What Makes Us Special
Small Class Sizes
Small class sizes for all levels
Studios are open 24 hours
Accommodations
Overnight accommodations
All meals included
Community
Nurturing and welcoming community
Evening programming
Learn new techniques
Experiment with new tools and media.
Get great guidance and feedback from knowledgable instructors
This Is Our Story
We are a 501C3 non-profit organization registered in the state of Oregon since February 28, 1972. Our mission is to foster a welcoming environment where all are inspired through art immersion workshops that renew artistic vision and enhance life.
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Every summer since 1966, the Creative Arts Community has organized unique residential workshops at Menucha Retreat and Conference Center, just twenty minutes east of Portland, Oregon. Overlooking the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, the 90-acre historic Meier estate offers walking trails, meditative gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, and spectacular views.
In two separate, one-week sessions in August, we offer hands-on explorative workshops with a focus on a variety of arts disciplines including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, jewelry-making, textiles, creative writing, and more! All skill levels are welcome.​ Must be at least 21 years old to attend. Read our Guidelines page to learn more about our program and our Facilities page to learn more about Menucha's accommodations.
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Join CAC on an exclusive tour of
Curry Studio on January 29th @10am
Join CAC in an inspiring and unique opportunity to tour Michael Curry Studio!
Did you know the design and production of The Lion King on Broadway puppets were made in Scappoose, Oregon? For the last 35 years, Michael Curry, graduate of The Museum Art School (now known as PNCA) , brought his amazing skills together with his talented staff of over 50, to create works for Disney, Universal Studios, the Olympics, Super Bowl, Metropolitan Opera, Cirque Du Soleil, to name only a few!
CAC is delighted to offer a chance to purchase tickets to be one of the lucky few to tour Michael Curry Studio! There is a limit of 20 tickets. Two groups of 10 at the same time. The tour will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 10:30-11:30a.m. There will be a lunch to follow at a local restaurant for those who would like to join. Please let us know if you’d like to join the lunch when you purchase your tickets. Parking is available at the studio, but you may want to car pool, as it is about a 30 minute drive from Portland. For more info check out https://www.michaelcurrydesign.com/gallery-all
Tickets are $100 a piece. They can be purchased at the link below. There are only 20 spots available, so grab your ticket now while they last, before you miss this opportunity. All proceeds go towards helping us sustain a successful art community experience!​​
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“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to learn to understand art more and more .”
- Vincent Van Gogh
