There’s a remarkable range of options for experiencing the visual and performing arts in Greater Prescott for a community of its size.
There’s a plethora of venues, performing artists and groups, museums, galleries, studios, libraries, schools, community centers and more public spaces. Few things can be more challenging or rewarding than deciphering the messages in a work of art or drawing your own meaning from it.
Nothing, that is, except fearlessly creating art of your own. Maybe you’ve been doodling or singing karaoke most of your life and are ready to get a little more serious about it. Maybe you just took Prescott Area Artists Studio Tour in early October and the inspiration began to surge inside of you.
As you may know, our communities have plenty of outlets for creators to write, carve, paint, sketch, sing, dance and whatever else it takes to bring their vision to reality. Here are some of the most educational, inspiring and energizing places to unleash your talents!
‘Tis Annex Art Education Building
235 N. Marina St., Prescott
tisartgallery.com
Owned and operated by the ‘Tis Art Gallery just a few blocks to the south, kids can take art classes offered by the gallery, and classrooms are rented out for adult classes in painting, drawing, pottery and other visual arts media. Check website for details.
Elks Performing Arts Center
117 E. Gurley St., Prescott
prescottelkstheatre.org
Above the venerable Elks Theatre there are spaces for dance classes and performances, plus a recording studio for musicians and bands to lay their tracks down for their debut albums.
Watson Lake Park
3101 Watson Lake Park Road
prescott-az.gov/recreation-area/watson-lake-park
There’s plenty of green space where you can set up an easel, take a sketchbook, some modeling clay or a camera, lay out a blanket for stretching and dance practice, take your laptop to write or your guitar or keyboard to compose, all with the lake and the Granite Dells for inspiration.
Suze’s Prescott Center for the Arts
208 N. Marina St., Prescott
pca-az.net
PCA offers several youth programs including Family Theatre and the Young Playwright’s Festival, plus up to 2,000 volunteering opportunities a year to be in the cast, crew and support staff of several productions, no experience necessary.
The Art Store
537 6th St., Suite E, Prescott
prescottartstore.com
The store sells supplies for beginning artists all the way up to professional, and in October it is offering painting classes on Thursday and a sculpting class on Saturday; check website for November schedule.
Fain Park
2200 N. 5th St., Prescott Valley
pvaz.net/DocumentCenter/View/4817/Welcome-to-Fain-Park
A 3-acre lake sits in a ravine just below the town’s industrial area, providing a secluded spot for creatives to sit with their instruments, whether they’re musical, artistic or writing.
Yavapai Courthouse Plaza
Montezuma and Gurley streets
Prescott. We can’t leave out the city’s beating heart, crowded as it get sometimes during art shows and other popular events. Whenever you can find a spot to sit or stand you’ll be entranced by its natural beauty and parade of humanity.
