Thunderbird Arts Center, in partnership with the City of Phoenix, is a satellite location of Phoenix Center for the Arts, serving our North Phoenix communities. The facility opened to the public in the fall of 2016, and began offering classes for adults and youth year-round.
Students can register for a variety of art classes at this location, including: Ceramics, Mosaics, Painting & Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Mosaics, Youth Art, and more!
Note: Click the “Sign Up” button at the bottom of a class description to register through the Center’s Mindbody registration platform. A Mindbody account is required to register for classes at the Center. Questions about registration or financial aid? Call (602) 254-3100 or email contacts@phoenixcenterforthearts.org to speak to a Patron Services Associate to speak to a Patron Services Associate.
Prior to arriving for in-person classes, students are required to digitally sign our Student Agreement.
Address:
Thunderbird Arts Center
1106 E. Grovers Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85022
(located in the building behind the Mountain View Community Center)
Hours of operation:
Our hours vary based on class schedules. Please contact our office to confirm the weekly hours.
Phone:
(602) 293-3267
Creative Music Production
Date: February 25, 2026 4:00 pm - May 27, 2026 5:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 5/6
Description: Have you ever wanted to make your own music like your favorite artists and producers? In Creative Music Production, students will learn how to create original songs using Soundtrap, an online Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) used by musicians around the world. This hands-on, after-school course introduces students to the basics of music production in a fun and age-appropriate way. Whether you’re brand new to music or already love experimenting with sound, Creative Music Production is a place to create, collaborate, and have fun making music!
Materials: If your prefer your own headphones, bring them.
Prerequisite: Interest in making your own music
Duration: 13 weeks
Days Off: Spring Break - 03/18/26
Ages: 11-16
Cost: $130.00
Beginning Wheel Throwing (14 Weeks - TB)
Date: February 26, 2026 1:00 pm - May 28, 2026 4:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 2/11
Description: Designed for Beginner and Intermediate level students who wish to begin or improve their Ceramics’s education by learning about various ceramic materials and methods of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Emphasis will be on exploring the basic throwing principles of forming and finishing cylindrical forms through instructor lead demonstrations.
Materials: Please bring your own pottery tools or purchase a 9 piece ceramics tool kit from Marjon Ceramics Supply prior to class time, an apron and hand towel. Students should expect to spend a minimum of $50.00 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class for $30.00 per 25lbs. bag. Please bring cash.
Prerequisite: Have basic experience in hand building clay construction or wheel throwing, helpful but not necessary.
Duration: 14 weeks
Ages: 18+
Cost: $350.00
Beginning Wheel Throwing (14 Weeks - TB)
Date: February 28, 2026 1:00 pm - May 30, 2026 4:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 0/11
Description: Designed for Beginner and Intermediate level students who wish to begin or improve their Ceramics’s education by learning about various ceramic materials and methods of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Emphasis will be on exploring the basic throwing principles of forming and finishing cylindrical forms through instructor lead demonstrations.
Materials: Please bring your own pottery tools or purchase a 9 piece ceramics tool kit from Marjon Ceramics Supply prior to class time, an apron and hand towel. Students should expect to spend a minimum of $50.00 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class for $30.00 per 25lbs. bag. Please bring cash.
Prerequisite: Have basic experience in hand building clay construction or wheel throwing, helpful but not necessary.
Duration: 14 weeks
Ages: 18+
Cost: $350.00
Drawing Exercise: Portrait
Date: March 02, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 0/10
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour workshop dedicated to introducing beginners to drawing a human portrait. We will discuss proportion, shading and how to achieve realistic look and catch the person’s character. All materials provided.
Duration: 3 Hours
Prerequisites: No experience required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Intermediate/ Advanced Acrylic Painting 5 weeks (Thunderbird)
Date: March 02, 2026 6:00 pm - March 30, 2026 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 10/12
Description: Landscapes, florals, water scenes, figure work, abstract, still life. Students take their work home each week and bring it back to work on it the following week.
Materials: All materials will be supplied by instructor.
