Somewhere between paying bills, answering emails, and pretending to understand the latest iPhone update, adults forgot how to play. Apparently, a Scottsdale studio has decided it’s time for a creative intervention.
At Children’s Art Classes North Scottsdale, the grown-ups are staging a colorful takeover. The studio is expanding its adult fine art program with new evening classes, Friday sessions, and private painting and clay parties.
And despite the name, there won’t be any toddlers stealing the good markers.
“I love seeing someone who hasn’t drawn anything in years look at what they’ve made and get so excited about it,” says owner Sheila Gallegos. “We want people to come in, have fun, learn something new and not worry about getting everything perfect. You might surprise yourself.”
Imagine that. An activity without deadlines, expectations, or anyone keeping score. Just the satisfaction of making something yourself.
Forget Paint-and-Sip. This Is Art With Actual Ambition.
While a typical paint-and-sip outing might produce nearly identical sunsets, Children’s Art Classes has something more ambitious in mind: teaching adults how to actually make art. Its Adult Art 1 program offers small classes, professional materials, and personalized instruction.
Students explore line, shading, texture, and value before advancing to color theory and design. Projects include ebony pencil portraits, charcoal still-life studies, India ink, and scratchboard illustrations.
Beginners are welcome, along with former art enthusiasts whose creativity got buried beneath careers, families, and unfinished household projects. No artistic pedigree required. And nobody needs to explain why their self-portrait looks suspiciously like a potato.
Your Brain Might Appreciate the Break, Too.
There’s another reason to dust off those creative instincts, and this one comes with research.
A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Public Health examined 7,182 adults in England and found that arts-and-crafts participation was associated with greater happiness, life satisfaction, and a stronger sense that life was worthwhile.
The findings don’t prove that making art causes happiness, but they suggest creativity offers something beyond a finished project. For adults accustomed to juggling responsibilities, there’s something liberating about concentrating on shading a portrait instead of solving everyone else’s problems.
A Different Kind of Happy Hour. More Clay, Less Cabernet.
Not everyone dreams of becoming the next Picasso. Some people just want to laugh with friends and leave with something more interesting than a restaurant receipt. The studio’s private painting and clay parties offer two hours of exclusive studio time, guided projects, professional instruction, and all supplies included. Think bachelorette celebrations, family gatherings, holiday parties, and corporate team-building events.
Because nothing says workplace bonding quite like watching the accounting department discover its flair for sculpture.
“There’s something about making art together that gets people talking and laughing,” Gallegos says. “Everyone puts their own spin on the project, and it’s fun seeing those different personalities come through. Plus, everyone gets to take home something they made.”
Maybe the masterpiece won’t end up in a museum. Maybe the pottery comes out crooked. Who cares? Adulthood comes with enough rules. Coloring inside the lines shouldn’t be one of them.
Insider Takeaways
- Adults Get Their Own Art Class: Wednesday and Thursday evening sessions run from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., with Friday classes at 1:30 and 2:45 p.m.
- Real Skills, Not Just Pretty Pictures: Students explore drawing, shading, charcoal, India ink, and color theory.
- Beginners, You’re Invited: Open enrollment means no waiting for a new session. No experience required.
- Parties With Personality: Private painting and clay events include two hours of instruction, supplies, and exclusive studio time.
- Creativity Has Perks: Research links arts-and-crafts participation with greater happiness and life satisfaction.
Children’s Art Classes North Scottsdale is located at 10701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 107, Scottsdale. For registration, pricing, and private parties, visit az-nscottsdale.childrensartclasses.com, call 602-649-5565, or email sheilag@childrensartclasses.com.
