Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Register student with Purdue's Minor Protection Portal.

If you or your child needs accommodations to participate in this program, please contact Molly Papier, [email protected], at least four weeks prior to activity.

Painting Studio for Grades K–3
Young artists will explore the colorful world of painting in this five-week Saturday studio! Students will learn how to mix colors, create textures, and bring their ideas to life. Guided by Fort Wayne Community Schools art teacher Bonnie Bloom, each class encourages creativity, confidence, and self-expression in a fun, supportive environment. With small class sizes and extended studio time, it's the perfect way for budding artists to spend their Saturday mornings.

Saturdays, dates TBD
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 209
5 sessions | $115
Registration coming!

Painting Studio for Grades 4–8
Take your painting skills to the next level in this five-week Saturday studio designed for young artists who love to create. Students will build a deeper understanding of color theory, composition, brush techniques, and a variety of painting styles while developing their own artistic voice. Guided by Fort Wayne Community Schools art teacher Bonnie Bloom, participants will receive individualized instruction, experiment with new techniques, and create original works in a welcoming studio environment. Small class sizes and extended studio time provide the perfect opportunity to grow as an artist while connecting with peers who share a passion for creativity.

Saturdays, dates TBD
8:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 209
5 sessions | $115
Registration coming!

ChompSaw Creations for Grades 3–5
Led by FWCS art teacher Dawn Dykes, this exciting class introduces young makers to the ChompSaw—a safe, kid-friendly cutting tool designed for creative exploration. Students will learn proper techniques, complete safety training, and become ChompSaw certified before diving into hands-on building. With guidance and plenty of imagination, each student will design, cut, and assemble their own finished project to take home. Perfect for curious creators who love to make things with their hands!
Saturdays, TBD
10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Visual Arts Building 118
4 sessions | $99
Registration coming!

Discovering Creativity with Costume Design for Grades 8-12
Explore your creativity in this 3-hour character creation workshop. Participants will dive into the creativity used in costume design with PFW’s Assistant Professor of Theatre — Costume Design, Austin Rausch. Using a simple card game, fabric swatches, and artistic media like markers and colored pencils, you’ll sketch your own fairy tale-inspired costume. No experience needed—just imagination and a love for storytelling!
Date TBD
Visual Arts Building
1 session | $40
Registration coming!

Mommy & Me Clay Class: Handmade Keepsakes
Create memories that last a lifetime in this special two-session clay class designed for young artists and the important adults in their lives! This fun, hands-on experience is perfect for any caregiver—moms, dads, aunts, grandparents, or family friends—who want to spend meaningful creative time with their kids while making heartfelt gifts for the holidays.

In week one, you’ll learn the basics of wheel throwing together as you create charming keepsakes. Return for week two to glaze your pieces with bright colors and personal touches that make each creation truly one-of-a-kind. Led by talented PFW art majors in our beautiful Visual Arts Building, this class is the perfect blend of creativity, connection, and clay-filled fun. Join us to make art—and memories—you’ll treasure for years to come! Led by the incredible Teagan Koble of teagan.a.art on Instagram. 

Saturdays, TBD
9 - 10:30 a.m.
Visual Arts Building, Room 112-114
2 sessions | $115 for two
Registration coming!

Individual Art Instruction
Our PFW art faculty and art education students will customize lessons to meet your personal interests and goals. Prepare your porfolio for college, learn how to draw portraits or master the Adobe Creative Suite.
Learn more!

Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Register student with Purdue's Minor Protection Portal.

Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Register student with Purdue's Minor Protection Portal.

If you or your child needs accommodations to participate in this program, please contact Molly Papier, 
[email protected], at least two weeks prior to activity to ensure accommodations can be provided.  

Creative Movement for Ages 2–4
Stretch, move, and connect! Looking for a fun way to shake off the weekday routine? Join us Saturday mornings to move your body, explore your the space around you, and express emotions through creative movement. It’s a joyful, no-pressure way to for toddlers to connect—or parents!
Saturdays, Sept. 20 – Nov. 8
8:30 - 9 a.m.
Williams Theatre, Room 113
8 sessions | $89
Registration has closed.

Movement Mix for Grades K–3
Curious about dance? This fun, low-pressure combo class is perfect for boys and girls who want to dip their toe into the world of movement! Students will explore a variety of styles—including ballet, jazz, and modern—while building confidence, coordination, and creativity. It’s a great way to meet new friends from different schools (especially for homeschoolers!), and the class wraps up with a final recital to celebrate all they’ve learned.
Saturdays, Sept. 20 – Nov. 8
9 - 9:45 a.m.
Williams Theatre, Room 113
8 sessions | $99
Registration has closed.

Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Register student with Purdue's Minor Protection Portal.

Have an older child interested in dance?
Contact Molly Papier at [email protected] to discuss options.

Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Register student with Purdue's Minor Protection Portal.

If you or your child needs accommodations to participate in this program, please contact Molly Papier, [email protected], at least four weeks prior to activity.

Dramagination for Grades K-3
Learn theatre basics from Gloria Minnich on a real stage! Students use their imagination to create, act out, and direct stories. Class culminates with a live performance.
Saturdays, Sept. 19 – Nov. 7
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $115
Registration coming!

Youth Drama for Grades 4-8
Learn theatre essentials and how to work together with your fellow actors on a real stage! Actor and instructor Gloria Minnich creates a script based on the classes interest which is performed at the final class.
Saturdays, Sept. 19 – Nov. 7
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $115
Registration coming!

Theatre Masters for Grades 8-12
Gain confidence in your acting abilities and character and scene development from actor-instructor Gloria Minnich. Master audition techniques and exercises using industry-standard practices. Class culminates in a live performance.
Saturdays, Sept. 26 – Nov. 14.
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $115
Registration coming!

Discovering Creativity with Costume Design for Grades 8-12
Explore your creativity in this 3-hour character creation workshop. Participants will dive into the creativity used in costume design with PFW’s Assistant Professor of Theatre — Costume Design, Austin Rausch. Using a simple card game, fabric swatches, and artistic media like markers and colored pencils, you’ll sketch your own fairy tale-inspired costume. No experience needed—just imagination and a love for storytelling!
Saturday, TBD
2:30 -5:30 p.m.
Visual Arts Building
1 session | $40
Registration coming!

Improv Workshop for Grades 8-12
Join actor-instructor Gloria Minnich in this 2 hour workshop designed to develop creativity, confidence, and quick thinking. Improv exercises and games encourage students to think on their feet, collaborate, and express themselves without fear of failure.
Saturday, TBD
1 - 3 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
1 session | $35
Registration coming!

Individualized Audition Preparation
Theatre veterans Gloria Minnich and Kate Black will fine tune your techniques ensuring you get the part. Contact instructors for times and rates. 
Learn more!

Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Register student with Purdue's Minor Protection Portal.

Individual Art, Drama, Instrumental and Voice Instruction
The Community Arts Academy has been providing music instruction to children and adults for decades. All music lessons take place on the campus of Purdue Fort Wayne in the Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center, a state-of-the-art music facility with teaching studios, rehearsal spaces, and practice rooms that are acoustically calibrated. 

In 2023, we launched individual art and drama instruction. Our teachers are experts in their fields—performing, exhibiting and teaching their crafts. Build up your skills in painting and drawing, learn the Adobe Creative Suite, or prepare for an audition. Learn more about our expert CAA instructors.

The Community Arts Academy is northeast Indiana's resource for visual and performing arts. Are you an expert in a visual or performing art? Do you have a skill that you'd like to share with a group through a class or with an individual through the PFW Community Arts Academy? Contact Molly Papier at [email protected] to discuss sharing your talent.

Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Register student with Purdue's Minor Protection Portal.

If you or your child needs accommodations to participate in this program, please contact Molly Papier, [email protected], at least 2 weeks prior to activity to ensure accommodations can be provided.  

Sign-a-long Jam Class with Bobcat Opossum for Adults
Sing-a-long jam class invites anyone with a voice to bring songs they would like to sing or learn!
Similar to a drum circle, everyone who attends participates and contributes ideas without having to lead or organize. Bobcat Opossum's Sean Hoffman and Ellen Coplin will bring the group together, lead the class, and assist or answer questions for those who may need it. 
Class attendees will not be required to bring an instrument—coming to just sing is dandy! However, this is a great opportunity to bring that dusty guitar, uke, harmonica, bongo or tambourine and have fun learning parts to play with a group! Lyric sheets and chord charts will be provided by Sean and Ellen. 

Coming Soon!
Purdue Music Center

Email Molly Papier for more information—[email protected].

GarageBand Workshop for Grades 6–8 - Coming Soon!
Work with PFW’s Commercial Music faculty to learn GarageBand. Record and mix your own music, and walk away with a finished track or custom ringtone. Perfect for young music lovers ready to explore digital audio production. Email Molly Papier for more information—[email protected].

Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Register student with Purdue's Minor Protection Portal.

If you or your child needs accommodations to participate in this program, please contact Molly Papier, 
[email protected], at least 2 weeks prior to activity to ensure accommodations can be provided.