sessions, highlighting how the uninstructed format encourages artistic freedom and personal growth. Positive comments often mention the respectful treatment of models and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for artists of all levels to feel comfortable and inspired. The variety of classes and community events, including concerts and exhibitions, also receives commendations as enriching and accessible. On the negative side, some reviews point out challenges such as limited parking and occasional crowded sessions, which can impact the ease of attendance. A few reviewers also noted that the uninstructed sessions might not suit those looking for formal guidance or structured teaching. Overall, the reviews solidify Hipbone Art Studio's reputation as a nurturing and vital space for Portland's art community, praised for its ethos of respect, creativity, and communal support, making it a highly recommended destination for anyone interested in figurative art.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Riley Waite
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This life drawing studio is an absolute gem! The space is welcoming, well-lit, and perfect for artists of all levels. The models are fantastic, offering dynamic and inspiring poses, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet focused. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, it’s a great place to practice and connect with other creatives. No pressure, just pure enjoyment of the process. Highly recommend dropping in!
JC Burleson
A great place for those seeking to become a better artist through figure drawing. Always good models and a respectful atmosphere. Many options from long to short pose and portrait. I'm sure there is more that I have not tried yet.
Asifur Rahman
I recently attended two life drawing sessions at this place and had a wonderful experience. The studio is well-sized, with easels, drawing boards, and some materials provided, plus great lighting and soothing music. Rodrigo, the friendly owner, made me feel at home, and the models were excellent, offering inspiring poses. Each session included about 15 artists of all skill levels, and the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming and supportive. It’s a great place to grow as an artist and connect with a creative community.
Danielle Davis
Reasonable price for a life drawing class. Good location and chill vibe
Mark Moore
Hipbone is a great place for figure drawing. The room is a good size and there is a variety of options: drawing horses, chairs at tables, easels and so forth. The models are fantastic and are all very professional. There are a variety of artistic styles and skills represented among the various artists who attend and this includes the community being very accepting and welcoming of beginners. The parking is easy. And the final great thing is the whole process runs on time. The doors open on time and 10 minute breaks are 10 minutes long.
How to reach Hipbone Art Studio
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Website: None
Why rally at Hipbone Art Studio with your friends?
Hipbone Art Studio stands out as an exceptional place to gather with friends because it offers a unique creative experience that fosters connection, learning, and fun in a welcoming environment. Unlike typical social venues, it blends artistic expression with communal participation, encouraging everyone—regardless of skill level—to engage in figure drawing sessions and artistic workshops. This shared creative endeavor not only sparks conversation but also inspires collaboration, making your meetup more memorable and meaningful. The atmosphere at Hipbone Art Studio is relaxed and inclusive, attracting a diverse group of artists and art enthusiasts who appreciate the joy of creating art together. Whether you’re newcomers or seasoned participants, experiencing live model drawing or craft nights stimulates creativity and provides a refreshing break from usual social activities. Moreover, the studio’s flexible “drop-in” policy means your group can come at your convenience without prior sign-up, ideal for casual get-togethers or planned events. All these elements create a rich social and artistic community setting, making Hipbone Art Studio a fantastic choice to rally with friends for both a cultural and enjoyable outing.
What activities can you do at Hipbone Art Studio?
Hipbone Art Studio primarily offers life drawing sessions, where participants draw from a live nude model in timed poses. These sessions are crafted to accommodate all experience levels, from absolute beginners to professional artists. Each session spans three hours, beginning with short quick poses (1.5 to 15 minutes) to warm up your observational skills and gradually building to longer 30-minute poses that allow for more detailed work. Besides figure drawing, the studio also hosts portrait sessions and offers long pose opportunities multiple times a month, allowing groups to explore different facets of figurative art. In addition to these regular sessions, Hipbone organizes craft nights like collage workshops which provide a more casual, social creative outlet well-suited for groups wanting a hands-on, collaborative art experience outside the traditional drawing format. Beyond sessions, Hipbone offers painting and illustration classes, including specialized workshops on mixing palettes and monotype printmaking that appeal to those looking to expand their technique in a group learning environment. This variety ensures your meetup can be tailored to your group's artistic interests and comfort level, whether you prefer structured guidance or freeform creativity.
Why is Hipbone Art Studio the perfect spot for a group meetup?
Hipbone Art Studio combines an inviting community vibe with ample resources that make it highly conducive for group activities. The studio is well-equipped with plenty of drawing boards, easels, tables, chairs, and even some shared art supplies, meaning your group won’t be scrambling to bring or find materials. Its location in Portland’s Kerns Neighborhood is accessible with free parking, so gathering your friends is convenient. The drop-in format—meaning no advance sign-up required—removes barriers to attendance and helps spontaneous groups form easily. The studio’s focus on inclusivity and non-judgmental artistic exploration creates a safe space that welcomes artists and novices alike, facilitating ease of interaction among group members. Whether your meetup is a casual afternoon activity or part of an organized birthday or celebration, the social dynamic of working together on art while encouraging each other’s creativity builds camaraderie. Also, sessions typically run for three hours, offering ample time for relaxed socializing alongside artistic practice. The option to tip live models adds an element of appreciation and respect, further deepening your group's connection to the art community. This combination makes Hipbone Art Studio both a stimulating and sociable destination for friends and family outings.
