community Arts Academy

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.  

Eco Art Adventures: Fun with Recycled Materials (Grades K–3)
Join us for five Saturdays of creative exploration! Students in grades K–3 will experiment with a variety of media to create unique, finished works of art using recycled and repurposed materials. With smaller class sizes and extended studio time, young artists will enjoy a more personalized, hands-on experience that encourages imagination and discovery.

On February 14, students will meet renowned recycled art sculptor Sayaka Ganz, who breathes new life into discarded materials, transforming them into expressive and inspiring works of art. She’ll share her creative process and discuss one of her pieces currently on permanent display in the PFW Visual Arts Building.
Saturdays, Jan. 31–Feb. 28
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 209
5 sessions | $115
Register now!

Eco Art Adventures: Fun with Recycled Materials (Grades 4–8)
Connect, create, and collaborate with other young artists who love to make things! Over five Saturdays, students in grades 4–8 will explore recycled and repurposed materials, using a variety of media to design and complete original works of art. This class offers both a social and creative experience—where imagination meets community.

With smaller class sizes and extended studio time, students will enjoy a supportive environment that encourages experimentation and artistic growth. On February 14, they’ll meet renowned recycled art sculptor Sayaka Ganz, who transforms discarded materials into expressive, nature-inspired forms. She’ll share insights into her creative process and discuss one of her works currently on permanent display in the PFW Visual Arts Building.
Saturdays, Jan. 31–Feb. 28
8:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 209
5 sessions | $115
Register now!

Let’s Get Messy: A Valentine’s Clay Date (18 years+)
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a creative date night that’s anything but ordinary! In this special two-part couples class, you and your partner will learn the basics of throwing on the pottery wheel as you create matching (or delightfully mismatched!) pieces together. Enjoy a fun, hands-on experience full of laughter, learning, and a little clay-splatter romance.
Return the following week to glaze your creations with beautiful colors and finishes—perfect keepsakes to remember your Valentine’s adventure. No experience needed; just bring your favorite person and get ready to make something memorable! Led by the incredible Teagan Koble of teagan.a.art on Instagram. 
Saturdays, Feb. 14 & 21
9 - 10:30 a.m.
Visual Arts Building, Room 112-114
2 sessions | $115 for two
Registration now!

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 Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. 

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, April 26 & May 3
9 - 10:30 a.m.
Visual Arts Building, Room 112-114
2 sessions | $115 for two
Registration now!

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, March 7
2:30 -5:30 p.m.
Visual Arts Building
1 session | $40
Registration coming! Email [email protected] if you'd like to join this class.

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, April 11–May 2
10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Visual Arts Building 118
4 sessions | $99
Registration coming! Email [email protected] if you'd like to join this class.
 

Daddy* & Me Birdhouse Workshop
Build memories that last—one birdhouse at a time! Dads and kids team up to design and construct their own wooden birdhouse in this hands-on class. Put your STEM skills to work, use real tools—not tech—and enjoy a creative project you’ll both be proud of. A perfect way to connect, collaborate, and take home something special! 
 *All caregivers are welcome!
2026 dates and time coming! 
Registration coming! Email [email protected] if you'd like to join this class.

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 two weeks prior to activity to ensure accommodations can be provided.  

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, Jan. 31 - March 21
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $115
Register now!

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, Jan. 31 - March 21
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $115
Register now!

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, Jan. 24 - March 14
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $115
Register now!

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, March 7
2:30 -5:30 p.m.
Visual Arts Building
1 session | $40
Registration coming! Email [email protected] if you'd like to join this class.

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, April 18
1 - 3 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
1 session | $35
Register now!

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. Bobcatopossum'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. 

Wednesdays, April 22, 29 and May 6, Tuesday, May 12
Purdue Music Center Room 122
4 sessions | $40
1 session drop in | $12

Registration is a two-step process: 
1. Pay for class. 2. Sign releases to participate in an activity on campus. 

Daddy* & Me Ukulele Class - Coming Soon!
There really is something magical about the ukulele—it is almost impossible to play one without smiling or at least feeling a sense of peace and calm. This is a beginners kickstart class for parent and child. Join us with your child for time away from screens. Learn to play ukulele—together! 
*Ages 8 and up with any caregiver!

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.