Petaluma Arts Center Launches Two-Week Immersive Arts Program

Petaluma Arts Center is pleased to announce PAC Academy, a dynamic new two-week arts program featuring 43 inspiring lectures, hands-on workshops, and creative experiences led by professional Bay Area artists and educators. Designed for artists, creatives, and curious learners of all levels, PAC Academy offers an immersive opportunity to explore new techniques, build skills, and connect with a vibrant creative community.

PAC Academy was developed in response to a growing need to support arts education in our region. As many institutions scale back or close their arts programs, PAC Academy aims to help fill the gap by offering accessible, high-quality arts education in Sonoma County. We believe it is critical to nurture opportunities for both artists and students, particularly at a time when creative training programs are diminishing.

This shift is already being felt locally and regionally. Several artists featured in Petaluma Arts Center’s January–February 2025 exhibition, Crafting Curiosity, studied at California College of the Arts, which has announced plans to close in 2027. In 2025, Sonoma State University discontinued its arts programming, and San Francisco Art Institute closed in 2022. As arts institutions evolve or disappear, Petaluma Arts Center is committed to expanding its role as a creative hub and advocate for the arts.

Participants can choose from a diverse lineup of classes across mediums—including painting, drawing, mixed media, and more—each designed to spark creativity and encourage artistic growth. Whether looking to deepen a practice, try something new, or connect with fellow artists, PAC Academy provides an energizing environment to learn, create, and be inspired.

In addition, PAC Academy offers more than 20 classes for teens and pre-teens, providing opportunities for younger artists to study art this summer or explore individual courses. Highlights include Draw What You See with the iPad and The Art of Game Design. On Father’s Day, PAC Academy will also host a special Art of Comics workshop designed for parents and kids to create together.

PAC Academy reflects Petaluma Arts Center’s continued commitment to fostering creativity, strengthening community, and supporting artists of all ages. Join us for two weeks of creativity, community, and artistic discovery at the Petaluma Arts Center.

Tickets can be purchased for individual workshops and lectures. All-access passes are also available for those who want to attend as many as they choose. https://www.petalumaartscenter.org/pac-academy (Tickets on sale Friday, April 24).