You're in the right place.
Whatever brings you here,there's a place for you here.
CAC has been a gathering place for Dallas artists for over 60 years. Whether you've never held a brush or you've been throwing pottery for decades — our instructors, our studios, and our community welcomes you. This page will get you the info you seek.
60+
Years serving the Dallas arts community
500+
Classes offered every year across all disciplines
All Levels
Complete beginners to working professionals, side by side
Whatever door you walk through — you'll find your people.
Our students come for the classes. They stay for the community. Many have been returning session after session for years. The studio is a gathering place as much as a classroom.
✦ 2,500 students share this space each year
✦ Small classes mean real connection
✦ Many students return every session
Where are you right now?
I want to try something new
You're curious about making art — maybe you have a medium in mind, maybe you don't yet. You don't need to know where you're going to take a first step.
And you'll find your people here. Most of our students remember exactly what their first class felt like. That shared experience is its own kind of welcome.
I'm getting back into art
You've made art before. Maybe it's been years. You know what you love. Our instructors will meet your skills exactly where they are.
And you'll find your people here. You'll be surprised how many students in the room have the same story.
I want to develop my craft
You already work in a medium and you want instruction that challenges you. Our teaching artists are working professionals — they'll push your work and help you grow.
And you'll find your people here. Experienced students inspire one another. Making art in community is deeply satisfying.
How much time do you have?
What makes CAC different?
Expert Instructors
Our teachers are working artists with BFAs, MFAs, and active exhibition histories. They're not just teachers — they're practitioners.
Small Classes
Class sizes are intentionally small. Your instructor knows your name, your work, and where you want to take it. You're not a seat number.
Studios & Tools Provided
Show up ready to work — our studios are fully equipped. Many classes include materials. Check individual class listings to see what personal supplies you'll need.
Real Community
Many students return session after session. Class becomes a commitment to make art at a specific day and time. Relationships that form over time make it easy to keep the commitment.
In their own words
I have nothing but respect for Nathan and my ceramics courses at CAC have fostered the flame of creativity within me. I also enjoy interacting with the other students, seeing what they are doing, and learning from them.
Working with such an amazing artist and getting to watch him work alongside us during our class is very inspiring.
Working artists. Real teachers.
Kay Byfield
Kay Byfield is a watercolor artist and educator who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree and spent nine years teaching college-level art, including five as a college art professor. President of the Southwestern Watercolor Society, she brings decades of experience and a passion for helping adult learners at every level find their own path to meaningful artistic expression.
Brad Ford Smith
Brad Ford Smith is a Dallas-based visual artist, fine arts conservator, and gallery-represented ink draftsman whose work spans drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. As featured in the Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, he recently published three books including a chapbook of drawings documenting forgotten sites of Dallas history — bringing a deep, locally-rooted artistic perspective to every class he teaches.
Nathan Portnoy
Nathan Portnoy is a Texas-trained ceramicist with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Dallas and over 15 years of hands-on experience working in clay, including studio time alongside renowned potter Randy Brodnax. With 8 years of teaching experience ranging from at-risk youth to college students and currently at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, he brings both serious craft credentials and a genuine passion for making art accessible to everyone.
Questions we hear most often
Do I need any experience?
No experience is required for most of our classes. Our instructors teach to the room — if you're new, they'll begin at the beginning. Check individual class descriptions for any prerequisites.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself. Our studios are fully equipped with tools and equipment. Most classes include materials to get started— check the individual class page a list of recommended personal supplies. On a budget? Most instructors review the supply list the first class and identify the get started essentials.
Are materials included?
Most classes include core materials in the class fee. Some classes that use specific consumable supplies may list additional requirements. This will always be clear on the individual class listing.
What if I miss a class?
We understand life happens. Most students end up missing a class or two. Instructors will make sure you get the information and demonstrations you missed.
Can I take the same class more than once?
Taking a class again and again and again is the best way to develop your skills and personal practice. Taking a class is an appointment to make art at a specific day and time. Practice is what most people mistake as innate talent. Artists are great because they make a lot of art. They practice. About 60% of our students return to the same class session after session. Pursuing an artistic practice is one of the most satisfying self-improvement projects. Find out how good you can get with practice and encouragement.
What's your refund policy?
See our full policy for all details.
Find your class and reserve your spot. Ready when you are.
Classes fill up — especially in popular disciplines. Browse now, enroll when you're ready. Registration takes about 2 minutes and your spot is confirmed immediately.
✦ Small classes — real individual attention
✦ Most classes include all materials
✦ You can take the same class again
✦ Refunds available 14+ days before class
✦ Questions? info@creativeartscenter.org
Not ready to enroll? Sign up below to hear when new sessions open.