Prerequisite: My beginner painting class, or another beginner painting class
Duration: 5 weeks
Ages: 16+
Cost: $150.00
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird - 4 weeks)
Date: March 03, 2026 6:30 pm - March 24, 2026 8:30 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 8/12
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Great for beginners and intermediates. Step-by-step follow along tutorial to produce a completed painting in 2 hours! Always room to personalize/modify your art piece. Always fun! 4 weeks
Materials: All materials will be provided.
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $85.00
Fun & Easy Acrylic Painting (Thunderbird - 4 weeks)
Date: March 04, 2026 6:30 pm - March 25, 2026 8:30 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 11/12
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: Great for beginners and intermediates. Step-by-step follow along tutorial to produce a completed painting in 2 hours! Always room to personalize/modify your art piece. Always fun! 4 weeks
Materials: All materials will be provided.
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $85.00
Figure Thursday
Date: March 05, 2026 9:30 am - March 26, 2026 12:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 10/10
Description: This is a relaxing class suitable for various skill levels, aimed at those who wish to practice figure drawing want occasional guidance. This course is ideal whether you want to draw independently or seek guidance. Our practice will enhancing your observational skills, improving eye-hand coordination, and improve style. At the start, we will focus on what is essential to draw first, what to prioritize, and what details to add later in the process, different drawing techniques. Then you will have independent practice, pop up challenges(you may or may not want to try) , and tutor available for feedback. We will remind ourselves to be patient and recognize that regular practice is key, understanding that visible progress can often be slow and imperfect, as we are constantly evolving.
Materials: Drawing pad 11 x 14 or bigger, pencils vine charcoal, knead eraser, sand paper fine, white eraser, drawing board optional.
Prerequisite: Guided Figure Drawing Practice
Duration: 4 weeks
Ages: 18+
Cost: $120.00
Drawing Exercise: Perspective
Date: March 09, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 6/10
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour workshop with main goal to introduce students to linear and aerial perspective, as well as shading. To achieve the illusion of space we will do a step-by-step drawing of mostly architectural objects. Important art terms like horizon, vanishing point will be discussed, as well as the difference between one-, two- and three-point perspective.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 1 day
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Getting a Grip on your Digital Camera (Thunderbird)
Date: March 10, 2026 6:00 pm - March 24, 2026 7:30 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 9/9
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Description: If your digital camera has been the bane of your creative expression or you just want to start taking better images, then this class is for you. Bill will help you understand both the creative settings of your camera and show you how to create better images. You are encouraged to bring a camera to class and Bill will help in getting your camera set up for getting the shots you want. This class will also help you get better photos even with your cell phone.
Materials: Should have a camera or cell phone for photos
Prerequisite: None
Duration: 3 weeks
Ages: 16+
Cost: $55.00
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Painting exercises: WATERCOLOR LANDSCAPE
Date: March 16, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 7/10
Description: 3-hour workshop with a step-by-step instruction. We will explore working with watercolors and applying linear and aerial perspective in painting a landscape. All materials provided.
Materials: All materials provided
Prerequisite: No experience required
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50.00
Expressive Painting Studio: Oil and Acrylic (TB 11 weeks)
Date: March 16, 2026 5:30 pm - May 25, 2026 8:30 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 5/6
Description: This open-level painting class is designed for students of all experience levels—from beginners picking up a brush for the first time to advanced painters refining their skills. Working in either oil or acrylic paint, students are free to choose their own subject matter using photos or reference materials that inspire them.
The class emphasizes creative freedom while building strong painting fundamentals. Students will receive individualized guidance on composition, color mixing, brushwork, layering, and developing depth and texture. Beginners will gain confidence through step-by-step support, while more experienced painters will be encouraged to push their style, experiment with techniques, and deepen their personal artistic voice.
This class is ideal for artists who enjoy a relaxed, studio-style environment, value one-on-one feedback, and want the flexibility to paint what they love—whether it’s portraits, landscapes, still life, or abstract work. Come explore, experiment, and grow as a painter at your own pace while being supported and inspired in a creative community.
