A blank sheet of paper can be intimidating, especially when you are still learning to trust your own ideas. At a new North Scottsdale art studio, children and teens will be encouraged to make the first mark, work through the messy middle and discover what they can create with a little patience.
Children’s Art Classes will open the studio for the 2026–2027 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 11, bringing weekly fine art instruction to students ages 3 to 18 at all skill levels. Through a structured, age-based curriculum, young artists will explore drawing, painting, clay, color theory and other media while developing skills that reach beyond the easel.
An open house is 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 8. Families can tour the studio, meet instructors and learn more about the curriculum.
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Recent research from the National Endowment for the Arts found that childhood arts participation is positively associated with social-emotional development and academic outcomes. For studio owner Sheila Gallegos, those benefits are part of what makes art education so valuable.
“Art gives children a way to express themselves, but it also teaches patience, resilience, communication and self-esteem,” Gallegos said. “I wanted to create a place where kids can imagine, build and believe in their own ideas.”
Gallegos said she chose North Scottsdale because of the community’s strong interest in arts education and enrichment.
Children’s Art Classes uses a structured, multi-year curriculum, with each level building on skills introduced in earlier classes. Teachers tailor instruction to each student’s abilities, while projects become more advanced over time to strengthen technique, focus and confidence.
“We are not just handing students a project and showing them what the finished product should look like,” Gallegos said. “We are teaching them how to think like artists. They learn to make decisions, solve problems, analyze their work and understand that improvement comes through patience and practice.”
The North Scottsdale studio will offer:
Tiny Hands, ages 3 and 4: Young artists explore clay, paint, paper and texture while strengthening fine motor skills, communication and confidence.
Introduction to Art, Ages 5–6: Students experiment with materials, learn foundational processes and begin making creative decisions with purpose.
Beginning Art, ages 7 and 8: The two-year program introduces a broader range of tools, techniques and artistic vocabulary while preparing students for more advanced work.
Art 1, ages 9 to 8: The first stage of a four-year advanced curriculum explores line, value, texture and color theory through ebony pencil, charcoal, India ink, scratchboard and other media. Over time, students can build professional-quality portfolios for scholarships, college applications or future creative careers.
Homeschool Art, ages 5 to 18: Homeschool students attend together while working through the curriculum designed for their age group.
The nine-month program meets once a week at the same scheduled time, giving families a reliable routine and students a creative space they can count on. Special workshops during fall and winter breaks will also offer a low-pressure way to try the studio before enrolling in the full program.
“Children gain confidence when they can see their own progress,” Gallegos said. “As they learn drawing, shading and color theory, they also learn to take risks, recover from mistakes and keep reaching for more.”
Tuition is $145 per month, with a one-time $40 registration fee and a $150 supply fee. Children’s Art Classes North Scottsdale is an approved Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account vendor and accepts ESA funds through ClassWallet. Families using ESA funding may email sheilag@childrensartclasses.com to request an invoice.
“My hope is that every child who comes through our doors feels supported, challenged and proud of what they are learning,” Gallegos said. “Whether they pursue art or carry that creativity into another path, I want them to leave knowing their ideas matter.”
Children’s Art Classes North Scottsdale is located at 10701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 107, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Registration is now open. For more information, visit az-nscottsdale.childrensartclasses.com, call 602-649-5565 or email sheilag@childrensartclasses.com.
