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 specializing in fused and cast glass. Since beginning his glass journey in 1990, his work has found its way into collections around the world and earned international recognition.
At Milkweed Arts, Warren shares his passion for glass through teaching, where he enjoys helping students discover both the technical skills and the creative possibilities that kiln-formed glass offers.
Before glass became the center of his professional life, Warren explored a wide range of careers, including special education, retail management, massage therapy, magazine publishing, human resources, and freight management. That winding path has shaped the way he approaches both art and business today, bringing a thoughtful, people-centered perspective to his work as an artist, mentor, and entrepreneur.
Bahney Dedolph
Instructor & Retail Associate
Bahney brings decades of experience as a social worker, inspired by her hero Jane Addams, the mother of social work. Caring for people has always been central to her life, right alongside her pride and joy, her wonderful children and grandchildren.
Creativity, though, has always been her secret superpower for staying balanced. Bahney’s grandmothers taught her to knit and embroider while she was still in grade school, and she was sent off to sewing lessons before her legs were even long enough to reach the pedal. Over the years she explored just about every creative path she could find, including fiber arts, pottery, stained glass, decoupage, and mosaics.
Then she discovered fused glass when Milkweed Arts first opened, and that was it. Hooked.
Bahney has always described her time in the glass studio as a kind of therapy, a place where creativity and calm come together. Now she loves helping others discover that same sense of joy and self care through fused glass, and she is delighted to share that passion with the Milkweed Arts community.
Bryant Guzman Martinez
Studio Assistant
Bryant is a bilingual Phoenix native who brings curiosity, creativity, and a love of making things to the Milkweed Arts team. While he’s new to the world of kiln-formed glass, he’s no stranger to working with his hands and enjoys creating artwork in both wood and metal. We have a strong suspicion that fused glass may soon become his next creative obsession.
Outside the studio, Bryant’s interests run delightfully wide. He enjoys exploring entomology (the study of insects), reading psychological thrillers, diving into manga, and watching horror films and other wonderfully spooky things. With that mix of curiosity and creative energy, we’re excited to see what Bryant brings to the studio and the Milkweed Arts community.
Rudy Cervantez Jr
Studio Assistant
Rudy is a talented pencil illustrator whose work is strongly influenced by gothic and Victorian-era design, often expressed through striking black and white compositions. While he’s new to the world of kiln-formed glass, Rudy is excited to explore this new creative medium here at Milkweed Arts.
A Phoenix native, Rudy brings a deep love of storytelling into his artwork, drawing inspiration from graphic novels and literature. When he’s not creating, you’ll likely find him reading, writing, or finding ways to stay active.
Rudy’s warm presence, paired with a dazzling smile, makes him a natural at connecting with people and helping everyone feel comfortable in the studio.