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.

TEEN CLAY
with Brian Purnell
TUESDAYS, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
January 7 – February 25, 2025 (Eight Sessions)

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

BASICS OF BOOKBINDING
with Erica Edwards
WEDNESDAY, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
January 8 – January 29, 2025 (Four Sessions)
Bookbinding is the process of assembling pages and or other materials into a book. While this can be done using machines, we’ll be teaching you how to do it by hand. Join Erica as she guides you through the process of binding your very own books. This is a very cool skill set to have – join the fun and see where it takes you! 

ADVERTISE YOUR EVERYTHING!
with Bonnie Day
THURSDAYS, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
January 9 – January 30, 2025 (Four Sessions)
If you’re in a band, or have a small business or school assignment, (pretty much anything goes!) and you want to learn the tips and techniques of how to successfully advertise your work, this is where you need to be! Join Bonnie Day as she shows you the tricks of the trade and teaches you how to promote and advertise your everything! 

PHOTOGRAPHY
with Yasser Marte
FRIDAYS, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
January 10 – February 14, 2024 (Six Sessions)
We are thrilled to have photographer Yasser Marte join our PCA team for a one of a kind, 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. Note: This is a class that combines teens and adults.

FREE FOR TEENS!

TEEN WATERCOLOR
with Erica Edwards
TUESDAY, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
February 4 – February 18, 2025 (Three Sessions)
Begin or continue your watercolor journey as Erica shows you the beginning steps, techniques and approaches to basic watercolor. Students will be provided with the proper materials and supplies for this course. Weighted paper included!

TEEN IMPROV
with J.J Hill
WEDNESDAYS, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
February 5 – February 26, 2025 (Four Sessions)
What is Improv? Short for improvisation, it’s a spontaneous ensemble that’s better known for the comedic elements of theater. Join J.J Hill, our acting guru, as he dishes the details on how to dive into the art form of Improv – you’ll learn about telling a story while thinking on your feet, while also working in a group as a team player. If you’re looking for a good laugh – this is the place for you.

TEEN KNITTING
with Erica Edwards
WEDNESDAYS, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
February 5 – February 19, 2025 (Three Sessions)
In this class, Erica will teach you the beginning basics of knitting. This includes how to hold the needles and yarn, how to cast on and bind off, as well as beginning stitches for future projects like scarfs, hats, and homemade gifts! Each student will get their own set of knitting needles and yarn to use for ongoing knitting fun.