YOUTH ART

Phoenix Center for the Arts offers visual arts classes for youth, age 6 to 18. Students will be able to grow their artistic skills in a variety of classes. Art classes are available for youth at both the Downtown and North Phoenix campuses. Oil painting, pencil drawing, anime and manga drawing, and more are available throughout the year.

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 frontdesk@phoenixcenterforthearts.org to speak to a Patron Services Associate.

Prior to arriving for in-person classes, students are required to digitally sign our Student Agreement.

 
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Anime and Manga Style Drawing (13-16)

Anime and Manga Style Drawing (13-16)

Date: January 05, 2026 7:30 pm - March 09, 2026 8:30 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Registration is requested at least two days prior to the start of class. Students or Guardians must bring ID to first class.

Instructor: Damon Begay (He/Him)

Description: Unleash your inner manga artist! Learn to create dynamic and expressive characters with our hands-on studio class. Dive deep into manga production, color palettes, and drawing techniques. By the end of the class, each student will have their own portfolio full of manga pages. You’ll meet other students who are massive anime and manga fans as well.

Materials: Their favorite pencil and manga

Duration: 8 weeks

Prerequisites: None

Ages: 13-16

Cost: $55.00 (ESA Accepted!)

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Anime and Manga Drawing 11-13

Anime and Manga Drawing 11-13

Date: January 05, 2026 6:15 pm - March 09, 2026 7:15 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Instructor: Damon Begay [He/Him}

Description: Create a Manga by writing and designing characters. Learn to create dynamic and expressive characters with our hands-on studio class. Dive deep into manga production, color palettes, and drawing techniques. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you'll leave this class with the confidence to bring your manga creations to life. By the end of the class, each student will have their own collected manga to share with friends and family to read. Students will be able to practice story by writing and drawing.

Materials: Their favorite pencil and manga.

Prerequisite: None

Duration: 10 weeks

Ages: 11-13

Cost: $140.00

Crafts and fairy tales (Thunderbird)

Crafts and fairy tales (Thunderbird)

Date: January 06, 2026 4:00 pm - February 03, 2026 5:30 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 10/10

Instructor: Amber Wanielista

Description: Let's dive into the world of mixed media and craft our very own fairy tales and characters. We will start by reading a passage from a fairy tale, and then we'll unleash our creativity to invent unique characters and scenes using mixed media. Finally, we'll free write down our stories to share with everyone. Kids will leave with valuable experience in expressing their ideas and nurturing their imagination.

Materials: None

Prerequisite: None

Duration: 5 weeks

Ages: 8-10

Cost: $85.00

Comics and Manga Production Fundamentals (Group One) Thunderbird

Comics and Manga Production Fundamentals (Group One) Thunderbird

Date: January 10, 2026 11:00 am - March 14, 2026 1:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 12/12

Instructor: Alexander Neish

Description: This class is intended for kids who dream of becoming like the great authors of worldwide comics and manga outside of their standard school curriculum. Within this course, students will learn the history of sequential arts in both the West and East, the process of producing an individual and collaborative book, and how to present and pitch their story to a potential publisher. This course encourages students not only to grow as artists but to grow connections for those who share their passion and dreams to make a mark in the world of entertainment and explore new possibilities in storytelling.

Materials: Standard materials for comic and manga production will be provided to the students, along with reference materials to study in-class at their leisure, though it is recommended that students bring additional production and reference materials for supplementary production skills they may wish to learn.

Prerequisite: Elementary Drawing Skills, Attentiveness, Scheduling, Work Ethic, (Optional) Knowledge of Japanese Language

Duration: 10 weeks

Ages: 6-12

Cost: $145.00

Comics and Manga Production Fundamentals (Group Two) Thunderbird

Comics and Manga Production Fundamentals (Group Two) Thunderbird

Date: January 10, 2026 1:00 pm - March 14, 2026 3:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 12/12

Instructor: Alexander Neish

Description: This class is intended for kids who dream of becoming like the great authors of worldwide comics and manga outside of their standard school curriculum. Within this course, students will learn the history of sequential arts in both the West and East, the process of producing an individual and collaborative book, and how to present and pitch their story to a potential publisher. This course encourages students not only to grow as artists but to grow connections for those who share their passion and dreams to make a mark in the world of entertainment and explore new possibilities in storytelling.

Materials: Standard materials for comic and manga production will be provided to the students, along with reference materials to study in-class at their leisure, though it is recommended that students bring additional production and reference materials for supplementary production skills they may wish to learn.

