Free Art Classes
Offsite Programs
Everyone should have access to art. We believe it's essential to a well-rounded human experience. But, for thousands of kids who live in LA's urban sprawl, transportation is a huge obstacle. So, we bring the Armory to them.
Every day, and at no cost to participants, teaching artists from the Armory's Community Pathways initiative transform lives and communities through the power of art. They work with incarcerated teens to create vibrant murals inside juvenile detention camps. They teach graphic design at continuation high schools in Pasadena and Boyle Heights. They offer free art classes at parks and recreation centers for some of our most vulnerable community members. The Armory can do all these things for one simple reason: we have a strong community that inspires us, and we’re happy you are part of it. This is what the power of art looks like. This is your community. This is your Armory.
Do you know a child who would benefit from the Armory's free Community Pathways programs? Contact our Director of Community Programs Lilia Hernandez at [email protected] or (626) 792-5101 x111
Free Community Classes in Partnership with City of Pasadena
Virtual and In-person Art Classes
A collaboration between the Armory and the City of Pasadena to offer Mixed Media classes for kids (ages 6-12), adults (ages 18+), and older adults (ages 50+). Classes are free for students, but registration is required.
artWORKS Teen Education Center
Classes are held at 2914 E. Walnut St. Pasadena CA 91107
A collaboration between the Armory and Learning Works Charter School, artWORKS encourages teens from different backgrounds to express themselves through a combination of media arts and fine arts. We creatively engage teens in improving academic performance, deepening cultural awareness, developing positive social skills, and teaching creative pursuits that matter in school and in the real world.
Classes are free for all for Middle School and High School Students, but registration is required.
| artWORKS Classes |
Free Community Classes in Partnership with City of Pasadena
Virtual and In-person Art Classes
A collaboration between the Armory and the City of Pasadena to offer Mixed Media classes for kids (ages 6-12) and older adults (ages 50+). Classes are free for students, but registration is required.
| Browse Classes |
Virtual Teen Art Exhibition
BOOM is a showcase of the energetic, thoughtful and unapologetic work from the Armory’s Art High program. This exhibition highlights the talents of teens who share a common interest in art and are working side-by-side with Armory Teaching Artists to learn and further their skills in painting, drawing, ceramics, silk screening, street art, photography, video production, sound engineering, graphic design, animation, and more. We hope you enjoy this virtual version of this exhibition.
| View 2022 Art High Exhibition |
| View BOOM 2021 Exhibition |
| View BOOM 2020 Exhibition |
Arts for Healing & Justice Network
The Armory is a founding member of this interdisciplinary collaborative of LA County-based nonprofit art organizations. Arts for Healing & Justice Network provides exceptional arts programming in order to build resiliency and wellness, eliminate recidivism, and transform the juvenile justice system. Since 2015, Armory Teaching Artists have collaborated with incarcerated teens at nearly a dozen County probation facilities to produce vibrant, collaborative murals resonating with themes of hope.
| View Murals |
Follow the great work we do in our community every day.
Armory Center for the Arts gratefully recognizes the funders of its community-based programs. Armory Center for the Arts is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture. Additional supporters include California Arts Council (CAC), Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation, The Green Foundation, Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS), City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), Parsons Foundation, Pasadena Assistance Fund, Pasadena Community Foundation, Ann Peppers Foundation, Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts.
| Support the Armory |