Church of Art

A sanctuary for art-making.

studio + art workshops

Come as you are.
Make SOME ART.
Feel CONNECTED.

Located in NW Portland’s Slabtown neighborhood, Church of Art is an art-centered approach to community building.

We offer low-pressure art workshops and studio time for adults who want to play with art supplies alongside other adults–in person–with snacks!

Whether re-claiming your childhood creativity, a professional artist, or something in between: come as you are, make some art, and walk away with that sweet feeling of personal connection.

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   T N 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My friends and I went for an evening to play around freely with art supplies. It was a lovely evening and we had a lot of fun. The group was warm and welcoming and there were plenty of fun art supplies to play with. My friends discovered the joys of Mod Podge. We highly recommend visiting!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   J Glasser 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There is every kind of art material you can imagine at church of art. The staff is welcoming amd altogether it is a great environment! I encourage everybody of any skill level to go experience this place.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Colette Smith 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I reached out to organize a team building event, and we had a blast. The space is beautiful, Erika led our group through a complex craft with confidence, and we made some really cool stuff and had fun doing it. Highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Katie Mangle 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just took a workshop at church of art and found the instruction, the vibe, and the environment all to be both very welcoming and also serious about art, in all the best ways. I’m looking forward to to going back many times!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Courtney Cohn 
 21 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great team building experience!  Relaxing and fun.  Highly recommend for a creative team building event.  And you get to keep your art!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Carlisle 
 52 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Church of Art is simply the best! Erika is an expert in so many techniques and the best all around teacher. Her "there are no mistakes" attitude to exploration and creativity make everything so accessible and confidence building. Cannot recommend a class here enough.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Bridgette Iden 
 105 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the linocut class I attended! The studio is comfortable and inviting. I will definitely be signing up for more classes next time I’m in Portland!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Lavoie 
 109 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the printing class I took here! Such a welcoming environment and fun to meet new people. Definitely will be back!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jane Corry 
 116 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took the Neurographics class with a friend. I’d been creatively blocked for a couple months. The class was a delight! From the icebreaker to the unanimous agreement at the end. The instructors were knowledgeable and helpful. The other participants interesting. We were all playing together like children. The next day I had the energy to start a new project I’m still working on. I’m so grateful.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Olsson 
 116 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Relaxing & no pressure art space helped me get back to drawing after 30 years. What a wonderful community of people that want to play with all the mediums provided
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

All Art Fellowship Hours Workshops + Events

Oct 24

Sat

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Mentorship Series: Drawing (4-part series, Fall 2026)

Workshops + Events

Make a commitment to yourself and your drawing practice through Church of Art’s 4-part drawing Mentorship Series. This series provides regular blocks of studio time for you to draw and get constructive feedback on the work you create both in the studio and on your own. This Drawing Mentorship provides: Drawing exercises targeted to your […] ...

Oct 28

Wed

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Intro to Drawing: Atmospheric Perspective + line quality (individual class)

Workshops + Events

Atmospheric perspective is a fundamental element of any landscape or urban art and line quality lends itself to indicating atmospheric perspective as well as creating drawings that are unique to you! Artist and Church of Art founder, Erika Halperin, will start the workshop by leading the group through a discussion of selected artworks with a […] ...

Oct 29

Thu

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

October Art Fellowship Hours

Art Fellowship Hours

2-hour blocks of unstructured studio time for you to paint, draw, collage, enjoy our collection of art books with a cup of hot tea or coffee (provided), or just hang out and chat in a warm, inviting space! Great for friend dates, romantic dates, and even the all-important YOU time! Church of Art is that […] ...

Oct 31

Sat

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sketchbook de los Muertos!

Workshops + Events

Our Sketchbook Revivals are relaxing, engaging sessions of drawing and painting in your own sketchbook, often with a theme, and the theme for this one is Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”)! Dia de los Muertos is a colorful celebration throughout Mexico to honor the lives of loved ones–people and pets–who have passed. […] ...

Nov 1

Sun

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

GIANT Collaborative Neurographics

Workshops + Events

Church of Art’s collaborative neurographics is a mindfulness-based creative activity providing therapeutic mental relaxation through intuitive mark-making on a grand scale. For this mindfulness-based collaborative art activity, we will cover a long row of tables with a roll of paper along with acrylic paint pens in a variety of sizes and colors. Participants will move […] ...

