We happened on this art center a bit by accident as I saw a notice about it in the shiny sheet while visiting palm beach. So we made the detour to this historic Art Deco building to see what their gallery had to offer. The building was a WPA project during the depression. It was built in 1939. After many years as a military building, and some years in disrepair, it became an arts school in the the late 80's. It's gone through renovations and expansions. It is now an arts education school with many classes for all ages and in the summer a lot of workshops, etc., for kids from young ages through teens. Attached to the school was a small one room art gallery with an exhibit highlighting mainly clay pieces done by students and teachers. Each ceramic piece was marked with a price and displayed the name (s) of the artist and the teacher's name. Exhibitions change periodically. There was no charge to enter, but donations are accepted. We couldn't see the other (creative) studios as entry was restricted. More interesting to me was their sculpture garden outside with a few appealing items and the manicured grounds that faced the street. They've hosted an art festival for the last few years (in December) outside on these grounds. read more

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My daughter (13) signed up for a teen art camp with the Armory. She came home after the first day feeling very disappointed as it did not seem there was enough planned for them. For a jewelry making task, they were given wire, string, and seashells, and were simply told to wrap wire around the shells tie it to the string for a necklace. They were shown an example, but never shown how to do it, and lacked tools. They spent a good bit of time on their phones when they had nothing to do, and at one point, another child in the group had to ask if they could all have some beads to string because they literally weren't doing anything. Needless to say, I called the director, but was fed a bunch of excuses such as "it won't be the same as last year, because we don't have that same studio to use." Yet, she assured me she would make sure there were more things for them to do the next day. I told my daughter to try it out again on Tuesday, but to call me at lunch if it felt as underwhelming as the previous day. Sure enough, I received the phone call. In their jewelry class, they were learning how to make seed bead flowers... but here is the catch... she told them to look up the method on their phones to learn!!! Geez, I could do that at home for a lot cheaper than I paid for this camp! I went and picked my daughter up where I was 'greeted' by the camp director (Jeanie, not sure on spelling?) telling me that it was my fault that one of the camp instructors quit because of my concerned phone call, and now she only has one instructor, and it's all because of me. Went on to say that he said he was tired of dealing with armory parents like myself. To me, this is just an omission of guilt, I guess I'm not the only parent with concerns??? She continued on with her blame rampage saying that my daughter brought a bad attitude to camp with her, and was refusing to do things. That's when I demanded to speak with the teacher who confirmed what I already knew, my daughter was not negative, and did participate in the activities (as poorly planned out as they were for a group of 13-17 year olds). I've given the Armory many chances, but they just can't seem to get it together. The last camp she attended there a few summers ago, she came home upset with how mean she saw the director treating instructors and helpers... interestingly enough that director was fired by week's end. On top of that, the last 2 classes we signed her up for were cancelled due to another instructor quitting and lack of enrollment. It's pretty sad, my daughter loves art and we have heard this place was so wonderful back in its prime. read more

The armory building that the art center is housed in has quite a history. The Works Progress Administration was created by Franklin Roosevelt to put Americans back to work after the Great Depression. They converted a former fruit and vegetable stand into an armory in 1939. Around WWII the armory building served a training center for National Guardsman. The building still has a vault for guns and jeeps were repaired behind the building. In the 1950's and 60's the armory was used for proms, dances, and concerts. 1960 Chubby Checkers played a concert at Armory and demonstrate his new dance sensation, The Twist. By the 1980's the Art Deco building had fallen into disrepair and was abandoned. Around this time the Norton Museum closed it's art school. The National Guard building was considered as a new location for the school and attorney and philanthropist Robert Montgomery and his wife Mary donated $100,000 to renovate the building with the Palm Beach County Cultural Council providing additional money. On November 21, 1986, the Armory Art Center, Inc., was incorporated as a Florida non profit and the Armory opened on July 1, 1987, as a community arts organization that provides classes and art exhibitions. Robert and Mary Montgomery donated money allowing for major renovations in 1987 and 1988. On June 11, 1992 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Famous people who have since graced the armory have included First Lady Hillary Clinton, opera star Luciano Pavarotti, movie stars Burt Reynolds and Lonnie Anderson, Broadway star Carol Channing, actor Leonard Nimoy, and musicians Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks and Russell Simmons. Today the Armory offers adult and youth classes. I stopped by to see an exhibit called No. 2 Objectified: Still Life Painting and Ceramics Vessels. The exhibit featured pottery students had made which was available for purchase. Outside is an interesting sculpture garden. It make for interesting pictures with the historic building in the background. I love when historic buildings are preserved and re purposed for a use that enriches the community. A building with this much history is worth a visit when you are in the area, especially when it is filled with lovely works of art. Admission is free, although donations are gratefully accepted. read more

