Make Art Part of Your Life!

Every person has artistic talent!  The Petersen Art Center was founded to help people just like you discover and develop their talents in a warm supportive environment, under the direction of caring instructors.  We believe that a life that includes artistic expression is richer and more fulfilling.

Whether you are an accomplished artist, someone who hasn’t picked up a brush in years, or a true beginner, you can find your home here. It’s never too late to start! We hope to see you soon.

How Art Classes Improve your Life

The Petersen Art Center was established to bring the world of art and creativity into everyone’s life.  Our instructors are ready to guide you in that process at a pace and in a manner that fits your needs.  Many students come to us thinking that they “haven’t got an artistic bone in their bodies,” only to discover hidden talents that they didn’t know were waiting to be discovered.  Our students regularly report a wide spectrum of benefits that come from studying art at the Petersen Art Center.  Creating wonderful art is just one of them.  Other benefits include:
1.  It fosters patience and confidence in handling unfamiliar materials.
2.  Creating art builds self-esteem.  Many of our students find that art is an important element in their mental health and happiness.
3.  Drawing exercises the brain.  Many of our senior citizen students find that art enhances their thought processes and memory skills.
4.  Creating art builds the ability to concentrate.  This can translate to success in many areas of study.
5.  Art improves your ability to really see and enjoy the world around you.
6.  Creating art encourages problem solving and self-expression.
7.  The Petersen Art Center provides a social network of great friends.  Students enjoy each other as much and they enjoy creating their art.
8.  Finally you will create beautiful items that will be enjoyed and cherished by you and your family for generations. 

Our Founder: Harold “Pete,” Petersen

The Petersen Art Center was founded by Utah artist and art educator, Harold Petersen in 1993. In January, after a vibrant life that touched thousands, Pete passed away at age 92.  Pete taught here full time until age 90, he retired from teaching in 2021.  After death, he still continues to inspire our instructors and students. In the years since Pete and his son, Mark, opened the Art Center, over 19,000 students have taken over 120,000 classes.

Pete was recognized as one of the West’s leading watercolorists, having won numerous local and national awards for his works in water media.

He was also recognized as a tremendous educator.  His warm accepting demeanor and knowledge will be missed but not forgotten.

Our Parking is Just Around the Corner
2034 South 1000 East

Parking at the Petersen Art Center and Blick Art Supply is easy!

Our parking lot is located just a quarter block west on 1000 East about 50 yards next to Parfait Diem. It is clearly marked with signage as being only for the Petersen Art Center and Blick Art Supply.

Please do not use parking lots owned and signed by other businesses. This parking is sometimes patrolled by impound lot tow trucks and may result in your car being booted or towed. Do not park in the Natural Grocers parking lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  When does your next class session begin?:  We are always in session as classes are taught on an ongoing basis.  This means that you can begin at the beginning of any month in the class of your choice and it also means that you can withdraw at the end of any month you choose.

2.  How big are your classes?:  Pottery classes allow 20 students and all other classes allow 12 students. This permits  one on one, individualized instruction.

3.  How do I pay?:  You can online at petersenartcenter.com, drop down menu – Register/Pay/Cart – Tuition and Materials – add to cart. In person at the Petersen Art Center office or over the phone at 801-467-5444. 

4.  How much is tuition?:
  Tuition is $120 per four week month.  If you make your monthly tuition payment by the 12th of the month and your billing is current you can take a timely payment discount of $5.00 making your tuition $115.  If you or an immediate family member (someone living at the same address) take a second class you can take an additional discount of 10% off of all additional classes billed to that single address.

5.  Are there any other deals or specials I ought to know about?:
  We periodically offer special offers for first time students (see the “Discounts” tab above). 

6.  How are materials handled?:  There is an $10.00 fee for elementary and junior high classes which covers materials costs for those classes.  Adult and high school students in Painting and Drawing classes are responsible for their own materials.  Instructors each have their own preferences in this regard which are tailored to the sort of work you want to do.  Also instructors will work to utilize any materials you already own. Adult Pottery students will need to purchase their clay from us starting at $40/bag. We also sell a pottery tool kit for $30. No outside clay is allowed.

7.  Where should I buy my materials?:
  Painting and drawing materials should be purchased right here at the Blick Art Supply store which occupies the main floor of the Petersen Art Center building.  They offer Utah’s best prices and a complete range of the supplies you will need.  Pottery tools and clay are purchased in your classroom from your instructor (initial tools cost $30 and clay is $40.00 -$55.00 per bag which includes glazes and firing).

8.  What if I miss a class? Do I still have to pay tuition for it?:  You are responsible for tuition for classes whether you come or not.  As a courtesy, we offer students the opportunity to make-up missed classes (the same class at a different time).  These make-up classes are only available while you are currently enrolled and up to date on tuition payments (you cannot save up make-ups and then use them after withdrawing).  You are responsible for tuition until you withdraw from a class.  To withdraw, respond to your emailed invoice notifying us that you are withdrawing, or let us know in person at the office. Your withdrawal becomes effective on receipt of that notice.

9.  I don’t have an artistic bone in my body.  Can I become an artist?:
  Many of our students come to us with the belief that they are without any artistic talent, only to discover rich, often hidden, artistic abilities.  Our classes are a positive experience.  Students report that their classes are both fun and rewarding highlight of their week.

10.  Are there age requirements for classes?:
  We ask that elementary and junior high students attend the class that matches their grade.  We do allow parents the latitude to bump their child up or down one grade level based on their individual circumstances.  Adult classes are open to all students grade nine through senior citizen.  Special permission is needed from the instructor for children younger than ninth grade to take adult classes.

If you have questions not answered here, please email us at Info@PetersenArtCenter.com or feel free to give us a call at  801.467.5444  for a prompt response!