Anita GarciaIf you’ve ever seen Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, you know that the digital art in that movie is eye-catching, vibrant, and emotionally powerful. It takes real skill to create work like that, and the good news is that artistic skill can be learned.
But creative industries are evolving fast, and many traditional art school programs struggle to keep up. That gap pushed our team to research art programs in El Paso that actually help people create the kind of work they’d be proud to show off.
We looked into both degree programs and shorter courses for hobbyists who are just beginning their artistic journey. Here are the best art schools in El Paso we’d recommend.
How much does it cost to attend art school in El Paso?
The fee to attend art school in El Paso can vary from $20 for a one-time, simple beginners art class up to $1,000+ for attending an art school with the purpose of getting a degree in art.
This is just an estimate. The cost will be dependent on the kind of art school, programs, classes, and more.
1. El Paso Community College
Address: 919 Hunter Dr
Contact Details: +19158313722
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
El Paso Community College offers remarkably thorough art training for a two-year school. They give students a true studio experience rather than just a handful of elective classes.
We really like that EPCC encourages exploration before focusing on a specialization. Students are exposed to several media and techniques, which help them discover their strengths.
The Associate of Arts in Art program covers drawing, design, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Students we spoke with also loved that the courses teach proper life drawing techniques and experimentation with metals, printmaking, and photography.
We also like that art history and art appreciation lectures connect directly to studio projects. Several people we interviewed said this made complex ideas and major art movements easier to understand because they could apply them to their own work.
Outside of class, the EPCC Art Club gives students a chance to stay creative and engaged.
A few students told us they found it invaluable to have a strong creative support system where they can share their work, plan art workshops in El Paso, and help bring more art into the community.
Just be aware that there are currently limited options for tuition plans and fee structures.
By far the best two-year college
“This is by far the best two-year college in the El Paso and Las Cruces area. From start to finish this whole college truly cares for their students, staff, professors, board of directors, police, and president. They are truly a prestige university.”
- Nancy Benavidez, Google Reviews
I loved my time here
“The faculty at EPCC really cares about you and your future. I loved my time here and I really felt like I was a part of the community at school. EPCC is an excellent place to get your foot in the door in higher education, and Valle Verde is the most developed and robust campus in the city.”
- Zane Barker, Google Reviews
2. University of Texas at El Paso
Address: 500 W University Ave
Contact Details: +19157475000
The University of Texas offers structured fine art programs in El Paso. They offer both BA and BFA degrees with a focus on drawing, painting, printmaking, and graphic design. They also offer classes in 3D arts, such as ceramics, metals, and sculpture.
We think the option to major or minor in Art History adds valuable depth. The BA in Art Education with All-Levels Teacher Certification provides a clear path for those who want to teach.
Students we spoke with also appreciated that graduates aren’t limited to studio work. They can pursue roles in schools, galleries, or museums.
We also love that students get professional exposure. The Exhibition Practices Certificate gives practical insight into gallery operations after completing three targeted courses. This can really help strengthen their applications for museum or gallery roles.
Students also get to experience real-world exhibitions through The Glass Gallery in the Fox Fine Arts Center and the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center.
Some students, however, noted that the workload can be intense, which might feel overwhelming for beginners.
I had a wonderful time there
“UTEP is an amazing college, I had a wonderful time there the 4 years of my bachelor’s, very affordable compared to other colleges of the same size, the student community is very welcoming and the campus is very enjoyable”
- Rush, Google Reviews
Provides students with great opportunities
“Excellent University! You get what you put into it. Provides students with great opportunities to better themselves in their careers. Can’t beat the price. School has gone through a lot of remodeling and new construction making it innovative and modern looking. ⛏😊👨🏻🎓👩🏻🎓 …”
- Short and Sweet, Google Reviews
3. El Paso Museum of Art
Address: 1 Arts Festival Plaza
Contact Details: +19152120300
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 3 PM
The El Paso Museum of Art is not your typical digital art school setup or basic hobby class.
