Feeling artistically inspired? Salem, Oregon is filled with creative spaces where beginners, hobbyists, and lifelong artists can paint, sculpt, and craft to your heart’s content. These local businesses offer opportunities to tap into your inner artists through pottery classes, paint parties, hands-on workshops, DIY decor, and more! Here are some amazing places in Salem where your creativity can come to life.
Willamette Art Center
As a nonprofit community arts center, the Willamette Art Center has been a fundamental space for local creativity through pottery classes, studio passes, and youth programs. Their class offerings, taught by talented local artists, include beginner wheel throwing to mindful sculpting. The center is currently fundraising and preparing to relocate after June 30, 2025, as they seek a new home outside the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Now more than ever, they welcome your support and participation to help keep Salem’s clay community thriving.
Art Department
Art Department is a fine art and craft supply store in downtown Salem, but it’s also more than that. As a woman-owned, independent company, Art Department has a long history of being part of Salem’s creative heartbeat. In addition to their wide range of high-quality art and craft supplies, they host community classes like life drawing, travel sketching, and journal club. Their mission is to “support artists from inspiration to celebration,” and their friendly team is always ready to help you find your next project or join one of their workshops.
Create A Memory
Create A Memory has been bringing people together through art since 1998. As a paint-your-own pottery and fused glass studio in the heart of downtown Salem, Create A Memory is a great option for family outings, date night, or a peaceful afternoon to yourself. Painting parties are also available for up to 75 people.
Clay & Kiln Collective
Clay & Kiln Collective is downtown Salem’s newest pottery studio that offers classes, memberships, and private events for artists of all levels. Their Pottery Wheel Date Nights are a fun way to connect with someone special, while workshops in wheel throwing and hand-building invite you to express even more of your creativity. Clay & Kiln is excited to be cultivating a supportive and inclusive community for anyone ready to get their hands dirty with clay.
Runaway Art & Craft Studio
Runaway Art & Craft Studio is the kind of place where your imagination gets to run wild. With a full line of fun art and craft supplies, this local studio also offers hands-on classes in watercolor, art journaling, cardmaking, stamping, color theory, and more. No matter what level of experience you have, there’s a class waiting for you!
Sanders Art Studio
If you’ve ever dreamed of painting like Bob Ross, you’re in luck! At Sanders Art Studio, certified Bob Ross instructor Janet Sanders guides students through the iconic wet-on-wet technique in relaxing landscape and seascape painting classes. These classes are beginner-friendly and full of encouragement, so grab your brushes and get ready for some happy little trees.
We Make Art
We Make Art brings the creativity to you—literally. This mobile painting party company hosts step-by-step acrylic painting events at local breweries, restaurants, wineries, and private homes across the Salem area. Their instructors lead with fun and positivity, which makes these paint parties perfect for birthdays, team-building, or a laid-back night with friends. Art supplies are included.
Cassy Can Craft
Cassy Can Craft is all about playful creativity and hands-on fun. From fluid art and alcohol ink to tie-dye and jewelry making, Cassy’s rotating list of in-person classes offers something fresh every time. Go learn something new!
At Easel Art
At Easel Art hosts paint parties for all ages and skill levels, with both public events and private bookings available. Michelle Isaksen provides step-by-step painting instruction for birthday parties, team events, paint and sips parties, or kids’ art days. You don’t have to worry about bringing anything but yourself, because At Easel Art handles everything from setup to cleanup.
Board & Brush Creative Studio
DIY meets rustic farmhouse charm at Board & Brush in Salem. This DIY studio guides you through creating personalized wooden signs and home décor using stencils, stain, and paint. Their workshops offer a chance to create something beautiful to take home, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, gathering your team, or just want to get crafty with friends.
Salem’s creative scene is alive and well, and these local studios and businesses are proof. These community-driven spaces provide a place to relax, connect, and express yourself through art. Paint with friends, play with clay, or learn a new craft! We’re excited to see where your creativity takes you.
