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.

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.

Leeahnn Victorio, BFA Graphic Design, 2022

When Leeahnn Victorio ‘22 moved from the Philippines to the United States, her mental health suffered as she dealt with culture shock and learned how to navigate a new country while legally blind. At Portland State, she found a supportive community where she could be herself, and her skills and dedication led her to become one of the strongest students in the graphic design program. Outside of class, Victorio was involved with Comma, a group for students of color in the graphic design department, and did volunteer work to help make graphic design more accessible.

Architectural rendering of the Gateway Center building, situated at the current Art Building site

A New Home for the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design

Building a place where the doors to new opportunities and partnerships are opened for artists, designers, crafters, and scholars to find value in their work, meet with fellow collaborators, feel inspired and welcomed while maintaining PSU's relentless commitment to access, equity and inclusion.

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.