The 2026 HeART of Portland: K-12 Arts Showcase + Miller Family Free Day

Overview

Welcome to the HeART of Portland: K-12 Arts Showcase + Miller Family Free Day! Enjoy free admission all day in celebration of youth arts and the community partnership between the Museum and city schools. Make art, see student performances, and visit the HeART of Portland K-12 Visual Art Exhibition in the new Silver Family Youth and Community Gallery. Explore PAM’s new Rothko Pavilion and the exhibition David Hockney: Works from the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation which inspired the HeART of Portland collaborative art project. 

Free tickets can be reserved online one week in advance and are also available at the door.

Schedule

11 am – 3 pm
ARTMAKING: Windows of Our Future 
Lana and Chris Finley Studio, Level 0 
Create colorful artwork inspired by the art of David Hockney and the architecture of PAM’s new Mark Rothko Pavilion. Facilitated by Portland Public Schools visual art teachers.

SHORT FILMS BY STUDENTS
Stevens Room, Level 0 
See short films by Franklin and Roosevelt High School students.

12 – 3 pm
Look With Me
Slow-looking conversations, focused on one artwork at a time, facilitated by PAM volunteer guides. Starting every half hour. Look for signs showing specific gallery locations.

1 pm – 2 pm 
STUDENT PERFORMANCES
Mark Rothko Pavilion, 3rd Floor Overlook
Enjoy music and dance performances by Portland students of all ages.

• Oliver Middle School Jazz Band 
• Russell Elementary Rocket Choir
• Jefferson Dancers
• The Riverdale Ukulele Ensemble

Thank you, Portlanders, for the Arts Access Fund! The Arts Access Fund provides for elementary arts teachers in the six school districts serving Portland and for expanded access to the arts for all Portlanders. At this free day celebration, we are thrilled to present student performances from four districts served by the Fund: Centennial, Parkrose, Portland Public Schools, and Riverdale.

Miller Family Free Days are generously supported by Sharon L. Miller and Family. Additional funding is provided by The Lamb Baldwin Foundation.

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