New creative arts center opens in Bend with focus on teens

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A once-vacant building on NE Greenwood Avenue is becoming a new creative hub for Bend’s youth and local artists. The Open Arts Center, located at 175 NE Greenwood Ave., celebrated its grand opening Friday night with more than 200 people walking through the 10,000‑square‑foot space.

The nonprofit is the vision of local artists Maija Kellner-Rode and Claire Brislin, who have spent the last two years designing what they describe as an intergenerational creative community. The center will offer free space for teenagers ages 12 to 18 and fee-based studios and workspaces for adult artists.

Organizers say the goal is to give teens a safe, welcoming place to create, connect and develop confidence. Kellner-Rode hopes the studio environment encourages adult artists to become mentors, offering guidance and even apprenticeship opportunities to young people with specific interests.

The center plans to build out 17 artist studios, a gallery, classroom space and a rotating artist-in-residence program. Adults will be able to buy memberships, day passes or storage units, with volunteers expected to complete trauma-informed training and background checks before working with teens.

Teens will have opportunities to serve as ambassadors and help shape the program’s future through a youth board. The center expects to open for teen drop‑ins by mid‑October.

The Open Arts Center also plans to host First Friday events and other community gatherings. An open house is scheduled for July 29, offering the public a chance to tour the space and learn more about future programming. Organizers hope to raise funds for equipment, supplies and potential naming rights for studios and classrooms.