Prerequisite: Elementary Drawing Skills, Attentiveness, Scheduling, Work Ethic, (Optional) Knowledge of Japanese Language

Duration: 10 weeks

Ages: 13-16

Cost: $145.00

Advance Anime and Manga Drawing 13-18

Advance Anime and Manga Drawing 13-18

Date: January 10, 2026 11:15 am - May 30, 2026 1:15 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Instructor: Damon Begay [he/him]

Description: Every student is expected to know how to draw sequential art and have an understanding of anatomy and perspective drawing. As a class we will dive into the advanced lessons of manga tropes, character designs and page layouts. We'll go through the manga creation step by step by making our own class anthology manga.

Materials: Your favorite pencil and manga

Prerequisite: A good grasp on anatomy and perspective

Duration: 21 weeks

Ages: 13-18

Cost: $300.00

 Comics and Manga Production Fundamentals (Group Three)  Thunderbird

Comics and Manga Production Fundamentals (Group Three) Thunderbird

Date: January 11, 2026 11:00 am - March 15, 2026 1:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 12/12

Instructor: Alexander Neish

Description: This class is intended for kids who dream of becoming like the great authors of worldwide comics and manga outside of their standard school curriculum. Within this course, students will learn the history of sequential arts in both the West and East, the process of producing an individual and collaborative book, and how to present and pitch their story to a potential publisher. This course encourages students not only to grow as artists but to grow connections for those who share their passion and dreams to make a mark in the world of entertainment and explore new possibilities in storytelling.

Materials: Standard materials for comic and manga production will be provided to the students, along with reference materials to study in-class at their leisure, though it is recommended that students bring additional production and reference materials for supplementary production skills they may wish to learn.

Prerequisite:  Elementary Drawing Skills, Attentiveness, Scheduling, Work Ethic, (Optional) Knowledge of Japanese Language

Duration: 10 weeks

Ages: 13-18

Cost: $145.00

Youth Abstract Art (14 weeks)

Youth Abstract Art (14 weeks)

Date: January 12, 2026 4:30 pm - April 27, 2026 5:45 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Instructor: Brianna Wolfgang

Description: This class is all about creativity, freedom, and fun! Young artists will explore the colorful world of abstract art, learning how to express their unique ideas and emotions through shapes, colors and textures. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers here - just the joy of creating. Students will be encouraged to experiment with different techniques and materials, allowing their imagination to guide them. The focus of the class is on self-expression, building confidence and discovering the excitement of making art that is unique as they are!

Materials: Materials will be provided.

Prerequisite: None.

Duration: 14 weeks

Days Off: MLKJ Day, President's day

Ages: 6-12

Cost: $125.00

Youth Abstract Art (16 weeks)

Youth Abstract Art (16 weeks)

Date: January 13, 2026 5:00 pm - April 28, 2026 6:30 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 7/9

Instructor: Brianna Wolfgang
 
Description: This class is all about creativity, freedom, and fun! Young artists will explore the colorful world of abstract art, learning how to express their unique ideas and emotions through shapes, colors and textures. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers here - just the joy of creating. Students will be encouraged to experiment with different techniques and materials, allowing their imagination to guide them. The focus of the class is on self-expression, building confidence and discovering the excitement of making art that is unique as they are!

Materials: Materials will be provided

Prerequisite: None

Duration: 16 weeks

Ages: 6-12

Cost: $170.00

Youth Abstract Art (16 weeks)

Youth Abstract Art (16 weeks)

Date: January 14, 2026 4:30 pm - April 29, 2026 5:45 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Instructor: Brianna Wolfgang
 
Description: This class is all about creativity, freedom, and fun! Young artists will explore the colorful world of abstract art, learning how to express their unique ideas and emotions through shapes, colors and textures. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers here - just the joy of creating. Students will be encouraged to experiment with different techniques and materials, allowing their imagination to guide them. The focus of the class is on self-expression, building confidence and discovering the excitement of making art that is unique as they are!

Materials: Materials will be provided

Prerequisite: None

Duration: 16 weeks

Ages: 6-12

Cost: $170.00

Youth Ceramics

Date: January 15, 2026 5:00 pm - February 05, 2026 7:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 4/6

Instructor: Marti Skloven & Liz Behnke

Description: This is a class for children from the ages of 8-13 years old. This 4 week class will be an introductory class for kids to work on fun handbuilding clay projects. All materials and tools will be provided for use during the classes.

