We are a thriving community of creative thinkers, makers, and doers

Within our family of programs, you’ll find future-thinking innovation happening alongside deep, traditional studies. You’ll find buzzing, interconnected social practice projects coexisting with contemplative, independent studio experimentation. You’ll find deep art-historical research unfolding in parallel with experimental future-building. 

There’s so much going on here, and we love it!

Whether in the studio, lecture hall, computer lab, or working in the community via internships, service projects, exhibitions, and collaborations, our students have the opportunity to forge connections between traditions of visual art and their own developing expression.

Our urban setting places us within the fabric of Portland’s cultural landscape. The Portland Art Museum, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, the Northwest Film Center, endless galleries, and major design firms are all just steps away. Through partnerships and outreach, we cultivate creative and intellectual communities throughout our region.

We provide a place where students from a variety of backgrounds can interact, exchange ideas, and cross conventional aesthetic boundaries.

Rendering of new art building by Lever Architecture. The building is green with large windows and is viewed from the Park Blocks.

We are moving!

The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design is moving to a brand new home! Located on the Park Blocks, our new building will bring our programs — now spread across four buildings — together under one roof. The new building is slated to open in 2026. Take a look!

Jordan Schnitzer

Jordan Schnitzer Invests in Downtown, Arts Education and Access with $10 Million Gift to Name Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design at PSU

Portland State University announced today that Portland real estate developer and philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer and his charitable family foundation have made a $10 million gift commitment...
Read more about Jordan Schnitzer Invests in Downtown, Arts Education and Access with $10 Million Gift to Name Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design at PSU

Upcoming events

Graphic Design majors named "Students to Watch 2023"

Graphic Design USA Magazine (GDUSA) has honored two Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design students for the second time in as many years.

Three students in a video and community course gather around a camera on a tripod

Your donation has the power to transform lives

Support the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design through the Portland State University Foundation.