What makes the live figure drawing sessions special?
Live figure drawing at Hipbone Art Studio offers a refreshing and authentic artistic experience rarely found in casual social settings. The presence of a live nude model is central because it challenges participants to observe and capture the human form dynamically, enhancing artistic skills like proportion, shading, and anatomy. These sessions are structured, starting with short poses that demand quick observation and spontaneous interpretation, perfect for warming up the creative mind and easing into the process. Longer poses later in the session provide time for more thoughtful and intricate work, suitable for deeper artistic exploration. The uninstructed format encourages freedom of expression without pressure, allowing attendees to perform at their own pace and explore their style while still benefiting from an inspiring live subject. This format also promotes a respectful and attentive environment, fostering a unique blend of discipline and creativity. For friends, experiencing this together can be both a challenge and a bonding activity that encourages supportive feedback and mutual artistic growth.
How diverse are the workshops and classes for groups at Hipbone Art Studio?
Hipbone Art Studio offers a broad spectrum of creative workshops and classes that cater to a variety of artistic interests suitable for group participation. Besides their staple figure drawing sessions, the studio features workshops like collage craft nights, which are relaxed, fun, and perfect for groups looking for a more hands-on and collective creative outlet. These evenings are often led by expert artists and invite participants to explore new techniques and materials in a shared learning experience. Additionally, the studio provides specialized classes in painting and illustration, including practical workshops such as paint palette mixing and monotype printmaking. These classes not only expand skills but also encourage artistic experimentation in a social setting, perfect for groups wanting to deepen their art knowledge together. Summer classes and camps further diversify their offerings, sometimes geared towards teens and tweens, making Hipbone Art Studio an inclusive venue for multi-generational family gatherings. This variety ensures that your group can find an activity that matches your artistic curiosity and desired level of participation, from casual crafting nights to intensive study sessions.
What logistical features make Hipbone Art Studio convenient for groups?
Hipbone Art Studio streamlines group visits through several logistical advantages that enhance comfort and accessibility. Located in a central area of Portland, the studio offers free parking, easing what can often be a challenge for group outings. The studio is open multiple days a week with flexible drop-in art sessions, so you can plan a meeting according to your group’s schedule without the need for advance registration or complicated booking. Payment options are varied, including cash, check, Venmo, and cards, simplifying transactions for groups who might have different preferences. The studio is spacious enough to accommodate multiple participants with plenty of tools like drawing boards, easels, tables, and chairs available, so everyone in your group has what they need to participate comfortably. Though supplies are generally not provided, Hipbone does keep some basic materials on hand for emergencies, alleviating concerns about forgetting essentials. The welcoming community spirit further ensures that new groups feel at home quickly, promoting an easy and stress-free social and creative experience.
How does Hipbone Art Studio foster a welcoming community atmosphere?
Hipbone Art Studio has cultivated a long-lasting reputation as a hospitable and supportive home for artists, serving Portland’s figurative art community for over 35 years. Its ethos centers on inclusivity, encouraging people of all skill levels—be it novices or seasoned artists—to participate without judgment or pressure. The open drop-in sessions invite spontaneity and accessibility, helping newcomers and regulars alike feel comfortable entering an established creative circle. The studio’s regular schedule of different session types encourages a dynamic mix of attendees, facilitating socialization and peer learning. By highlighting appreciation for live models and encouraging tipping, the studio nurtures respect for the artistic process and the people involved. Furthermore, the frequent craft nights and workshops enhance social bonds by providing interactive experiences where people engage more openly. This sense of belonging and mutual respect makes Hipbone Art Studio not just a place to create art, but a vibrant community hub where friendships flourish and creativity thrives collectively.
What are the benefits of hosting a family or friends meetup at Hipbone Art Studio?
Hosting a meetup at Hipbone Art Studio offers distinct advantages over typical social venues. It supports creative expression, which can enhance mental well-being and foster deeper interpersonal connections through shared experiences. Your group can enjoy a novel outing that combines education, art, and socializing—in one interactive session—with ample time to talk, laugh, and encourage each other’s artistic skills. Hipbone's setting inspires curiosity and discovery, breaking the monotony of dinner or movie meetups. The studio's flexible drop-in format suits casual gatherings and provides a welcoming environment for groups of any size, including families with teens interested in art. Moreover, participating in creative activities together often strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories tied to a unique cultural experience. Accessibility, affordability, and the nurturing atmosphere make Hipbone Art Studio a smart and enriching choice for bringing friends or family together in Portland.
This comprehensive look at Hipbone Art Studio highlights its appeal as a versatile and community-centered creative hub ideal for group meetups. By combining diverse artistic activities with a casual, supportive environment, it offers a compelling alternative to conventional social venues for fostering meaningful connections through art.