A space for creative community
Join us in building our dream community center
The Open Arts Center is a nonprofit creative arts center that will provide free and accessible after school programming, self-directed learning, and community-sourced mentorship for Central Oregon’s teens, between the ages of 12-18. We’re also dedicating half of our center to adult working artists and creative community members who will have the opportunity to rent studio space, become a member, offer workshops or just drop in for a day of making.
Are you an adult artist interested in renting a studio? Please fill out our application below
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide a community-driven space for teens and adults to foster creativity, intergenerational learning, and belonging.
Our vision is to be Bend's new home for creative community.
Our Values
Compassion & Respect Collaboration Inclusivity Empowerment Exploration
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Compassion & Respect: We believe in treating everyone with kindness and understanding, honoring our diverse experiences and needs.
Collaboration: We believe that meaningful connections with people and organizations create opportunities for growth, learning, and inspiration, and that by uplifting one another and sharing resources, we can achieve shared community goals.
Inclusivity: We believe everyone deserves a safe and welcoming space to express their creativity freely.
Empowerment: We believe in giving our community the tools and voice to shape our programs and to cultivate confidence in their own creative journeys.
Exploration: We believe in nurturing curiosity by providing the resources and support to help you discover and develop your own creative identity.
Our Offerings & Events
For Teens
When teens have the opportunity to follow their own inner curiosity and intuitive desire, they will have more passion and excitement for learning, creating and cultivating community.
The OAC will provide space for self-directed learning, classes, workshops and community-sourced mentorship & apprenticeship opportunities
For Adults
We’re dedicating half of our center to adult working artists and creative community members — those who need space not only to make art, but to exchange ideas, ignite collaboration, and build lasting impact.
Adults will have the opportunity to rent studio space, become a member, offer workshops or just drop in for a day of making.
Adult Artists will be encouraged to volunteer in the space, mentoring or offering workshops.
Multigenerational relationships will build bridges and offer youth opportunities to learn new techniques and skills while building confidence and self awareness.
OAC Events
Open Art Tuesdays at The Open Arts Center
COME AND JOIN US!
Ages 18+| FREE
Every Tuesday night, join us for Open Art Night from 6pm-9pm. Bring your art supplies and make art with your new creative community!
No registration required - just show up with an open mind and willingness to create and connect.
The Power of
Art & Mental Health
As of April 2022, 69 percent of public schools reported an increase in mental health concerns among their students.
- National Center for Educational Statistics
Creating art can significantly benefit teen mental health by providing a creative outlet to express emotions, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being
The Open Arts Center will hold a vital role in supporting the young people of our Central Oregon community
We cannot do this alone.
We acknowledge that this center cannot come to life without the input and engagement from our wider, diverse Central Oregon community. In order to thrive as a collective, we need to hear your voice!
What do you want to see happen at The OAC? We’d love to hear from you.
We are grateful to our community endorsers
“The Open Arts Center will provide Central Oregon with a much-needed safe space where teens can freely express themselves while nurturing their creativity, confidence and sense of belonging. As the former Chair of the Oregon Arts Commission, I have seen the power that a community arts center has to inspire growth, resilience and unity in youth. I am excited for The Open Arts Center as I believe it help to create a stronger Central Oregon community.”
- Jenny Green | Former Chair of The Oregon Arts Commission
