The Walters Cultural Arts Center is one of the great gems and resources in Washington County, serving our residents in so many ways. Below you will find a copy of the information just released for this Fall and what they have coming up, from classes to art shows to music, the Walters has it all.
The History: The Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center is a municipal arts and performance venue located in downtown Hillsboro, Oregon. Housed in a distinctive red-stone structure completed in 1949 as the Trinity Lutheran Church, the building was acquired by the city in 2000 to fulfill its Hillsboro 2020 Vision for a dedicated cultural hub. Named in honor of local nursery owners Glenn and Viola Walters, who contributed a pivotal $1 million donation toward the acquisition, the facility underwent a comprehensive $2.4 million adaptive reuse renovation that preserved its historic character while adding modern seismic upgrades, accessibility features, and instructional studios before officially opening in March 2004. Today, it is one of the most beautiful structures in the Pacific NW. From soaring timber frame beams to stained glass, this beauty is something to behold and one of the gems of our outstanding Hillsboro Parks program.
The 411: Operated by Hillsboro’s Parks and Recreation Department, the three-level, 15,664-square-foot center features a 200-seat performance auditorium with high arched ceilings and stained glass, visual art galleries, classrooms, and outdoor garden event spaces. Serving as a vital anchor for downtown vitality, the center hosts a broad array of programming—including classical, folk, and world music concerts, theatrical performances, poetry readings, lectures, and rotating art exhibits—alongside hands-on education in ceramics and sculpture. Beyond municipal arts programming, the multi-use facility also functions as a central community gathering place and private event venue.
Here is what is coming up that everyone can enjoy and participate in.
New Performance Season
Kicks-Off with Puppets &
Hawaiian Jam-RockSeptember brings the start of a new season of music, dance, and theatre at the Walters! On Sunday, September 20, explore the early life of Frida Kahlo as Teatro Milagro presents Autoretrato de Fridita. In this puppet show for all ages, young Frida becomes inspired by her father’s creativity, using her imagination and a box of paints to overcome challenges and create her own world. Called “The Hawaiian Grateful Dead,” Kanekoa fuses eclectic roots and jam band energy with flavors of reggae, blues, funk, and island music. On Friday, September 25, experience their “ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam-rock” with everything from traditional Hawaiian to 80s pop to jam band blues. |
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Register for Fall Creative ClassesUnleash your creativity at the Walters! Whether you’re sharpening your skills on the ceramic wheel or learning how to paint with watercolors for the first time, the Walters offers a range of classes available for all ages. Enjoy everything from ceramics, painting, writing, and music, to theatre, wellness, family workshops, tabletop games, and more. |
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YouthTeen/AdultFamily Create and Connect |
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Youth Art Scholarships AvailableScholarships are available for youth students wishing to participate in art classes or camps taking place at the Walters Cultural Arts Center. Youth who live in Hillsboro or attend HSD schools and qualify for free or reduced lunch qualify for two free classes per season. Download application forms in English or Spanish below and email it to: Julio.Badel@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov. Scholarships are provided thanks to support from the Richard B. Siegel Foundation. See Eligibility Requirements & Apply Now: |
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August 4 – September 18
Walters Cultural Arts Center Gallery
Angela Holm, Emily Krupp-Pederson, Gordon Campbell, Karen Shawcross, Li Tie
Five artists reflect on the beauty and emotional resonance of Pacific Northwest landscapes. Spanning a variety of mediums, the exhibition brings together works in which artists trace the many ways the place they call home can be seen, experienced, and remembered. Gallery Events: |
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Eligibility: Open to artists of all ages and abilities, as well as cultural and educational backgrounds. All media will be considered. Priority given to artists who are based in Hillsboro and Washington County. Apply to participate in in the Small Works Show #4 from December 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 at the Walters Cultural Arts Center. Artists can submit up to five works in any media, no larger than 10”x10”x10” including mat, frame, or other support structures, for consideration. Submitted works must be available for sale and not to exceed $250. |
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Eligibility:Â Open to artists of all ages and abilities, and arts, cultural, and educational organizations. All media and exhibit modalities are considered. Priority given to artists and organizations who are based in Hillsboro and Washington County. Opportunities are available to exhibit in the gallery at the Walters Cultural Art Center for two-month exhibitions in our upcoming 2027-2028 gallery season. Artists of all ages and abilities, as well as organizations with an arts, culture, and/or educational focus are encouraged to apply. |
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Eligibility:Â All community members are invited to submit an idea for a new mural, including artists, property owners, business owners, and community organizations seeking funding or other support for a mural project. Mural projects must be within the City of Hillsboro. Do you have an idea for a new mural in Hillsboro? Are you an artist looking for a wall to paint on, or looking for funding support for your mural project? Apply now to: - Suggest a wall location for a new mural.
- Submit a request to connect with an artist, a property owner, a wall to paint on, or other resources to support your mural project.
- Request funding support for your mural project.
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Eligibility: Open to mural artists living within 200 miles of Hillsboro, OR. Hillsboro’s Mural Artist Roster is a resource used to connect artists with mural project opportunities, whether the project is presented through the City of Hillsboro or by property or business owners, developers, design firms, schools, private residents, or community organizations. |
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Tuesday, September 1 | 5 – 8 pm | Free
Downtown Hillsboro in the Cultural Arts DistrictMeet local artists, shop, dine, hear excellent live music, and support our vibrant community through creativity. |
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Tuesday, September 1 | 6 pm | Free
Walters Cultural Arts CenterJoin us for an interactive artist talk with photographer Angela Holm and see how different cameras offer a own distinct way of interpreting the world. |
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Saturday, September 12 | 10 am – 12 pm | Free
Walters Cultural Arts Center LawnJoin us for a sculpture challenge using recycled materials. A drop-in workshop for all ages! |
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Sunday, September 20 | 2 pm | $12 / $15
Walters Cultural Arts CenterSet during the Mexican Revolution, experience the story of young Frida Kahlo and how she used her imagination and a box of paints to overcome challenges and create her own world. |
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Friday, September 25 | 7:30 pm | $35 / $40
Walters Cultural Arts CenterCalled “The Hawaiian Grateful Dead,” Kanekoa fuses eclectic roots and jam band energy with flavors of reggae, blues, funk, and island music. |
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City News & Announcements |
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