For more than 18 years, Art Rocks Teens (A.R.T.) has provided FREE art and music classes for 13-18 year-olds  three days a week, after school and all summer long. The program even includes a FREE Rock & Roll Camp that brings indie musicians from some of the Northwest’s most notable bands to work with teens to create their own music and perform it on Main Street.

We work hard to provide a safe and creative space for teens to spend their time – and enjoy some snacks! The Teen Art Council is a dedicated group of volunteers ages 13- 18 who brainstorm, plan classes, and sometimes even teach.

While we offer A.R.T. classes and Rock & Roll Camp free of charge, it’s an expensive program that depends on your support. There are many ways to help: Give your time by volunteering during an event, give your gently used musical instruments to the cause, or give a monetary donation to help leverage the funds we ask businesses and foundations for. Our teen programs are made possible through the support of the Oregon Arts Commission, the Roundhouse Foundation, PGE Foundation, Union Pacific Foundation, and our members. 

Download the permission form here:
A.R.T. Parent Permission Form ENGLISH
A.R.T. Parent Permission Form ESPAÑOL

 

Current Schedule – FREE for teens 13-18!
If you’re 16-18, check the Adult Class Schedule – you may take any of those offerings FREE as well! Just print the parent permission form to submit at PCA and use the code ARTROCKS when checking out.

ART TEENS:

 

TEEN CLAY
with Brian Purnell
TUESDAYS, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
*Look for New Dates Fall Term 2025!

Ongoing, join anytime, but register below. Step into the third dimension with this class that will bring some depth into your world. Learn how to sculpt, build, and construct clay in the PCA’s Alice Fossatti Ceramics Studio under the watchful eye of an expert. Absolutely no experience working with clay is necessary. Beginners and returning

 

TEEN JUNK JOURNAL
with Chantell Reid
TUESDAYS, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
June 3 & 10, 2025 (Two Sessions)

Using good old fashioned brown paper lunch bags, you’ll fold and crease your way into creating your own mini book with pocket sleeves; perfect for storing notes, stickers, and lightweight keepsakes and memories. We’ll provide washi tape, paint, stamps and collage options to personalize your mini paper bag book. This is a fun project, perfect for all skill levels. 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY
with Yasser Marte
FRIDAYS, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
June 13, 2025 – August 1, 2025 (Seven Sessions)
*No Class on July 4th

We are thrilled to have Yasser Marte, photographer at the East Oregonian, join us for another round of an in-depth photography class. You’ll learn everything you need to know to take spectacular pictures under the watchful eye of an experienced photographer. We’ll look at work by iconic classic and contemporary photographers, including urban landscape, portraits and objects, and delve into exposure, shutter speed, lines, perspective, shadows and so much more. We will not be using cellphones; please bring your own camera or feel free to borrow one from the PCA.
This class is being offered to both teens and adults.

TEEN WHEEL-THROWING
with Amy Jermain
TUESDAY, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
July 15, 2025 – July 29, 2025 (Six Sessions)
*No Class on July 8, 2025 

Whether you’re totally new to wheel throwing or have some experience working in the realm of clay, join Amy as she teaches you the beginning basics of wheel throwing and what this form of art entails in order to create custom clay pieces. Please register for this class- seating is very limited. Please wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and closed toed shoes is a must! 

 

TEEN VOLUNTEER CLUB
with Kate Brizendine
THURSDAYS, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
June 19, 2025 – August 7, 2025 (Eight Sessions) 

Regardless of if you enjoy volunteering or if you need volunteer hours (for an application, sport, resume, etc.,) all teens are welcome to participate in our Volunteer Club. This is a weekly meetup; you can pop in anytime between 4:00 and 5:00. You’ll be invited to help out around the building, doing an array of different tasks that help keep the PCA in tip-top shape for our community. Give yourself a boost of confidence knowing that you’re giving back and have fun while doing it! 