Materials: Clay, Glazes, Firings and Tools will be provided for students use

Prerequisite: NO experience required

Duration: 4 weeks

Ages: 8-13

Cost: $150.00

Fairy tales and crafts (Thunderbird)

Fairy tales and crafts (Thunderbird)

Date: January 27, 2026 4:00 pm - February 24, 2026 5:30 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 10/10

Instructor: Amber Wanielista

Description: Let's make are own fairy tales. Each class we will read a part of enchanting fairy tale then free write with no grammar police and create our own with mix media of items.Then if time permits share are creations and ideas with the class. This class is to build confidence and joying creating and story telling.

Materials: none

Prerequisite: none

Duration: 5 weeks

Ages: 6-7

Cost: $85.00

Youth Ceramics

Date: February 26, 2026 5:00 pm - March 19, 2026 7:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 6/6

Instructor: Marti Skloven & Liz Behnke

Description: This is a class for children from the ages of 8-13 years old. This 4 week class will be an introductory class for kids to work on fun handbuilding clay projects. All materials and tools will be provided for use during the classes.

Materials: Clay, Glazes, Firings and Tools will be provided for students use

Prerequisite: NO experience required

Duration: 4 weeks

Ages: 8-13

Cost: $150.00

Anime and Manga Style Drawing (11-13)

Anime and Manga Style Drawing (11-13)

Date: March 23, 2026 6:15 pm - May 18, 2026 7:15 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Registration is requested at least two days prior to the start of class. Students or Guardians must bring ID to first class.
 
Instructor: Damon Begay (He/Him)

Description: Unleash your inner manga artist! Learn to create dynamic and expressive characters with our hands-on studio class. Dive deep into manga production, color palettes, and drawing techniques. By the end of the class, each student will have their own portfolio full of manga pages. You’ll meet other students who are massive anime and manga fans as well.

Materials: Your favorite pencil and manga

Duration: 9 weeks

Prerequisites: None

Ages: 11-13

Cost: $65.00 (ESA Accepted!)

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Anime and Manga Drawing 13-18

Date: March 23, 2026 7:30 pm - May 18, 2026 8:30 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Instructor: Damon Begay [he/him]

Description: Unleash your inner manga artist! Learn to create dynamic and expressive characters with our hands-on studio class. Dive deep into manga production, color palettes, and drawing techniques. By the end of the class, each student will have their own portfolio full of manga pages. You’ll meet other students who are massive anime and manga fans as well.

Materials: Your favorite pencil and manga

Prerequisite: None

Duration: 9 weeks

Ages: 13-18

Cost: $125.00

Anime and Manga 11-13

Anime and Manga 11-13

Date: March 25, 2026 6:15 pm - May 27, 2026 7:15 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Registration is requested at least two days prior to the start of class.

Instructor: Damon Begay [he/him]

Description: Unleash your inner manga artist! Learn to create dynamic and expressive characters with our hands-on studio class. Dive deep into manga production, color palettes, and drawing techniques. By the end of the class, each student will have their own portfolio full of manga pages. You’ll meet other students who are massive anime and manga fans as well.

Materials: Your favorite pencil and manga

Duration: 10 weeks

Prerequisites: None

Ages: 11-13

Cost: $140.00

Arrival Time: Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of class.

Anime and Manga Drawing 13-18

Date: March 25, 2026 7:30 pm - May 27, 2026 8:30 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/9

Instructor: Damon Begay [he/him]

Description: Unleash your inner manga artist! Learn to create dynamic and expressive characters with our hands-on studio class. Dive deep into manga production, color palettes, and drawing techniques. By the end of the class, each student will have their own portfolio full of manga pages. You’ll meet other students who are massive anime and manga fans as well.

Materials: Your favorite pencil and manga

Prerequisite: None

Duration: 10 weeks

Ages: 13-18

Cost: $140.00

Youth Ceramics

Date: April 09, 2026 5:00 pm - April 30, 2026 7:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 6/6

Instructor: Marti Skloven & Liz Behnke

Description: This is a class for children from the ages of 8-13 years old. This 4 week class will be an introductory class for kids to work on fun handbuilding clay projects. All materials and tools will be provided for use during the classes.

Materials: Clay, Glazes, Firings and Tools will be provided for students use

Prerequisite: NO experience required

Duration: 4 weeks

Ages: 8-13

Cost: $150.00