📍 ADDRESS
318 SE Main Street
Suites 155 & 145
Portland, OR 97214
⏰ HOURS
Mon 12-6pm
Wed 6-9pm
Thurs 12-9pm
Fri 12-6pm
Sat 12-6pm
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The Portfolio Program is a yearlong course of study that runs from September through July, and combines creative writing workshops with hands-on learning experiences and modules in the IPRC’s print studios. Working in small cohorts over the course of three terms, students choose one of four disciplines (Art Book, Comics, Poetry, or Prose) and create a portfolio of creative work specific to their chosen genre that may include a creative manuscript, broadsides, book forms, art books, zines, and other print ephemera.
The application window for the 2024/25 Portfolio Program has ended. We will be accepting applications for the next cohort in the summer of 2025.
Tracks
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Students in the Art Book cohort encounter coursework that challenges them to locate the book at the intersection of form, content, and expression. Over the course of 3 terms of classroom learning, studio practice, and offsite engagement, students are introduced to the emerging landscape of the art book.
What are Art Books? The IPRC’s definition of Art Book aligns with what Printed Matter calls an “artists’ book” in that they are “conceived as artworks in their own right. These ‘projects for the page’ are generally inexpensive, often produced in large or open editions, and are democratically available.”
The Art Book track is not specifically a study of book arts, though it does cover some book arts techniques and forms. Art Book instead foregrounds the exploration of the book, and what a book can be; assignments are typically at the level of the book form or prototype.
Meets once a week
Core Art Book Workshop with Instructor Jakelen DiazSkills covered: Letterpress, Typography, Risograph, Screenprinting, Bookarts & Binding, Graphic Design
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The IPRC’s Comics track is the only comprehensive program of its kind on the West Coast.
Coursework takes place over three terms with an emphasis on developing skills and tools, independent publishing, and broadening sources of influence and inspiration. Through peer workshop, students are encouraged to take artistic risks and develop their own unique voice & style. Comics students will learn self-publishing techniques throughout the year, with a collaborative anthology, prints, and one longer project in the form of their own comic or zine.
Meets once a week
Core comics workshop with Instructor Marissa PerezSkills covered: Comics Workshop, Risograph, Screenprinting, Graphic Design, Zines & binding
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The Portfolio Program in Poetry combines creative workshop with instruction in printmaking and bookarts.
Over the course of 3 terms, students in the Poetry cohort can expect to spend approximately 4-8 class periods workshop sessions per term in creative writing workshop developing a manuscript of creative writing, building community through the discussion of craft, process & revision; and responding to peer work. Writers will spend another 4-5 workshop sessions of each term in the print studios, learning & practicing a range of print and production skills. By pairing creative writing workshops with Studio Practice, the Portfolio Program offers prose & poetry students opportunities to expand their creative practice, and empowers writers by demystifying print production.
Meets once a week, 6-9pm on Wednesdays
Core Poetry Workshop with Instructor Jzl JmzSkills covered: Creative Writing Workshop, Letterpress, Risograph, Screenprinting, Bookarts & Binding, Introductory Graphic Design
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The Portfolio Program in Prose (Fiction & Creative Nonfiction) combines creative workshop with instruction in printmaking and bookarts.
Over the course of 3 terms, students in the Prose cohort can expect to spend 4-8 weeks of each term in creative writing workshop developing a manuscript of creative writing, building community through the discussion of craft, process & revision; and responding to peer work. Writers will spend another 4-5 workshop sessions of each term in the print studios, learning & practicing a range of print and production skills. By pairing creative writing workshops with Studio Practice, the Portfolio Program offers prose & poetry students opportunities to expand their creative practice, and empowers writers by demystifying print production.
Meets once a week
Core Program Workshop with Instructor: Michael HealdSkills covered:Creative Writing Workshop, Letterpress, Risograph, Screenprinting, Bookarts & Binding, Introductory Graphic Design
Why You Should Do It
The Portfolio Program is for anyone looking to commit to or develop a sustained creative practice, while building community. Enrollment in the program also comes with a two-year Studio Membership, and participants come away from the program with the confidence to continue making use of the IPRC’s print & small publishing resources. Initially designed as a low-cost alternative to MFA programs, the aims of the Program are to:
empower writers & artists with hands-on experience and skillbuilding
equip students with the knowledge to confidently make use of the IPRC’s studio resources
prioritize creative process and student-driven outcomes
promote creative & critical inquiry through class discussion, assigned readings, and supportive critique
spark creative community, within & between cohorts, as well as the IPRC and wider community, through readings, visiting writers, studio visits, and other public events
To showcase works in progress, students are invited to share during quarterly readings & open studios. The Portfolio Program culminates with a series of graduation readings and events in the summer months. Find upcoming readings on our calendar.