Other Schools Talk About Opportunity, PNCA Creates It
The idea that art school doesn’t prepare you for a career? That’s a myth. At PNCA, we do more than nurture creativity, we equip you with the skills, experience, and connections to turn your passion into a profession. With dedicated mentorship, a focus on careers, hands-on learning, and access to cutting-edge technology, you'll graduate ready to thrive in the world of art and design.
Subin Yang’s Story
Subin Yang BFA’17 is an illustrator whose vibrant, mission-driven work has shaped campaigns for Google and Instagram. At PNCA, she honed her unique style and found mentorship that inspired her career blending art with social impact, including collaborations with Amnesty International and Chobani.
The Lifelong Value of Mentorship
At PNCA, you won’t get lost in a giant lecture hall. You’ll thrive in a close-knit, 9:1 student-to-faculty environment where mentorship is built into every program. Our faculty are artists and designers who provide personalized guidance, help grow your creative network, and connect you with industry opportunities in Portland and beyond.
Your Education Should Be Too
Our mentorship-driven environment helped illustrator Eva Wrzesinski BFA’22 turn their passion for storytelling into a powerful tool for social change. Through dedicated faculty support, Wrzesinski developed the skills and network that led to illustrating a children’s book challenging stereotypes about homelessness.
Thriving in a Creative Community
At the creative heart of Portland, PNCA is a center for communities of artists, designers, and scholars. Our students are supported by incredible mentors and faculty, and have the opportunity to expand their perspective with visiting artists. PNCA presents more free public programs and exhibitions in a given year than any other arts institution in the city. From our Symposium to our Visiting Artist Lecture and Exhibition series, PNCA is setting the tone in Portland.
First Thursdays
PNCA hosts First Thursday Art Walks in the North Park Blocks, celebrating Portland’s vibrant creative culture. These events bring together local artists, businesses, and craftspeople through engaging public programming. By serving as a hub for cultural exchange, PNCA reinforces its role as a cornerstone of artistic and community engagement in Portland.
Our programs
Explore PNCA
A visit is the best way to immerse yourself in our vibrant campus and city. Come by for a campus tour, and an admissions counselor will help review your portfolio ahead of your application.
