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.
As a dedicated educator, Warren imparts his knowledge at Milkweed Arts, teaching his signature techniques. 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.
Bahney Dedolph
Instructor & Retail Associate
Bahney brings decades of experience as a social worker, drawing inspiration from her hero, Jane Addams, the mother of social work. She is also proud of her amazing children and grandchildren. However, it was crafting that became Bahney’s lifelong tool for stress relief. Her grandmothers taught her to knit and embroider in grade school, and she was sent to sewing class before her legs were long enough to reach the pedal. Throughout her adult life, Bahney explored various creative outlets, including fiber arts, pottery, stained glass, decoupage, and mosaics. She discovered fused glass at Milkweed Arts when it first opened and was immediately hooked. Bahney has always referred to glass classes as her “therapy” and encourages others to try fused glass as a means of self-care and stress relief. She is thrilled to be teaching at Milkweed Arts and sharing her passion for this craft.
Bryant Guzman Martinez
Studio Assistant
A bilingual Phoenix native, Bryant is the newest member of the Milkweed Arts family. New to the world of kiln-formed glass, Bryant enjoys creating works in wood and metal. Kiln-formed glass is sure to be his next artistic passion! With varied interests such as etymology, manga, reading psychological thrillers, watching horror flicks and other such spooky stuff, we look forward to seeing what Bryant’s energy will bring to the studio
Rudy Cervantez Jr
Studio Assistant
Rudy is a talented pencil illustrator with a unique artistic style heavily influenced by gothic and Victorian-era designs, focusing primarily on black-and-white compositions. While new to the world of kiln-formed glass, Rudy is excited to explore this new medium at Milkweed Arts. A Phoenix native, Rudy brings his love of storytelling through illustration into his work, drawing inspiration from graphic novels and literature. When not creating art, Rudy enjoys reading, writing, and staying active. His welcoming demeanor and dazzling smile make him a natural at engaging with customers and creating a comfortable atmosphere in the studio.