Materials: Bring a reference photo of what you would like to work on
Prerequisite: No Previous Experience Required
Duration: 11 weeks
Ages: 16+
Cost: $325.00
Painting exercises: DESERT SUNSET
Date: March 23, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 5/10
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: Three-hour acrylic workshop with a focus on the desert sky at sunset. We will discuss and practice all main elements of landscape painting- composition, proportion, linear and aerial perspective, gradation and more. Step-by-step instructions. This workshop is beneficial for all students interested in realistic and impressionistic painting. All materials provided.
Materials: None
Duration: 1 Day
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Please arrive 15 minutes before your class begins.
Oil Portraits
Date: March 24, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 10/10
Description: Have you ever wanted paint from life capture someone soul? This is class for you we will learn a process in oils to capture someone likeness, understand proportions and lighting and color mixing from life to the pallet.
Materials: Supplies termoid mineral spirts, oil painting brushes from small to large, Oil paints variety of colors key colors yellow ocher, 2 types of red, 2 types of blue solid titanium white. canvas board 8x 10 to 18 x24
Prerequisite: none
Duration: 2.75 hours
Ages: 18+
Cost: $50.00
Raising the Bar with your Photography (Thunderbird)
Date: March 26, 2026 6:00 pm - April 16, 2026 8:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 9/9
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Bill Guy (He/Him)
Description: If you have already advance past the Auto Setting on your camera and are looking to be more creative with your images then this class is for you. This 3 week class will help you improve on your photographic vision and work. Knowing the difference between Auto and Priority settings is the first step. Now let's understand how a lens choice can completely change the look of your image. Add to this understanding the rules of composition and when to break them. This course also includes using some basic Lightroom and Photoshop tips to enhance your images. Plus Bill encourages you to bring in your images for review and comment (no ridicule just positive critiques and suggestions) and, with your permission, he will do an edit in real time. You should have a good understanding of your camera for this class.
Topics
Long vs Wide angle
Time of day
Mood vs feeling
Color vs Black and White
What is at the edge of your image
What are the rules of Composition and when to break them
Materials: Camera or Cell Phone
Prerequisite: Should have some basic understanding of your Digital camera and settings
Duration: 4 weeks
Ages: 16+
Cost: $100.00
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Painting exercises: FLOWERS
Date: March 30, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 6/10
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour acrylic workshop with a focus on flowers. Step-by-step instructions. Students will practice composition, scale, color mixing, brushstrokes, and foreshortening. All materials provided.
Materials: None
Duration: 3 hours
Prerequisites: No experience required
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Figure Tuesday
Date: March 31, 2026 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 10/10
Description: Strike a pose this Wednesday. The model will be positioned in a vignette scene to ignite your creativity. You are free to utilize any media and skills you prefer to express the vision you have in mind. Whether you choose to go abstract or remain realistic is entirely your decision. The instructor will remain quiet unless you personally request assistance with your goals. This class is great for students to practice their skills or try a new style with eductor on board give personal sound board for your personal artistic journey.
Materials: Student bring what want
Prerequisite: none
Duration: 4 hours
Ages: 18+
Cost: $55.00
Painting Exercise: CACTI
Date: April 06, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 10/10
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
Instructor: Hristi Wilbur
Description: 3 hour workshop with a focus on cacti in Spring. Step-by-step instruction. We will discuss how to shade with color, color mixing, composition, scale and gradation. This workshop can benefit all students interested in realistic landscape painting. All materials provided.
Materials: No materials required
Duration: 3 hours
Prerequisites: None
Ages: 16+
Cost: $50
Intermediate / Advanced Acrylic Painting 4 weeks (Thunderbird)
Date: April 06, 2026 6:00 pm - April 27, 2026 9:00 pm
Location: Thunderbird Arts Center
Available Slots: 12/12
Description: Landscapes, florals, water scenes, figure work, abstract, still life. Students take their work home each week and bring it back to work on it the following week.
Materials: All materials will be supplied by instructor.
Prerequisite: My beginner painting class, or another beginner painting class
Duration: 4 weeks
Ages: 16+
Cost: $125.00