Children, teens, and adults can move freely between the galleries and fully equipped studios. Students we interviewed said they gained visual inspiration from the artwork on display.
Parents told us they appreciated that classes for ages 6 to 13 blend guided gallery tours with hands-on projects in ceramics and painting, and that tuition includes all materials.
Teens and adults said they valued being treated like artists, regardless of their experience level. A few youths enjoyed being able to test new techniques and develop their own art styles.
The museum’s art workshops and master classes are especially good for those seeking a short but immersive experience. Several students we interviewed said their workshop days helped push them out of a creative rut.
The only real drawback is the refund policy: there are no refunds, only credits toward another class. That can be challenging if a student’s schedule changes unexpectedly.
Loved the teachers and front staff
“My two young daughters had an art class for a week! Loved the teachers and front staff! Love how the museum displays art from local highschools!!”
- LuElen Cunyus, Google Reviews
Great place to spend an afternoon
“Great place to spend an afternoon. Located in the heart of the museum district, the EPMA is a world class museum featuring art from all around the world. It’s a very quiet place to visit when the madness begins to take over your brain. Go here and chill while you look at artwork from as far back as the renaissance. And watch out for the hole with stairs in them, you might fall in and find yourself sitting in a small auditorium under the stairs.”
- Gabe Escandon, Google Reviews
4. I Painted That
Address: 5200 N Mesa St c102
Contact Details:+19157606541
For anyone who wants a break from the usual top things to do in El Paso, I Painted That offers an inviting way to try painting that feels both fun and accessible.
I Painted That makes art feel surprisingly approachable, even for people who insist they “can’t even draw a stick figure.” Their sip-and-paint classes walk students step by step through creating a canvas painting or wood sign in about two to three hours.
The process is refreshingly simple: students reserve online, show up with their favorite snacks and drinks, and the staff handles the rest.
Adults we spoke with praised the relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere. A few shared that the instructors keep things light and jump in quickly to help fix small mistakes without making anyone feel judged or singled out.
We also found their Paint at Home kits as an easy, creative option. It’s great for people who are looking for an alternative to a night at the bowling centre or a fun follow-up after visiting some of the best restaurants in town.
These are guided projects, though, so advanced artists may find the designs a bit too simple.
Adam our instructor was very helpful and encouraging
“Last night, my husband and I went to our first painting class. This was a gift from one of our kids. We had a wonderful time.
Adam our instructor was very helpful and encouraging that we felt at ease, in the end we saw our art work and couldn’t believe “we painted that!”
We will be back and I encourage others to come and try it.👍”
- Carrie O’Beirne, Google Reviews
Professional, flexible, friendly
“Amazing experience, Eleno was very professional, flexible, friendly and a great teacher. Highly recommend it 👌 …”
- Tania Meow, Google Reviews
5. Creative Kids
Address: 504 W San Francisco Ave
Contact Details:+19155339575
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 1 PM
Creative Kids runs focused programs that bring high-quality arts education to children and youths who often have the least access to it.
Project AIM works with pediatric oncology patients at Providence Children’s Hospital. Parents described how powerful it was to see their kids light up when their artwork went on display in the Imagination Gallery.
Project ABLE reaches young people in San Elizario and Southern New Mexico, where there are no organized youth centers and very limited transportation.
A few parents said the program gives their child a safe, structured place to be creative and feel part of something bigger.
Project TAP, on the other hand, supports justice-involved youth. The program uses trauma-informed art sessions that cover the same core skills as in a painting or sculpture class.
What touched our hearts most is the Resiliency Art Program, which grew out of the community’s response to the August 3rd mass shooting. Creative Kids uses visual arts and graphic design as tools for emotional recovery and connection.
The only downside is that, because these programs are so mission-driven, spots and schedules can be limited.
Daughter has really enjoyed the classes
“My daughter has really enjoyed the classes. Excellent staff and beautiful gallery.”
- SmilesThatStick, Google Reviews
The art classes offered here are excellen
“The art classes offered here are excellent. The programs help the children develop and explore their talents”
- Motriz Raptura, Google Reviews
