Craft Center member painting with water colors.
Painting and Drawing

About the Painting and Drawing Studio
Welcome to the Craft Center’s Painting and Drawing Studio, a dedicated space for artists of all levels to explore and create in a supportive, well-equipped environment. Whether you’re developing your drawing skills, experimenting with mixed media, or working on a painting series, this studio is designed to provide the tools and atmosphere you need to bring your vision to life.

The studio is open to UO students, faculty, staff, and community members who have completed an orientation. We offer a wide range of materials and equipment to support various techniques, from sketching and watercolor to acrylic and pastels. With ample workspace, adjustable lighting, and basic supplies, you can work independently on your projects during open studio hours or join one of our hands-on workshops to learn new skills.

Not only is the Painting and Drawing Studio a place to create, but it’s also a space to connect with fellow artists, experiment, and refine your craft. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, we invite you to dive in, explore, and make this studio your creative haven!

Tools Available During Open Studio

  • Easels: Multiple adjustable easels available.
  • Drawing Boards & Tables: Flat surfaces for drawing or mixed media projects.
  • Lighting: Adjustable lighting for accurate color work. Light table to assist with sketching, copying, and layering.
  • Materials & Tools: Paint brushes, palette knives, palettes, scrap paper, paper cutters, cutting mats. 


Open Materials Cabinet - Free for UO Students
From acrylic paints and crayons to sequins and popsicle sticks, the Open Materials Cabinet is stocked with a variety of free materials available to UO students providing the basics for students to explore their creativity without needing to buy their own supplies. It’s a great way to try new techniques, experiment with different media, or just jump into a project on the spot! Just make an account, sign the waiver, and check-in at the front desk to review a studio policy card. This resource is only available during Open Studio hours. 

Studio Hours & Information

Open Studio Hours*: 

The Craft Center will close for Winter Break at 6pm on December 13 and will reopen for Winter Term at 12pm on January 6.

*Hours are subject to change and may vary from week to week. Open Studio Hours are updated weekly.

End of Term Reminders
TBD for Winter Term

Ready to start creating? 
To sign-up for orientations, click here!
To register for workshops, click here! 

E-Newsletter
To stay up to date about upcoming events, workshops, and studio announcements at the Craft Center, sign up for our e-newsletter here.

Painting & Drawing Studio Orientation Information

Winter Term Studio Orientations
Painting & Drawing Orientations will be posted and available for registration starting at 10am on Monday, January 13. To register, visit myemu.uoregon.edu.

You must have previous experience to take a Painting & Drawing Orientation. That experience must include the following: 

  • Ability to use and clean brushes properly. 
  • Knowledge of color mixing and basic color theory. 
  • Familiarity with materials like canvas, paper, and different paints (e.g., acrylic, oil, watercolor). 

Painting & Drawing Studio Policies

Orientation Required: First-time users need to complete a studio orientation to review tools, safety, and cleanup procedures. Open Materials users must review a policy card at the front desk.

Respect Shared Space: Noise should be kept low; use headphones if listening to music. Do not move other people's items without the help of a Craft Center employee. 

Clean Your Workspace: Users are responsible for cleaning any materials and surfaces they use, disposing of trash in designated bins, and leaving the space ready for others. 

Drying and Storage: Artwork can be left to dry on designated racks, but must be labeled with a Project Storage Card and removed or given an updated Project Storage Card every two-weeks. Items left without an updated Project Storage Card will be recycled. 

End of Term Clean Up: All stored projects and/or materials, even if labeled, must be removed by end of day of Friday during Week Ten of the current term. Studio clean out will happen during Finals Week of the current term. All stored projects and/or materials left behind will be recycled. 

No Food or Drink: For safety reasons, no food or drink is allowed in the studio. Lidded containers are fine.

Closed-Toe Shoes: The Craft Center requires closed-toe shoes to be worn in every studio. If you do not have proper footwear, you will be turned away.