Best Art Schools in Scottsdale

Best Art Schools in Scottsdale (2026 Guide)

Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the Southwest’s most vibrant creative hubs. From nationally recognized ateliers to university programs and community-based studios, the city offers art education for hobbyists, aspiring professionals, and serious fine artists alike. This guide ranks and compares the best art schools in Scottsdale based on program quality, faculty expertise, facilities, reputation, and overall student value.

Key Takeaways

• Scottsdale Artists’ School is the top choice for intensive fine art instruction and nationally known workshops.
• Arizona State University (ASU) offers accredited degree programs with research-driven facilities near Scottsdale.
• Scottsdale Community College provides affordable associate degrees and strong transfer pathways.
• Local studios and art centers deliver flexible, skill-based classes ideal for beginners and working artists.
• Your best option depends on whether you want a degree, professional development, portfolio building, or recreational learning.

How We Selected the Best Art Schools in Scottsdale

Each school was evaluated using the factors prospective students care about most:

• Accreditation and academic reputation
• Program variety and specialization options
• Faculty credentials and professional experience
• Facilities and studio access
• Tuition value and financial aid availability
• Student reviews and career outcomes

The result is a curated list that goes beyond basic directories and gives you actionable insight for decision making.

1. Scottsdale Artists’ School

Best for: Serious fine artists and skill-based training

Founded in 1983, Scottsdale Artists’ School (SAS) is widely considered the premier independent art school in the region. It specializes in traditional fine art instruction including oil painting, drawing, sculpture, and portraiture.

Why It Stands Out

• Workshops taught by nationally and internationally recognized artists
• Small class sizes with direct instructor feedback
• Intensive short-term workshops and multi-week programs
• Strong reputation within the realist and representational art community

Programs Offered

SAS focuses on skill mastery. Courses include figure drawing, landscape painting, anatomy for artists, and advanced sculpture. Programs cater to adult learners and working professionals.

Tuition and Access

Tuition varies by workshop length and instructor. While not inexpensive, many students view the focused instruction and high-level mentorship as an investment in career advancement.

Ideal For: Artists seeking technical improvement and professional-level critique rather than a traditional academic degree.

2. Arizona State University, School of Art (Near Scottsdale)

Best for: Accredited degree programs and interdisciplinary study

Although headquartered in nearby Tempe, Arizona State University serves many Scottsdale residents and remains one of the strongest art institutions in the region. ASU’s School of Art is nationally recognized for innovation and research.

Degrees Offered

• BFA in Art
• MFA Programs
• Art Education
• Art History
• Digital Media and Interdisciplinary Arts

Facilities

Students have access to professional-grade studios, print labs, digital fabrication labs, and gallery spaces. The university environment also provides networking, internships, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Cost

As a public university, tuition varies for in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships are available.

Ideal For: Students pursuing a full degree, teaching career, or professional artistic practice requiring academic credentials.

3. Scottsdale Community College (SCC)

Best for: Affordable art degrees and transfer pathways

Scottsdale Community College offers associate degrees and certificate programs in visual arts at a significantly lower cost than four-year institutions.

Programs Include

• Associate of Arts in Fine Arts
• Digital design and media courses
• Studio art fundamentals

Strengths

• Lower tuition rates
• Transfer agreements with ASU and other universities
• Small class sizes
• Hands-on studio experience

Ideal For: Students starting their art education or planning to transfer into a four-year BFA program.

4. Shemer Art Center (Greater Scottsdale Area)

Best for: Community-driven learning and diverse media exploration

The Shemer Art Center offers classes in painting, ceramics, drawing, and mixed media for youth and adults. Located in a historic building, it blends education with gallery exhibitions and public art engagement.

Highlights

• Flexible scheduling with evening and weekend classes
• Community exhibitions and artist networking
• Affordable pricing for casual learners

Ideal For: Beginners, hobbyists, and artists seeking community engagement rather than academic credentials.

5. Private Studios and Ateliers in Scottsdale

Best for: Specialized instruction and portfolio development

Scottsdale is home to several independent studios offering focused instruction in areas such as portrait painting, contemporary abstraction, and sculpture.

Advantages

• Flexible enrollment
• Personalized mentorship
• Strong local gallery connections

Many professional artists in Old Town Scottsdale teach small-group classes. These can be valuable for portfolio refinement or preparing for juried exhibitions.

Ideal For: Emerging artists who want tailored guidance outside traditional institutions.

Comparison of the Best Art Schools in Scottsdale

School Best For Degree Offered Tuition Level Notable Strength Scottsdale Artists’ School Fine Art Mastery No Moderate to High Nationally recognized instructors Arizona State University Accredited Degrees Yes Varies Research facilities and MFA programs Scottsdale Community College Affordable Education Associate Low Transfer pathways Shemer Art Center Community Learning No Low to Moderate Flexible scheduling Private Studios Portfolio Development No Varies Personalized mentorship

How to Choose the Right Art School in Scottsdale

1. Define Your Goal

Are you seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts, improving technical skills, or exploring creativity as a hobby? Academic institutions and studios serve very different purposes.

2. Evaluate Faculty Expertise

Look for instructors with exhibition history, gallery representation, or published research. Experienced faculty significantly impact skill development.

3. Review Facilities

If you plan to work in sculpture, printmaking, or digital media, confirm access to specialized studios or labs.

4. Consider Costs and Financial Aid

Community colleges provide strong value. Universities offer financial aid packages. Workshops may require upfront payment but provide immersive training.

5. Visit in Person

Whenever possible, tour campuses or attend an open house. Studio environment and culture often determine long-term satisfaction.

Scottsdale’s Artistic Advantage

Scottsdale consistently ranks among Arizona’s top cultural destinations. The city’s Museum of Contemporary Art, weekly art walks in Old Town, active gallery scene, and year-round arts festivals create a professional network that few cities of its size can match.

Students benefit from:

• Exposure to collectors and gallery owners
• Public exhibition opportunities
• Strong tourism-driven art market
• Accessible mentorship from working artists

This environment makes Scottsdale uniquely supportive for emerging visual artists.

Frequently Asked Questions about Art Schools in Scottsdale

What is the best type of art school in Scottsdale for beginners?

If you are a beginner, you will likely feel most comfortable at community-focused options such as Shemer Art Center or local private studios. These offer short classes, flexible schedules, and clear step-by-step instruction without requiring a degree commitment.

Which Scottsdale art school should you choose for a degree program?

If you want an accredited degree, you will usually choose between Arizona State University’s School of Art for a BFA or MFA, or Scottsdale Community College for an associate degree that can transfer to a four-year program like ASU.

How much does art school cost in Scottsdale?

Costs vary by school and program. Scottsdale Community College tends to have the lowest tuition, ASU charges standard public university rates with financial aid options, and Scottsdale Artists’ School and private studios usually price per workshop or course, often at moderate to higher rates.

Is Scottsdale Artists’ School a college that grants degrees?

No. Scottsdale Artists’ School does not grant academic degrees. You take focused workshops and classes aimed at improving your fine art skills, often taught by nationally recognized artists, but you do not earn a diploma or degree.

How do you decide between a degree program and private art classes in Scottsdale?

Choose a degree program, such as at ASU or SCC, if you need credentials for teaching, graduate study, or certain jobs. Pick private studios, Shemer Art Center, or Scottsdale Artists’ School if your main goals are skill-building, portfolio growth, or personal enjoyment without long-term academic requirements.