community Arts Academy

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

Exploring Art in Every Dimension for Grades K–3
Clay Animals
Kids who have developed a passion for art will love this 90-minute art studio focusing on ceramics. Our smaller class sizes allow time for more in depth exploration of a variety of media. Students will dive into hand building sculpture out of clay. Each finished, glazed piece documents a moment in their artistic lives.
Saturdays, Jan. 25-Feb. 15
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 118
4 sessions | $115
Register now!
 
Exploring Art in Every Dimension for Grades 4–8
Clay Animals
Not enough art in your child's regular school schedule? Add two fun-filled, creative hours of ceramics to their week while also giving your artist an opportunity to meet like-minded kids. In this class, students will explore hand-building techniques to create one-of-a-kind pottery pieces that they can keep forever.
Saturdays, Jan. 25-Feb. 15
8:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Visual Arts Building Room 118
4 sessions | $125
Register now!

NEW! Wood Birdhouse Workshop for Grades 2–7
Design, construct, and decorate a wooden box to hold flowers, plants, or other beautiful things. 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. 
Saturdays, March 8-29
9 - 10:30 a.m.
Visual Arts Building, Room 209
4 sessions | $109
Register now!

Mommy* and Me Clay Class — Valentine's Edition
Finally—a class where the whole family creates. Join to create hand built or wheel thrown pieces that will be glazed and ready for your sweetheart by Valentine's Day!
Dates coming!
Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8
9-11 a.m.
Visual Arts Building, Room 112-114
2 sessions | $125 for two
Registration coming!

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

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!

Making Music with GarageBand for Grades 6-8 
Learn the basics of Apple’s GarageBand to produce original music. Using loops, smart drummers, microphones, and software instruments, each student will create a unique piece of music. Purdue Fort Wayne assistant professor of music recording Ryan Tilby will introduce the class to basic mixing techniques such as EQ, reverb, delay, and compression. Walk away with a finished song or ringtone!
Saturday, Nov. 9
1-4 p.m.
Music Center Room 228
1 session | $35
Registration has closed.

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.

Creative Movement for Ages 2–4
Move your body and explore the space around you! Learn different ways to express feelings and emotions through movement. Great way to bring friends and parents together on a Saturday morning!
Saturdays, Jan. 25 – March 15, 2025
8:30 - 9 a.m.
Williams Theatre, Room 113
8 sessions | $89
Register now!

Movement Mix for Grades K–3
A combo class for kids who are new to dance or just need a little variety! Explore ballet, jazz, and modern dance components. Bring together kids who do not attend the same school—perfect for home schoolers! Class culminates in a final recital.
Saturdays, Jan. 25 – March 15, 2025
9 - 9:45 a.m.
Williams Theatre, Room 113
8 sessions | $99
Register now!

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 Bobcatopossum
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, Feb. 5 - 26
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Purdue Music Center Room 122
4 sessions | $40
1 session drop in | $12
Register now!

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.

Improv Workshop for Grades 8-12
Unlock the text and put fun and energy into Shakespeare! Students will use the same techniques as the Royal Shakespeare Company in England to get the story to the stage. Gloria Minnich has studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company over the course of several years and has learned techniques that help take the fear out of learning Shakespeare.
Saturday, Nov. 23 | 1–3 p.m. 
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
Register now!

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, Feb. 1 - March 22
9:45 a.m. -10:45 a.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $109
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, Feb. 1 - March 22
10:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $109
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. 25- March 15
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Kettler Hall, Studio Theatre, Room G32
8 sessions | $109
Register now!

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.