A Place Beyond What We Know
Discover Caldera's decade-long visual chronicle of programs, youth, and creative expression. Young learners start the journey from their communities to the outskirts of Blue Lake
Blue Lake (2012) by E.N. MoralesCaldera
Caldera, a creative expression nonprofit
Founded by Dan Wieden in 1996, Caldera goes beyond offering structured learning opportunities. Since its inception, Caldera has served as an ecosystem for more than 16,000 artists, mentors, and young learners to collaborate in meaningful creative and critical thinking practices.
Caldera Art Intensive (2015) by E.N. MoralesCaldera
A bridge between urban Portland and rural Oregon communities
Middle and high school students gather familiarly across all of Caldera’s touchpoints. Students striking a pose in the South Park Blocks of Portland, Oregon.
Caldera Summer Program (2014) by E.N. MoralesCaldera
A place where creativity roars
Every year, more than 150 youth from Portland and Central Oregon come to experience a life-changing arts and nature camp on Caldera's Central Oregon campus.
A summer camp that grew to something greater than
Caldera is a crossroads for intercultural exchange and emergent creative spark experienced by over 16 thousand alums in its 28-year existence. This group poses to celebrate the upcoming staff-versus-youth capture-the-flag game.
It's a place of tight-knit communities
Something magical happens when young people find their voice and build lifelong friendships. In this photo, Caldera youth pose in the safety of the community at Caldera's Portland office.
Caldera Summer Program (2014) by E.N. MoralesCaldera
Caldera is a shared curiosity on common grounds
Young people from all parts of Oregon gather year-round to learn and embrace each other in the natural environment Caldera has to offer in Central Oregon.
Caldera Art Intensive (2023) by E.N. MoralesCaldera
Caldera provides access points year-round
For many students, Caldera is the first introduction to a structured practice of the creative arts. We take the learning experience to the learners: In this photograph, students explore animation at Open School East of Portland.
Art programs that provide the freedom to explore
Free from distraction and demands of the disruptive world at large, Caldera offers a sanctuary where the creative self can develop and thrive—a portrait of a young mind exploring painting methods.
"We support you"
A few kind words, a simple smile, and an approving nod from a Mentor go a long way for students. In this capture, a Mentor assures a student they are in a supportive community.
A community of true leaders stewards Caldera
Julie Keefe: A true Portland local hero continues her commitment to Caldera through the decades. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Caldera stayed on mission by instructing in community centers like Alder Commons in Portland, Oregon.
Caldera Art Intensive (2022) by E.N. MoralesCaldera
The Caldera setup
Students experience a standard teaching methodology and kind comforts no matter where the creative practice occurs. Illustrated is a tabletop still-life of inspiration and camera equipment ready to spark the creativity of young learners.
Caldera draws its energy from Blue Lake
Every year, Caldera programs invite hundreds of young learners on the east slopes of the Cascades. Caldera is a place of regenerative creativity and where stories are born.
This shared story is part of a decade-long visual chronicle in the making, documented by E.N. Morales, highlighting the fundamentals of Caldera programs.
Editor, Randal Garcia
© 2024 Caldera
