Our Mission
The NOW and the future.
Over the years NOW open studio has grown from a teaching studio, a residency and now the final piece of the puzzle an advocacy for all things creative; individuals, groups, and art organizations
As an advocate to the creative world NOW seeks to promote ideals, views and works of the passionate, artistic and curious. We hope to partner with other organizations and creatives to provide new avenues to share all things creative. Some of our new projects will include lecture series, pop up and cross over gallery projects and blog series. We hope you continue to follow us as we continue on this wonderful adventure.
OUR STORY
NOW was started in 2010 first in CA before moving to Portland, OR. in 2011. When NOW opened it’s doors the primary focus was Creative Coaching. The courses were designed to stimulate creative process, open the mind, think differently, and push creativity.
One of the most common problems artist, musicians, writers and all creatives suffer from is mental block / writers block. A stall or complete shut down of the creative process. Less destructive but just as common to be stuck in a rut of repetitive behavior.
After having a successful career in Advertising / Marketing for over a decade, Founder Gina Hartmann left the field to return to fine art. “I wanted to make use of the skills acquired and time spent in the commercial field. The courses I developed to redirect and stimulate creative thought are based on rapid thought and idea generation techniques used in the Ad world. Where time does not stand still for creative blocks and where deadlines must be met.”- Hartmann
In 2014 NOW refocused it’s vision, turning from classroom model to Residency programs. NOW needed to become a vehicle to allow artists to become truly enveloped in creative stimulation. Hence our decision to reinvent ourselves. The goal of NOW ARTIST RESIDENCY programs are to provide a private oasis that fosters creative health and enables inspiration to flourish, putting a twist on the idea of the artist residency. Unlike other residencies our goal is to work on the health of creativity not on technique or skill building.
NOW OS arts organization was founded by creatives and is ran by creatives, located in Sellwood a beautiful old grid system neighborhood four miles from downtown Portland. Steps away from public trains, buses and bike paths. The NOW team provides a much needed survice for creatives and the art world at large. Art is vastly important to the world. It is the common thread allowing us to all share in the human experience and connect on a higher level.
Our Past:
2010; NOW Open Studio is a creative meeting place offering open studio sessions that anyone can attend no matter what their skill level, from the creative curious to the artistically advanced. Our sessions encourage lively conversation and inspiration to flow while being guided by a Creative Coach in hourly sessions designed to push you, engage you, or just entertain you. These courses are for exploring and fully appreciating the space, time, and people around you; “being present in essence in the NOW.” -Hartmann