Who are we and why "Milkweed Arts"?

Milkweed Arts is not just an art education and retail center; it's a sanctuary where creativity takes flight and imagination blossoms. Nestled in the heart of metropolitan Phoenix, we have been a cornerstone of the artistic community since our inception in 2015. Our unique space specializes in glass art, kiln-formed glass, woodturning, metal jewelry, and more, offering a diverse palette of artistic endeavors for adults seeking to expand their horizons, refine their skills, and indulge in the joy of artistic expression without the rigidity of traditional college courses.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to nurture the inherent creative spirit within every individual. Through our diverse and quality education programs, we provide a haven where adults in our community can explore the realms of artistic expression, fostering joy, igniting a sense of wonder, and cultivating a deep sense of fulfillment. Our studio is more than just a learning center; it's a vibrant, inviting, and fun-filled space where every interaction is an opportunity for inspiration and growth.

The ethos of Milkweed Arts is encapsulated in our name, inspired by the symbiotic relationship between the monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant. Just as butterflies draw nourishment from the milkweed plant, we believe individuals draw spiritual nourishment from the arts. This beautiful metaphor drives our commitment to enriching the Phoenix community through a transformative art education experience.

Our artist/instructors are not just educators; they are passionate practitioners with unparalleled education and experience, bringing a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and nurturing guidance to every class. Their infectious zeal for the arts resonates through our studio, inspiring students to explore, express, and evolve in their artistic journey.

The recognition as the "Best Place to Create Art" by Phoenix Magazine in 2021, 2022, and again in 2023, is not just an honor but a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving art community. At Milkweed Arts, we are more than a studio; we are a community of passionate artists, eager learners, and curious souls coming together to celebrate the boundless beauty of artistic expression.

Join us in this enriching journey where every stroke of color, every spun piece of wood, and every molded piece of metal is a step towards a more vibrant, creative, and fulfilling life.

Who Are The Faces Behind Milkweed Arts?

Warren Norgaard

Owner & Instructor

Warren is an accomplished artist with a specialization in fused and cast glass. Since embarking on his glass journey in 1990, his creations have garnered international acclaim and found homes in collections worldwide. Deeply inspired by the timeless beauty of mandalas, Warren has innovated a unique method to craft these intricate designs in glass, paying homage to the traditional techniques that have been passed down for centuries.

As a dedicated educator, Warren imparts his knowledge at Milkweed Arts and frequently travels across the US and Canada, teaching his signature techniques at various studios. His diverse background, which spans special education, retail management, massage therapy, magazine publishing, human resources, and freight management, has enriched his perspective, shaping him into a more holistic individual, artist, mentor, and entrepreneur.

Above all, Warren's heart belongs to his three cherished dogs: Rex, Laverne, and Shirley.

Eli Adams

Studio Manager

Eli Adams is a talented artist and musician with a passion for creativity and nature. Born and raised in a small town, Eli developed a love for the outdoors at an early age and spent much of his time exploring the nearby forests and lakes. As he grew older, Eli discovered his artistic talents and began to explore different forms of expression, including painting, drawing, and jewelry making. He also developed a passion for music and began to write and produce his own songs. Today, Eli continues to pursue his passions and finds inspiration in the beauty of the natural world around him.

Bahney Dedolph

Instructor & Retail Associate

Usually, I tell people about my education, being a social worker for decades, my hero and mother of social work—Jane Addams, and my amazing children and grandchildren. Here, I want to focus on what drew me to crafting as a lifelong tool for stress relief. My grandmothers taught me to knit and embroider in grade school and sent me to a sewing class before my legs were long enough to reach the pedal. I dabbled in fiber arts, pottery, stained glass, decoupage, mosaics, and other “crafty” things throughout my adult life. I started taking fused glass classes at Milkweed Arts the year they opened, and I was immediately hooked — I have always referred to glass class as my “therapy” and encourage others to try fused glass as a tool for self-care and stress relief. I am very excited to be teaching at Milkweed Arts and sharing my love of this craft and artform.