Are you looking for a new Oregon home that loves the arts just as much as you do? Whether you are planning on making a living through your art or just want a great space to explore your hobby, picking the right town is very important. Of course, saying "the best cities in Oregon for artists" is a lot like just saying "the best cities in Oregon," because the whole state is essentially a hand-wrapped gift to artistic people from young to old. Settle almost anywhere – except the far east portion of the state, which is both a desert and largely deserted – and you'll find yourself at home. But that doesn't make for a very good guide! So let's take a look at the top cities for the arts in Oregon.
Portland is, hands down, the best center for independent and forward-thinking artists. First, the city has been consider the art capital of America for several years now, a magnet for all indie music projects, alternative food design, small-time galleries, innovative art spaces – and of course, all the pubs and cafes you could want for writing or brainstorming. When it comes to both tools and inspiration, everything you need is easily within reach in Portland.
Second, the culture of Portland is very friendly to artistic projects. It's easy to make friends with other artists to exchange ideas, and Portlanders support an unending stream of events and festivals where showing or selling your art is a breeze. There's always a café looking for more art to rent for its walls, or a famous author signing books at Powell's, or a photography training session at the Rose Garden. One thread through all these elements is the Portland spirit of independence: Joining a big company (sorry, Nike) or working for a large gallery is often seen as selling out rather than succeeding.
While it's difficult to sum up the Portland art scene, if you want to enjoy the arts here then make sure to mark events like the Portland International Film Festival and the latest Portland Art Museum events on your calendar. However, for a true Portland experience, you can get your fill of art by just heading down to the Pearl district or checking out the many smaller, more unique events around town, from art breakfasts and bazaars to jazz festivals, art classes, and more. Many of these are held at central locations like the Rose Garden, so getting there is rarely a problem.
In several ways the high desert city of Bend is much like Portland: Independence is highly valued, beer is revered, small businesses abound, and people care about the land around them. So let's talk about a few ways that Bend is different from Portland, but still one of the best cities in Oregon for artists.
Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, canyons, desert forests of pine, hidden mountain lakes, and long stretches of volcanic rock, Bend is incredibly beautiful. The city is home to more than its share of photographers already, and nature provides unending opportunities to celebrate it. Like Portland's aesthetic, but not a fan of the people or the traffic? Bend is only around a fifth of the size of Portland at the moment. There are no long waits in traffic, and with the exception of the most popular pubs, you don't have to deal with the crowds. For even more isolation, the surrounding towns like Sisters and Sunriver specialize in giving people out-of-the-way places to stay.
The art scene in Bend has been growing rapidly over the past few years. Wandering downtown will allow you to freely explore a number of local art galleries (and restaurants – sometimes it's hard to tell them apart!), while downtown Drake Park is a favorite location for summer music and art festivals held every year. Bend's own First Friday Art Walk, featuring local artists exhibiting their talents – and offering free alcohol – every month, is an amazing way to connect with the art scene. From snow sculptures at Winterfest to salvaged iron welding art for sale at cafes, Bend has something for every art lover.
Eugene is, in many ways, more of a traditional city than Portland or Bend. Why then did we include it on our list? Well, in addition to a variety of housing options that may not be available in the other locations due to real estate trends, Eugene has another very important asset: The University of Oregon. While you may see the U of O in the papers for its science projects, it also has a lot of great art department opportunities, as well as ways to continue your higher education with a master's degree in a number of artistic fields. The presence of the college also encourages a more avant garde, explorative spirit in the city that wouldn't otherwise be there.
To enjoy the thriving music scene in Eugene, head to one of the dozens of bars and pubs that provide live music – or for something more highbrow, check out the schedule for the Hult Center for the Performing Arts or the McDonald Theater, which regularly entertain world-class acts. Like other Oregon cities, Eugene has a thriving summer art festival scene via its Summer in the City line-up, as well as First Friday Art Walks. Hop online and join Eugene A Go-Go, an online art community, to find out lots more as well!
Corvallis shows up on our list for two important reasons (in addition to being a growing Oregon city with plenty of real estate opportunity). First is Oregon State, the other big university that has an even greater focus on arts and art events, even if you aren't currently a student. The second reason is the community Arts Center, which puts on both plentiful classes and exhibits, making it ideal for showcasing your work and growing ever more professional.
We could have picked a lot Oregon cities for our fifth option. Ashland is green, artsy, and popular for its Shakespeare festival. Lincoln City looks like it stepped out of a guide for seaside writer homes. But in the end, Silverton has a special sort of isolation and beauty that makes it ideal for those artists who just want to get away from the world and focus on their work – while still being appreciated, of course. The town is right next the largest state park in Oregon, includes a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and a street mural by Norman Rockwell, and celebrates local, historical artist Home Davenport every year. This is a place that values artists but still knows how to leave them alone.
If you want to enjoy arts in the long term in Silverton, be sure to check out the Silverton Art Association and the Lunaria Gallery, both progressive organizations investing in enjoying many types of art and art theories.
