Children's Art Education
FREE STEPS Art Education Program for Ages 6 and upSeasonal STEPS Art Education for Kids
FREE art education classes for
ages 6 & 7, 8 – 10, and 11 & up
- Instructed by professional art educators, cultural leaders, and artists
- Projects and lessons incorporate the integration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math, a.k.a. STEAM
- Tuition and art supplies included
- Class sizes are limited to 8-10 students
The STEPS (Supporting Teaching and Engaging People in the Arts) program offers free art education classes at the ‘Tis Annex in Prescott. This initiative is designed to provide accessible art education to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, fostering creativity and artistic expression within the community. The program emphasizes inclusivity and removes barriers that often prevent people from engaging in the arts.
STEPS provides diverse classes catering to various skill levels, from beginners to more advanced artists. These classes include drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Each course is structured to encourage participants to explore their creativity while learning fundamental techniques and concepts related to different art forms.
Classes are typically held seasonally for two weeks, allowing for consistent skill engagement and progression. The instructors are often local artists or educators with substantial experience in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for teaching, ensuring each participant receives personalized attention and guidance throughout their artistic journey.
Located in the ‘Tis Annex Building
235 N. Marina St. | Prescott, AZ 86301
Questions? Contact Breeanya, Art Education Program Manager
928-776-1087 | tisartsteps@gmail.com
One of the core missions of the STEPS program is community engagement. By offering free classes, STEPS aims to reach underserved populations that may not have access to traditional art education resources. This initiative nurtures individual talent and strengthens community bonds through shared creative experiences.
Participants often report increased confidence in their artistic abilities and enhanced social connections with fellow attendees. The collaborative environment fosters a sense of belonging and encourages participants to share their work with others, culminating in exhibitions or showcases that celebrate their achievements.
The ‘Tis Annex is an ideal venue for these classes due to its welcoming atmosphere and accessibility features. The space accommodates individuals with varying needs, ensuring everyone can participate fully in the program. Additionally, all necessary materials for the classes are provided at no cost, further lowering barriers to participation.

2025 steps sessions

Class Session one
APRIL 2025
registration has ended
4:00 pm-5:30 pm
March 31, April 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, with a showcase on April 14th
Instructors:
Nicole Nealy (6-7)
Art Explorers: Discovering through color, shapes, texture, and different materials!
Jenny Rose Harlow (8-10) –
“Life is a Garden”
Mary Clare McCartin (11+) –
Zentangle, Neurographic, and Op-Art

Class Session Two
MAY 2025
4:00 pm-5:30 pm
May 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14, with a showcase on May 19
Instructors:
Mary Clare McCartin (6-7)
Jenny Rose Harlow (8-10)
Jessica Leary (11+)

Class Session Three
JUNE 2025
10:00 am – 11:30 am
June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11, with a showcase on June 16
Instructors:
Mary Clare McCartin (8-10)
Jessica Leary (11+)

Class Session Four
JULY 2025
10:00 am – 11:30 am
July 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16, with a showcase on July 21
Instructors:
Mary Clare McCartin (8-10)
Jessica Leary (11+)

Class Session Five
AUGUST 2025
4:00 pm-5:30 pm
August 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13, with a showcase on August 18
Instructors:
Amber Ohnemus (YES! Yavapai Exploration & Science) (8-10)
Jessica Leary (11+)

Class Session Six
SEPTEMBER 2025
4:00 pm-5:30 pm
September 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17, with a showcase on September 22
Instructors:
Nicole Nealy (6-7)
Christine Scott (8-10)
Jenny Rose Harlow (11+)
Thank you for your kindness and passion to bring our community free art education. As a homeschooling family, we really appreciate participating in a learning opportunity such as this. Thank you again!
I just wanted to let you and the other art teachers at Tis Annex know that Indie has been deep-diving back into art ever since the fall art class started again! And this isn’t just some version of another’s art but her style and expression. What you all share with her, including but not limited to your master skills, unique styles, confidence, beauty, and boundless creativity, has made a massive difference in Indie’s life and how she views the world. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!
We are ecstatic that we got invited to art class again!!! We miss you…we miss making art………we miss making art with you. The virtual class was great last time, and we learned a lot of excellent new techniques. We can’t wait to see what the projects are. Thank you!
The ‘Tis Annex is part of the ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery. The Tis Foundation and Gallery were established to promote Local Artists, encourage Artists and various art styles, teach art, and make art economically available to the Prescott Community.
The Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County, The John F. Long Foundation, the Prescott Area Artists Studio Tour, and the Annette M. Williams Charitable Foundation have partly provided program funding.
‘TIS ART CENTER & GALLERY
‘Tis Annex
Art Education Building
featuring STEPS Art Education Program for Kids, classroom rentals, and art workshops
235 N. Marina St.
Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone: (928) 776-1087
Email: tisannex1@gmail.com
Hours:
Open random hours and
by appointment
Mon-Thursday
Closed for
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Super Bowl Sunday
- Easter Sunday
- Independence Day
- Veteran’s Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day