Get to know FAS!

Teaching Young Artists for

28 YEARS

Fine Art Starts was founded in 1998 to fulfill a gap in affordable, equitable, high-quality arts education in after-school programs.

In 2026, Fine Art Starts now offers After-School Classes during the school year as well as Summer ART Camps. We teach over 230 students in the after-school program, and collaborate with several school districts in the tri-county area.

Close-up of a flat paintbrush with dark bristles and a metallic handle. Fine Art Starts, Portland, Oregon.

Group of children and adults posing outside a building with a “Fine Art Starts” sign. Fine Art Starts, Portland, Oregon.

The first studio was opened in the spring of 1998 in West Linn. “Ms. Sascha” knew that 23 registrations were needed to keep the doors open. At the grand opening, 25 registrations came in! The studio remained in West Linn until 2002, and classes were taught by a small crew of artists, educators, and interns from Marylhurst University.

Smiling adult and child pose together outside a brick building; the child wears a floral top and name badge. Fine Art Starts, Portland, Oregon

In 2002, the art school moved to Oregon City. In 2005, the City Commissioners approved the vote for Sascha of Fine Art Starts to become the first private entity to operate a public building. The Historic Carnegie Center became Fine Art Starts’ home for three years. Homeschooled high schoolers were able to receive high school art credits with us for their classes.

Historic red-brick Carnegie Center library building surrounded by trees and lawn. Fine Art Starts, Portland, Oregon.

Fine Art Starts directed and ran the arts and cultural events for the city through unique partnerships including concerts in the park, public exhibitions, and welcoming visitors to the city's jewel building and surrounding park. Fine Art Starts became a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2012.

Sascha Newell, Teacher and children clapping together around a classroom table during an activity. Fine Art Starts, Portland, Oregon

Beginning in 2013, Fine Art Starts stepped away from a physical studio and focused on partnering directly with public, charter, and private schools. This helped the program become more accessible to students and more convenient for families by going directly into the schools.

Virtual classroom video call showing students displaying pencil drawings of a tall chair or building-like structure. Fine Art Starts, Portland, Oregon

In March of 2020, at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, programs were offered online to continue access to fine art education for kids. Beginning in the fall of 2022, classes returned to in-person and the team of Artist Educators began to grow again.

Group selfie of nine smiling art event participants posing in front of colorful framed artwork. Fine Art Starts, Portland, Oregon

CURRENTLY:
Fine Art Starts offers after-school classes during the school year, summer arts camps, and collaborations with public, private, and charter schools. Fine Art Starts provides jobs for an ever-growing team of professional Artists and Teachers who continue to bring the vision and mission to the students.

Our Core Values

Individual worth and inclusion

We ensure that students are truly seen, valued for their perspective, and feel a sense of belonging and safety during self-expression.

Community and

Celebration

Students feel a sense of community during sharing times, art shows and the support they receive from schools, teachers, peers, and instructors.

Affordability and Scholarship

Students should be able to experience art classes based on their motivation, and interest- not be excluded by family’s financial circumstances.

High-Quality Art

Instruction

We place the best-matched instructor with the course being offered. Instructors are competitively compensated and valued for their experience.