About Us

Celebrating over 50 years of art workshops in the Columbia River Gorge.

The Creative Arts Community's mission is to foster a welcoming environment where all are inspired through art immersion workshops that renew artistic vision and enhance life. We are a 501C3 non-profit organization registered in the state of Oregon since February 28, 1972.

Since 1966, the Creative Arts Community has provided unique residential workshops at Menucha, just twenty minutes east of Portland, Oregon. Our secular non-profit group visits the conference center the first two weeks of August every summer. Overlooking the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, the historic 90-acre Meier estate offers walking & jogging trails, meditative gardens, tennis & volleyball courts & an outdoor swimming pool.

In two separate, one-week sessions in August, we will offer workshops with a primary focus on visual arts, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. Other classes offer hands-on exploration, and have included ceramics, collage, mask making, basketry, tapestry, jewelry, and assemblage, plus many others. Non-visual arts classes offer writing and music.

Special features include:

A wide variety of outstanding small classes taught in a nurturing atmosphere
Art Studios open 24 hours
Scholarships available through our application process
On-site Student/Teacher Art Gallery – CAC profits (30%) goes to our Scholarship Fund (canceled for 2021)
Overnight accommodations and delicious homemade meals

As art enthusiasts themselves, the volunteer board members design and conduct each "camp" as an opportunity for novices and seasoned professionals to experience the power of a total educational immersion in an inspirational setting. Experience tells us that students go home from camp with their creativity refreshed, their confidence emboldened and their skills enhanced. Permanent friendships and networks continue beyond the time spent at Menucha, fostering the community aspect of the Creative Arts Community.

Board members are volunteers, representing a cross section of occupations and ages. Some are affiliated with other art groups and many are teachers and artists. Our teachers are of a high caliber, they are lifelong artists, well known both locally and internationally. All share a passion for art, art education and for promoting the extraordinary opportunity afforded at the CAC Art Experience.