Weekly Art Classes!
The Shurtliff Art Academy, newly located on the bottom floor of the Center For the Arts in Globe, AZ, is focused on empowering young people to live creative lives through learning the fundamentals of art, drawing, creativity, and cartooning. In addition to instruction and completing several projects throughout the semester, the young artists will also have a chance to share some of their work in a gallery show in the spring.
Current Classes
Intro to Art: Weekly Art Creations
This class introduces young students (ages 5-8) to the joy of creating through weekly crafts that explore the elements of art, such as color, shape, and texture. Participants will experiment with various mediums and materials, including paints, markers, and collage items, in a supportive environment that encourages personal choice and group sharing. No prior experience is required, making it ideal for beginners seeking fun, hands-on discovery.
Intro to Cartooning: Create Your Own Characters
Designed for students ages 8-13 with an interest in drawing comic/cartoon characters (beginners welcome; some focus required for exercises), this class teaches foundational cartooning skills to create original characters. Weekly lessons cover drawing the head and body, posing, and designing original characters, with an in-class exercise followed by take-home worksheets and exercises for independent practice. The final project involves designing a unique character, building confidence, and creativity step by step.
Intro to Figure Drawing: Mastering the Male Figure (COMING SOON)
Tailored for students ages 14-16 with intermediate drawing skills and the ability to maintain focus on detailed observation (this course will NOT use nude reference). Each week features a targeted topic with an in-class exercise and two at-home assignments to reinforce skills. The semester culminates in a final project: a detailed upper body study from photo references, promoting steady progress and artistic competence.
Class Details
Intro to Art: Age 5-8
Monday
Class Time: 4:00-4:30
Monthly Cost: $65
Semester Cost: $250
Supply Fee: $20/Semester
*Taught by Julie Burk
Intro to Cartooning: Age 8-10
Monday
Class Time: 4:35-5:05
Monthly Cost: $65
Semester Cost: $250
Supply Fee: $20/Semester
Intro to Cartooning: Age 8-12
Monday
Class Time: 12:15-12:45
Monthly Cost: $65
Semester Cost: $250
Supply Fee: $20/Semester
Intro to Cartooning: Age 11-13
Monday
Class Time: 5:10-5:40
Monthly Cost: $65
Semester Cost: $250
Supply Fee: $20/Semester
Schedule
First Class Aug 18th
Last Class Dec 15th
Days Off: Sept 1, Oct 13,
Pricing & Payment
Pay in full ($10 off) or pay monthly
Monthly payments due by the 15th of each month
Pay with check, cash, online invoice, or ESA
Interested in Art Classes?
Fill out the form below if you would like to register your child for art classes.
Instructor:
Austin Shurtliff
I’m a comic creator, freelance illustrator and graphic designer. Born and raised in a small community in Northern Canada, I spent much of my free time creating and drawing new stories and worlds. I attended college in Idaho, where I studied illustration and visual media and worked as a designer. I have also completed an online mentorship program in comics with independent comic creator Jason Brubaker and a mentorship program in hand-drawn animation with director Don Bluth. I have also completed a Masters of Education and a PhD in Media and Communication. I have been teaching art and design courses for the past 10 years.
You can check out some of my own illustrations and design work on my portfolio.