Nov 4

Wed

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Intro to Drawing: Composition + artistic license (individual class)

Workshops + Events

Why does one artist’s drawing of a vase look mesmerizing while another’s artist’s drawing of the same thing looks, well, boring? Composition has a lot to do with it, as does the idea of taking artistic license. In this class, we’ll learn about how to use both composition and artistic license to find your own […] ...

Nov 5

Thu

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

November Art Fellowship Hours

Art Fellowship Hours

Nov 14

Sat

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

1st Anniversary Open House!

Workshops + Events

While Church of Art began as a series of art workshops in Erika’s home, its true start was when the current Slabtown studio opened in November 2025, one year ago! To celebrate, Church of Art will open its doors to drop-in visitors on Saturday November 14th and from 11am to 4pm. If you’ve been curious […] ...

Nov 18

Wed

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Beginner Drawing (4-part series)

Workshops + Events

This series is intended for anyone new to drawing or who wants to strengthen their drawing skills. In this 4-part beginner drawing series, we’ll cover drawing building blocks relevant to both illustration and realistic representation. Artist and Church of Art founder, Erika Halperin, will start each week’s session by guiding the group through a discussion […] ...

Nov 19

Thu

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

November Art Fellowship Hours

Art Fellowship Hours

Nov 24

Tue

10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Revelation of the Divine Pigments (Nov 2026)

Workshops + Events

Back by popular demand! Have you wondered what the difference is between gouache and watercolor or how to use pastels or why so many artists are obsessed with Neocolors? Do you want to uncover the ways of the Woodies, learn how to use acrylic inks in multi-media pieces, or discover the magic of a stick […] ...

Dec 3

Thu

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

December Art Fellowship Hours

Art Fellowship Hours

Dec 13

Sun

10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Watercolor Reverence: Introductory techniques & exploration

Workshops + Events

Church of Art is here to de-mystify watercolors for beginners! Whether you’ve tried painting with watercolors and given up or want to try watercolors but don’t know where to start, this workshop will give you the confidence you need to continue on your own. Artist and Church of Art founder, Erika Halperin, will first teach […] ...

Dec 17

Thu

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

December Art Fellowship Hours

Art Fellowship Hours

Dec 20

Sun

10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Rite of Reflection: Drawing with Charcoal

Workshops + Events

Drawing with charcoal is both fun and messy! Add the curves and reflections of metal pitchers and glass vases filled with water and you’ve got an artistically curious person’s dream! Join us for a few hours of creative play as artist and Church of Art founder, Erika Halperin, instructs the group on charcoal drawing techniques […] ...

Uh oh, looks like we cut up that page to use in a collage! Hopefully our upcoming workshops calendar will be helpful to you: Upcoming Workshops

GIFT CARDS

Everyone knows that experiences make the best gifts! Buy a physical gift card (we’ll mail it to you or your recipient) or opt for a digital emailed version. Unused amounts will be rolled over to a future purchase.

Private Parties

Anniversaries, birthdays, family gatherings, wedding showers, you name it: Whether 4 people or 40, Church of Art provides a memorable, fun experience even for those who claim to have zero art skills!

Purchase Gift Card

More Information

1. Book your spot

Use the calendar above to book your date, time and activity.

Choose from a variety of workshops or book time for unstructured creative play (called “Art Fellowship Hours”)

2. Arrive & settle in

Erika, Church of Art’s founder, will welcome you with coffee or tea and a snack. Hang up your coat, slap on a nametag, look through the art supplies and take in the cheerful, inviting studio space!

3. Play!

Workshop: Erika will guide the group in the workshop activity and all supplies will be provided (unless noted in the workshop description).

Art Fellowship Hours: If needed, Erika will suggest activities based on your skills and interests, and she’ll help you get set up and started!

4. Smile at the world

By the end of the session, you will feel more relaxed, connected, and calm than you’ve felt in ages!

Plus you get to take home something you made with your very own hands AND you might even make a new friend or two!