Programs

We provide instruction in all artistic disciplines to children and teens, grades 2 through 12, in an after-school program five days a week. This includes piano, strings, brass, wind, guitar and other traditional instruments; percussive arts; and visual arts.

Students are encouraged to enroll in up to four different disciplines per year to unleash their full creative potential.

Courses

OBSERVATION AND IMAGINATION I (Grades 5 - 6)
Tuesdays, 4:30 - 6:00 P.M.
Instructor: Leann Cooper

OBSERVATION AND IMAGINATION II (Grades 7 – 8)
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:00 P.M.
Instructor: Leann Cooper

This 90-minute class introduces students to foundational drawing techniques and watercolor painting methods. Students will explore line, shape, shading, perspective, color mixing, and brush control while creating expressive and personal artworks. Emphasis will be placed on observation skills, creativity, and craftsmanship. All skill levels welcome.

Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:00 P.M.
Instructor: Leann Cooper / Jennifer Willard

In this 90-minute mixed media class, students will explore the fine line between art and craft, creating many elements of art-making themselves. Projects include clay, printmaking, paper-making, fiber arts, scratch building — all to create sculptures and mixed media paintings and collages on board, canvas, and paper. All skill levels welcome.

Mondays, 4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Instructor: Ashton Ludden

This two-hour class is best suited for those wanting to advance themselves in their artistic practice, no matter what their skill set. This class primarily focuses on 2D processes such as printmaking, drawing, bookmaking, design, and mixed media. In addition to honing formal techniques, students also explore how drawing can help you think with best practices in sketchbooking, creating individualized projects to build an art portfolio, and discuss professional practices such as properly documenting artwork or applying to an exhibition.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT LESSONS (Grades 2 and up)

Weekly private lessons (30 minutes to 1 hour) are offered in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels for the following instruments. All disciplines include instruction in music theory and composition. Instruments are provided for students who do not have their own.

Piano: Ben Maney, Char Hamilton, Nyssa Collins, Greg Horne

Guitar/Bass/Mandolin/Ukulele: Greg Horne

Violin: Mary Pulgar

Trumpet: Dr. Lacey Phelps

DATES TO REMEMBER

July 28, 2025	Deadline for returning students' notification of intent
Aug. 27, 2025	Class schedule and lesson offerings announced - 2025-26 enrollment forms now available
Sept. 5, 2025	Deadline for final enrollment and financial forms
Sept. 15, 2025	First day of classes

HOW TO APPLY

1) Print & complete PDF form and return via e-mail or regular mail OR 2) Complete & submit online enrollment packet.

Download 2025-2026 Enrollment Packet PDF Here

Complete Online 2025-2026 Enrollment Packet Here

Please note: Returning students are required to update enrollment and financial forms every year.

CSA Student Calendar 2025-2026

Monday, September 8	Enrollment Deadline
Monday, September 15	CSA First Day of Classes (Fall)
Monday, October 6- Friday, October 10	Fall Break (No classes)
Wednesday, November 26- Friday, November 28	Thanksgiving Break (No classes)
Friday, December 15	CSA Last Day of Classes (Fall)
Tuesday, December 16 6:30 P.M.	HOLIDAY CONCERT & RECEPTION The Nave / Welcome Center Church Street United Methodist Church
Monday, January 5	CSA First Day of Classes (Winter)
Monday, January 19	Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No classes)
Monday, February 16	President’s Day (No classes)
Friday, March 6	CSA Last Day of Classes (Winter)
Monday, March 9- Friday, March 13	Spring Break (No classes)
Monday, March 16	CSA First Day of Classes (Spring)
Friday, April 3	Good Friday (No classes)
Monday, April 6	Easter Monday (No classes)
Sunday, April 26	JAZZ BRUNCH Gymnasium Church Street United Methodist Church
Tuesday, May 5 6:30 P.M.	SPRING PIANO & VIOLIN RECITAL The Nave Church Street United Methodist Church
Tuesday, May 12 6:30 P.M.	SPRING GUITAR, PERCUSSION, DANCE, & PIANO RECITAL The Nave Church Street United Methodist Church
Friday, May 15	CSA Last Day of Classes (Spring)

Outreach Programs

The Community School of the Arts provides lessons and classes across multiple disciplines, including piano, strings, wind, brass and percussion instruments, visual arts, dance and creative writing. The school year, which runs September through May, is divided into three 12-week semesters with students enrolling in their choice of classes and lessons for the duration of the year.

Community School of the Arts is dedicated to its mission, and we expect students to maintain a certain level of commitment. At the end of each year, students are asked to sign a letter of intent to reserve their spot for the coming year. Returning students always receive priority in scheduling. However, we encourage new and prospective students to put their names on the mailing and/or waiting lists at any time during the school year and submit financial disclosure forms early.

ew students usually are recommended by church leaders, school principals, case workers and youth counselors; however, any child or family with a demonstrated need and desire is considered for enrollment and financial aid.

Our scholarships are awarded strictly on financial need. Students attend with full scholarships that cover all lessons, classes, instruments and materials for the year. We do not offer sliding-scale tuition.

CSA builds partnerships with other community organizations by providing off-site art, music and dance therapy programs. We have collaborated with service organizations, such as The Salvation Army, New Life Inn of Knox Area Rescue Ministries, Helen Ross McNabb Center, YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Montgomery Village Child Development Center and Wesley House Community Center.

The school maintains ongoing and long-term partnerships with the Crutcher Memorial Youth Enrichment Center (our “sister” organization), Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), Knox County Homeless Tutoring Project and “My Place” homeless summer camp at Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School.

We are eager to collaborate with organizations to expand our community’s resources for underserved and at-risk children and youth. If an organization has a project or proposal that you would like us to consider, please call 865-523-5684 or email info@csaknox.org.