North Pole Studio supports careers in the arts, and exists to increase opportunities for artists with autism and intellectual / developmental disabilities to thrive as active members of the arts community. We foster self-determination and facilitate meaningful connections through total engagement in the arts.

Who We Are

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides supported art studio space and accessible, individualized educational and professional arts programming for artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD); we serve individuals who are 16 years old and above.

Named by our founding artist, Davis Wohlford, North Pole Studio exists to provide creative space where neurodivergent artists can connect and seriously pursue their art. In the studio, artists access the space, materials and support to create, exhibit and sell their work. It is a place where self-determination is supported, creative risk-taking is encouraged, and diverse experiences are valued and respected.

We are located in NW Marine Art Works, Portland’s largest professional artist studio collective. In this space, North Pole Studio artists are engaged members of the arts community, and are supported with pursuing opportunities aligned with their goals and dreams.

Main Studio Program

The Main Studio Program is an accessible, professional studio program where artists have access to the materials and support to create, exhibit and sell their work. Artists receive individualized support to cultivate a self-directed creative practice, develop a portfolio of exhibition-ready work, and pursue professional opportunities in the arts. This program is open to artists who are 18 and older.

To learn more, please email Mary Ellen Andersen Co-Founder and Director of Studio Programs.

Our Programs

2024 HOURS:
Monday: 10am - 1pm
Tuesday, Wednesday: 10am - 3pm
Thursday: 12pm - 5pm
Friday: 10am - 3pm
STUDIO MEMBERSHIPS:
up to 6 studio hours p/week: $100/month
up to 8 studio hours p/week: $150/month
up to 12 studio hours p/week: $200/month
*financial assistance available, please note when you apply.

apply here

Exhibiting Artist Program

Exhibiting Artists are represented by the North Pole Studio, but do not work in the studio space at NW Marine Works. Each artist has an individual profile on the website, and the North Pole supports the Artist’s career by promoting and facilitating the sale of their work. There is no membership fee, and a percentage of every art sale goes back into the Studio to support this programming.

This program is available to local and out-of-state Artists. Learn More.

* This is a free program

apply here

We serve artists who are 16 years and older through online, in-studio, and community-based programming that is focused in three areas:

Our Programming

Access to Opportunities

Studio space
Materials & Tools
Direct Support
Professional Development

Community Engagement

Artist Community
Professional Mentorships
Community Partnerships
Outreach & Education

Artist Representation

Informed Decision-Making
Digital Portfolio
Exhibitions
Marketing & Sales

Art Classes and Workshops

Our weekly art classes are available to both emerging and experienced artists who are 16 years old and above (no previous art-making experience is required). Classes are currently held on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, and rotate on a quarterly basis. Classes are designed to cover a wide variety of visual art-making materials and methods, giving artists the chance to expand their creative practice by experimenting with different techniques.

Many classes are taught in collaboration with Portland-based community artists, who lead workshops in their area of expertise including weaving, clay, printmaking, book-making, landscape painting, figure drawing, sculpture, mobile-making, paper-making, mask-making, mosaic… and more!

The spring term is in session, and summer classes begin June 26th!

email us to learn more!