New in town—where do the artists hang out? (Portland: neighborhood, live)

[MsLonelyhearts]

I've just moved from Santa Fe, New Mexico, which has a very solid painters' scene. Everyone knows the painters' bars and cafés. But where do the artists congregate here in Portland? Writers and painters both. Anybody know?

[Yankeemama]

I am going to guess the Division/Clinton area in SE but it's just a guesss. Wish I was more arty and in the know. Maybe North Portland as well. Cully is a neighborhood getting ready to gentrify so maybe there too.

[AnotherPDXGuy]

You just missed them.

[MsLonelyhearts]

Originally Posted by AnotherPDXGuy

You just missed them.

Where'd they head off to?

[carpenterant]

There aren't really any specific bars, or cafes, or parts of town where artists congregate. My field is printmaking / book arts, and there are community studios where one could go to work and to get to know peers and colleagues, but I don't know if there's an equivalent for painters and writers. I know there are many, many writers workshops and writer's groups in town, but it will be a matter of just putting the word out and getting to know people through work or whatever other things you do in the community.

For an entry point into the writing community here, maybe check out Mother Foucault's book shop, or Annie Bloom's books.

It's also true that many, many artists are leaving. We can't afford it here anymore, and studio buildings are being sold off for redevelopment.

[carpenterant]

Originally Posted by MsLonelyhearts

Where'd they head off to?

Several of my friends have recently moved to Santa Fe!

[MsLonelyhearts]

Originally Posted by Yankeemama

I am going to guess the Division/Clinton area in SE but it's just a guesss. Wish I was more arty and in the know. Maybe North Portland as well. Cully is a neighborhood getting ready to gentrify so maybe there too.

Thanks! I'll investigate.

[VelouriaPDX]

There is a live/work community called Milepost 5 on 82nd. I'm not sure what the scene is over there these days but presumably lots of artists still live there.

[MsLonelyhearts]

Originally Posted by carpenterant

There aren't really any specific bars, or cafes, or parts of town where artists congregate. My field is printmaking / book arts, and there are community studios where one could go to work and to get to know peers and colleagues, but I don't know if there's an equivalent for painters and writers. I know there are many, many writers workshops and writer's groups in town, but it will be a matter of just putting the word out and getting to know people through work or whatever other things you do in the community.

For an entry point into the writing community here, maybe check out Mother Foucault's book shop, or Annie Bloom's books.

It's also true that many, many artists are leaving. We can't afford it here anymore, and studio buildings are being sold off for redevelopment.

Interesting, your last paragraph—I had no idea. Money isn't so much of an issue for me, but if the artists are bailing then probably I won't be here very long. Nevertheless, I'll poke around those bookshops.