Portland Metro Arts

- 9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216

Portland Metro Arts (PMA) is a long-standing and well-respected non-profit organization and dance school that has been a pillar of the arts community in Portland, Oregon, for over 50 years. Operating on the core belief that the study of the arts greatly contributes to student achievement and success, PMA is dedicated to providing everyone, especially youth, with the opportunity to learn, perform, and experience the arts. For Oregon families looking for a comprehensive and affordable arts education, PMA offers a unique and valuable resource. Their mission is to ensure that quality education in dance, theatre, music, and visual arts remains accessible to all, regardless of income level, race, gender, or national origin. The organization’s history, originally formed in 1978 as Ballet Workshop Advocates, shows a clear and consistent dedication to this goal. As one customer recalled, PMA is a place where you can send your kids for a positive experience, a space that is "awesome" with "nice staff." The studio is not just a school; it is a creative hub with a 130-seat theatre, dance studios, music rehearsal spaces, and more, all buzzing with the energy of students exploring their creative potential.

Located at 9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216, Portland Metro Arts is situated in a central and easily accessible area of the city. The studio is conveniently located for residents of Southeast Portland and beyond. Accessibility is a key feature of the facility, with both a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. The parking lot is located behind the building with an entrance on 90th Avenue, providing a designated and accessible place for visitors to park. For families, this is a significant advantage, as it simplifies drop-off and pick-up. While a customer review mentioned the lack of a shady parking area for waiting, the presence of a dedicated lot with accessible spaces is a major benefit. For those who prefer public transportation, the location on SE Stark St is well-served by TriMet bus routes, making it a viable option for those without a car. The facility's commitment to physical accessibility ensures that individuals with diverse mobility needs can participate fully in the arts programs offered. The location within a bustling part of the city provides a great backdrop for a school that is so dedicated to community engagement.

Portland Metro Arts offers a wide variety of services that cater to multiple artistic disciplines. The school’s curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded arts education, with classes for students of all ages and levels, from children to adults. The variety of programs available under one roof makes it a convenient "one-stop arts programming" destination for families.

Services offered at Portland Metro Arts include:

• Dance Classes: From pre-dance to ballet, hip-hop, and tap for all ages and skill levels.
• Music: Programs like Musical Beginnings and Musical Journeys, as well as private lessons for piano, strings, and other instruments.
• Theatre: Classes for kids in different age groups, like Kids Play and Actor's Workshop.
• Visual Arts: Opportunities to create art in various styles and mediums, from traditional to contemporary.
• After School Arts Club (ASAC): A supervised after-school program with transportation from select local schools, providing quality care for students enrolled in PMA classes.
• Summer Camps and Workshops: Exciting and educational camps for kids focused on dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.
• Performances: The Metro Dancers company, which is in residence at PMA, offers a full season of shows, including repertory concerts and full-length ballets.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction for dance, music, and other arts for personalized attention and faster progress.

The breadth of these offerings, combined with the school’s non-profit status and scholarship opportunities, makes high-quality arts education available to a broad spectrum of the Oregon community.

The features and highlights of Portland Metro Arts are what truly distinguish it as a valuable asset to the community. Its core values and commitment to accessibility and diversity shine through in its daily operations.

Key features and highlights include:

• Non-profit organization: PMA's non-profit status means its mission is centered on serving the community and making the arts accessible to everyone.
• Commitment to diversity: The student population is diverse, a feature that is appreciated by parents and contributes to a rich, multicultural learning environment.
• Accessible facility: The wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance make the studio physically welcoming to all individuals.
• Quality teaching staff: The instructors have years of training and professional experience, ensuring a high-quality, progressive curriculum.
• Comprehensive arts education: The studio is a "one-stop" location for classes in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, saving families time and travel hassles.
• Performances and events: With a 130-seat theatre, PMA hosts a wide range of performances, from student showcases to professional company productions.
• After-school programs: The After School Arts Club (ASAC) with transportation from nearby schools provides a convenient solution for busy families.

These features make Portland Metro Arts not just a place for classes but a cornerstone of the arts community, dedicated to enriching the lives of its students and the public.

For those in the Oregon region interested in visiting or learning more, here is the contact information for Portland Metro Arts.

Address: 9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216, USA

Phone: (503) 408-0604

Portland Metro Arts is worth choosing for several compelling reasons, all rooted in its dedication to its mission. For Oregon families, the most significant advantage is the school's commitment to making arts education accessible and affordable. As a non-profit, PMA is more focused on student success and community enrichment than on profit, a difference that is reflected in its fair tuition and its scholarship program for families in need. The convenience of having multiple artistic disciplines—dance, music, theatre, and visual arts—all available under one roof is a huge time-saver for parents who want to expose their children to a variety of creative pursuits. While one customer noted the unshaded parking lot, the positive experience their daughter had in a summer camp, particularly with the diverse student body and learning songs from different cultures, speaks to the enriching environment the school provides. PMA's long history in the community and its professional, caring staff create a safe and nurturing atmosphere where children can thrive creatively and intellectually. By choosing Portland Metro Arts, families are not only investing in their children's artistic skills but also supporting an organization that contributes to the cultural vitality of the entire Portland metropolitan area. It is a place where creativity is celebrated and every student is given the tools to achieve their full artistic potential.

Portland Metro Arts

9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216, USA