This school offers a challenging art education with an emphasis on craftsmanship.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you are planning on attending this school be ready to work hard! They don't hand out A's here. The school expects a lot from you and pushes you to create better work with each project. This is not a place for people that just want to get through school for a degree, it is a college for serious art students.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
OCAC encourages you to make the best work you can and to constantly strive to do better. Getting an A here is hard, so don't expect to coast through. Sometimes a project is a flop but that's okay, because to learn the most you can here you have to be a little fearless and try things that might fail. This Could Fail was a motto I picked up here from one of my foundation classes. They want you to reach for heights that you might not grasp every time, but the process of failing teaches you more about the craft and about yourself.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I don't live on campus but I'm envious of those that do. Portland traffic is a drag and the students that live on campus wake up like 10 minutes before class and make it there on time. The houses are actually residential houses too, so they feel cozy, and they're pretty affordable.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The cafe on campus has pretty good food and offer a meal plan to students.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The campus is a short public transit ride away from the great city of Portland. You can find more things to get into out here than I have room to type up. My favorites are the first thursday gallery walks. Usually led by and instructor or artist in residence a group of us get together and go gallery hoping around town hitting up openings. The school also provides a yearly transit pass paid for by student fees, so galavanting around town is easy and free.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
My experience has been that a lot of the materials I need for class can be purchased on campus or close by at a good price. Each department has a resale locker and offers materials way below the box store sticker price. Also, I have only had to purchase one text book. The student activity fee pays for a year long transit pass and year long Portland Art Museum pass. I think the education I am receiving is worth the price I am paying.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
The Oregon College of Art and Craft is a good fit for students who aren't afraid to push themselves and work hard. If you like late nights in the studio and art critiques this school is for you!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are not a bunch of clubs here. I know of the student government, commonwealth, the ceramics club, and a curators club. The process for starting a club here is pretty easy so if the club you want doesn't exist you can make it happen! The student government plans activities monthly, from holiday parties, free taco lunches, free restaurant outings, and the end of year party. The campus also puts on various art sales during the year. We also have a weekly e-newsletter that announces the many artist talks and local pdx events we have access to as students here.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There is none and there will be none. Sorry.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
The campus is small and nestled in a safe neighborhood in SW Portland. I feel safe here alone at night.
This school offers a challenging art education with an emphasis on craftsmanship.
If you are planning on attending this school be ready to work hard! They don't hand out A's here. The school expects a lot from you and pushes you to create better work with each project. This is not a place for people that just want to get through school for a degree, it is a college for serious art students.
OCAC encourages you to make the best work you can and to constantly strive to do better. Getting an A here is hard, so don't expect to coast through. Sometimes a project is a flop but that's okay, because to learn the most you can here you have to be a little fearless and try things that might fail. This Could Fail was a motto I picked up here from one of my foundation classes. They want you to reach for heights that you might not grasp every time, but the process of failing teaches you more about the craft and about yourself.
I don't live on campus but I'm envious of those that do. Portland traffic is a drag and the students that live on campus wake up like 10 minutes before class and make it there on time. The houses are actually residential houses too, so they feel cozy, and they're pretty affordable.
The cafe on campus has pretty good food and offer a meal plan to students.
The campus is a short public transit ride away from the great city of Portland. You can find more things to get into out here than I have room to type up. My favorites are the first thursday gallery walks. Usually led by and instructor or artist in residence a group of us get together and go gallery hoping around town hitting up openings. The school also provides a yearly transit pass paid for by student fees, so galavanting around town is easy and free.
My experience has been that a lot of the materials I need for class can be purchased on campus or close by at a good price. Each department has a resale locker and offers materials way below the box store sticker price. Also, I have only had to purchase one text book. The student activity fee pays for a year long transit pass and year long Portland Art Museum pass. I think the education I am receiving is worth the price I am paying.
The Oregon College of Art and Craft is a good fit for students who aren't afraid to push themselves and work hard. If you like late nights in the studio and art critiques this school is for you!
There are not a bunch of clubs here. I know of the student government, commonwealth, the ceramics club, and a curators club. The process for starting a club here is pretty easy so if the club you want doesn't exist you can make it happen! The student government plans activities monthly, from holiday parties, free taco lunches, free restaurant outings, and the end of year party. The campus also puts on various art sales during the year. We also have a weekly e-newsletter that announces the many artist talks and local pdx events we have access to as students here.
There is none and there will be none. Sorry.
The campus is small and nestled in a safe neighborhood in SW Portland. I feel safe here alone at night.