TEEN CONNECTION
with PCA Staff
Third Saturday in June, July, & August
12:00 – 1:00 PM (One Session per Month)

We’re letting teens take the lead when it comes to teaching! Join us on the third Saturday of every month during the Summer term for rotating teen artists who want to share their passion for creating. This is a free class designed to inspire and encourage young teaching artists to get comfortable leading classrooms in their artistic endeavors. Come create and walk away with a piece of art made by you while supporting local teens! If YOU are a teen and have an interest in teaching a class for this series, please email classes@pendletonarts.org.  

 

MINIATURE PAINTINGS
With Peter Bryan
SATURDAY, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
June 21, 2025 or August 9, 2025
*Same Class, Different Dates! Pick the one that works best for you. 

Support one of our favorite teaching artists by joining Peter Bryan as he guides you through the process of painting on mini-canvases using a variety of mediums. Peter uses bursts of colors and textures to explore the many possibilities of his style of art. Each student will be provided with four mini-canvases to create the perfect set of personal paintings. This class is being offered free of charge- all levels are welcome.
This class is being offered to both teens and adults.

 

TEEN BEGINNING NEEDLE-FELTING
with Chantell Reid
TUESDAY, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
July 15 & 22, 2025 (Two Sessions)

Create small creatures, miniatures, and personal creations! Chantell will guide you through the process of learning to needle-felt. Each student will be provided with their own kit to take home, complete with a needle and selected wool of your choosing for future projects.

 

ECO-PRINTING
with Heidi Veldhuis
SATURDAY, 12:00 – 3:00 PM
August 2, 2025 (One Session) 

Capture the beauty of nature in this Eco-Printing workshop. Heidi will teach you how to create patterns & colors on fabric using sustainable materials such as flowers, leaves, and plants. Each student will be given their own bandana to explore the different arrays of approaches when it comes to this eco-friendly form of art. 

This class is being offered to both teens and adults.

EPIC TEEN JUNK JOURNAL & CRAFT CAMP
with Chantell Reid & PCA Staff
TUESDAY through FRIDAY 1:00 – 3:00 PM
August 5th to the 8th (Four Sessions)

Similar to our other junk journal class, this one will be similar, but instead students will use BIG paper bags, to create even bigger junk journals! We’ll also have an array of different art projects to choose from to accommodate everyone’s artistic needs and styles. If you’re looking to create and connect, this is the class for you. 

BALLROOM DANCING
with Audrey Tribble
THURSDAYS, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
June 19 – August 7, 2025 (Eight Sessions)

Join Audrey as she guides students through an in-depth introduction into two styles of Ballroom Dance. You’ll begin with the Cha-Cha and move into the basics of the American Foxtrot. Both of these dances require excitement and a passion to learn! Students are asked to wear comfortable clothing and good tennis shoes for movement. All skill-levels of dancers are welcome. 

This class is being offered to both teens and adults.

TEEN ACOUSTIC BEGINNING GUITAR
with Jerod Short
TUESDAYS, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
July 1 – August 5, 2025 (Six Sessions)

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to play the guitar, now is the time! Join Jerod as he teaches you basic strumming styles and techniques. Whether you’re wanting to prep for Rock and Roll camp or simply learn about a new instrument, this class will be a great introduction to fine tune your abilities on the acoustic guitar. Please bring a guitar or borrow one from the PCA. Guitars can also be purchased at the Pendleton Music Co. on Main.

TEEN ADVANCED ACOUSTIC GUITAR
with Jerod Short
THURSDAYS, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
July 3 – August 7 (Six Sessions)

If you’re already familiar with the acoustic guitar and are looking for more experience, this might be the class for you! Whether you’re prepping for Rock and Roll Camp, or just want to grow your skills, join Jerod as he continues to teach the infinite ways of the guitar. Please bring a guitar or borrow one from the PCA. Guitars can also be purchased at the Pendleton Music Co. on Main.