The Experience: Where can you find rock stars, Chinese acrobats, dog tricks, fruit pies and baby pigs all in one place? The State Fair, of course! Starting Friday, this annual event will More…

The Experience: The Portland Art Museum’s summer headline show, The Allure of the Automobile, lives up to its name with stunning cars (when you see them you’ll understand why they’re considered art) that are much more interesting than those high-end vintage vehicles you may be used to. It’s truly a must-see for adults and older kids. Lively placards with period photographs describe the car and its historical context, and you can rent an audio tour for $5 or download it for free on your iPhone. More…

The Experience: Every summer for the past 20 years, the Lakewood Center for the Arts has sponsored the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, drawing visitors from around the region to view and purchase works by local artists. Those who live in the community are also well aware of the classes offered for both kids and adults, including painting, acting and storytelling, and of the full season of plays put on by the Lakewood Theatre Company.

In December, the Company has a tradition of offering two family friendly shows. More…

Take advantage of the wealth of local arts organizations and performance companies to introduce your kids to a variety of creative outlets from an early age. Whether it’s music, dance, theater or some type of visual arts, there’s bound to be something that will spark their passion – and yours! (Note: Many of the following organizations offer special programs/performances for children and families or actually include young people in their performance troupes; others are simply wonderful cultural experiences for all.)

Visual Art and Crafts (In addition to the classes and galleries listed below, check your local Parks and Recreation Department schedule for art classes and open art studio times.)

Art activities, classes, special events and private parties to support art programs for children in local hospitals.
1030 NW Marshall (donated space; location may change in 2010); 503-243-5294; www.chap.name.

Arts and crafts classes for children and adults.
1639 NE Alberta St.; 4429 SE Woodstock Blvd.; 503-804-2526; www.diylounge.com.

Community cultural center features changing art exhibits, performances and more.
5340 N Interstate Ave.; 503-823-4322; www.ifcc-arts.org.

Art education for all ages.
7688 SW Capitol Hwy.; 503-823-ARTS (2787); www.portlandparks.org.

Museum and gallery of contemporary crafts offers free admission as well as kids’ classes and camps and Family Discovery Days, when parents and kids create crafts together. Free.
724 NW Davis St., 503-223-2654, www.contemporarycrafts.org.

Classes, open studio times and art parties.
7905 SW Cirrus Dr., Beaverton; 503-453-3700; www.mymasterpieceartstudio.com.

Professional and student exhibits as well as classes and camps for children and families.
8245 SW Barnes Rd.; 503-297-5544; www.ocac.edu.

Professional and student exhibits; classes and camps.
1241 NW Johnson St.; 503-226-4391; www.pnca.edu.

Permanent and special exhibits. Family and children’s activities. Free admission for children 17 and under.
1219 SW Park Ave.; 503-226-2811; www.pam.org.

Performance and visual arts held at various locations.
224 NW 13th Ave., Ste. 305; 503-242-1419; www.pica.org.

Outdoor arts and crafts market open weekends March through Christmas Eve.
Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza, downtown Portland; 503-222-6072, 503-241-4188 (weekends); www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com.

Camps, classes and private parties creating art with found objects. It’s also a retail store selling found objects for at-home projects.
2915 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; 503-294-0769; scrapaction.org.

Art activities, classes, special events and private parties to support art programs for children in local hospitals.

1030 NW Marshall (donated space; location may change in 2010); 503-243-5294; www.chap.name.