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

Exploring Art in Every Dimension for Grades K–3
Explore nature through art! Join us for six Saturdays of painting and drawing inspired by the natural world. Students in grades K–3 will head outdoors and create works inspired by the beauty around them. With smaller class sizes and longer studio time, young artists will enjoy a more personalized and enriching experience. 
Saturdays, Oct. 4 - Nov. 8
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 209
6 sessions | $125
Registration coming!

Saturday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. 
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
1 session | Adults $10, Students $8*
Join us at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art for a guided tour featuring beautiful works inspired by nature.
*Purchase tickets at FWMoA

Exploring Art in Every Dimension for Grades 4–8
In this six-week Saturday course, students in grades 4–8 will step outside the classroom and into nature to observe, interpret, and express the world around them through drawing and painting. As they work side by side, students will make new friends and sharpen their observation skills. With smaller class sizes and extended studio time, young artists will enjoy a more focused, supportive environment where they can grow creatively and connect with others who share their interests.
Saturdays, Oct. 4 - Nov. 8
8:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 209
6 sessions | $125
Registration coming!

Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. 
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
1 session | Adults $10, Students $8*
Join us at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art for a guided tour featuring beautiful works inspired by nature.
*Purchase tickets at FWMoA

Mommy* and Me Clay Class — Holiday Edition
A class where the whole family creates—join your child to create hand built or wheel thrown pieces that will be glazed and ready for gift giving in December. Led by the incredible Teagan Koble of teagan.a.art on Instagram.
Saturdays, Nov. 1 & 8
9 - 11 a.m.
Visual Arts Building, Room 112-114
2 sessions | $115 for two
Registration coming!

*All caregivers are welcome—dads, uncles, grandparents, and babysitters.

Wood Box Building Workshop for Grades 4–8
Design, construct, and decorate wooden boxes to hold flowers, plants or knick knacks. Master measuring and marking wood, hammering nails, and using a screwdriver to assemble a project. Personalize the exterior of the box to use as a keepsake or a gift for a loved one.
Wednesdays, Nov. 5 - Nov. 26
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 209
4 sessions | $115
Registration coming!

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

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!

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.  

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.  

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 Coming!

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 Coming!

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.

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. 

Coming soon!
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].

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.  

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. 20 - Nov. 8
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. 20 - Nov. 8
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. 20 - Nov. 15* 
*No class Oct. 25
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $115
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, Nov. 22
1 - 3 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
1 session | $35
Registration coming!

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

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!

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.