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It was so refreshing to go to the Armory looking for some surplus tiles and be directed to a whole array of them that were being stored on-site, and then since I walk with a cane, helped to load the tiles into my car. read more

We went to an art festival on the grounds of the Armory Art Center, and were pleasantly surprised. Although smaller than many of the outdoor art festivals, it featured quality artworks from local artists along with art and crafts from artists visiting Florida. And it included several artists whose work we hadn't yet seen before at the other shows. Inside the Armory, the artists were showcasing works from their classes and explaining what types of classes they offered. The list is quite extensive, ranging from drawing to textiles to 3-D printing with clay. These classes offer a great opportunity to develop our hidden artistic talents! read more

I'm fond of the Armory, because I've often been a fan of the teachers and staff at the Armory. The Armory hosts multiple free shows throughout the year that showcase local talent. Look for the works by the pottery/sculpture fellows that the Armory selects each year. read more

Does it even exist??? Been calling for months at this point and no one has ever answered the phone. Was really just trying to sign up for a class but seems borderline impossible. read more

I attended a fun jewelry making class. We learned all about the basics of working with metals including sautering. Adrianna was an attentive patient teacher and the class was very small so we got a lot of attention and I had a brand new pair of hand made earrings when we were done. read more

Armory Art Center - Art Galleries Near Me - West Palm Beach, Florida

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I love the Armory! I love this art school and gallery so much so that I travel an average of 45 minutes each way, at least three times a week to do my work there! I came to the Armory almost four years ago at a point where I could learn no more at the studio I was at. My talent immediately took off and has continued to grow since starting to take classes with the brilliant Ceramic and Sculpture staff! The staff is generally the same year to year, but they get new Artist-In-Residence' annually and that brings new flavor and talent into the studio. Plus the other students are so talented that there is so much inspiration and knowledge just from being around each other. I can tell you that there is nothing else like the Armory Art Center's kiln and firing set up anywhere else in Broward or West Palm Counties. And they have a wonderful children's program. I am generally working on my own ceramics while the kids are working with their teacher and she is just amazing with them. Many children come back year after year, as well as participate in the summer camp. I honestly wish I lived closer so that I could take more classes. There are so many things offered there. Jewelry, Glass, painting, fiberwork, photography - just to name a few. And everyone is welcome, from someone who has never tried a hand at art, to people who have studios in other places and just need a place to work while in Florida. The Armory is just the best! read more

My husband paid for ceramics classes here for me as a Christmas gift. I was super excited, and even planned on taking other classes, since I went to an art school for college, and wanted to expand my horizons a bit. Sadly, my husband's mother passed away and I had to miss 2 classes. When I called to ask if I could either make up at least one class, or pick the series back up at the same point next term, I was treated RUDELY and unsympathetically. The girl kept saying "we don't do refunds" when I wasn't even asking for one, and she didn't even bother to ask for my name or even what class I was taking.... I mean somebody DIED, you can't give a little slack? If a couple hundred bucks turns you deaf to a death, then keep it. All I wanted to do was make up a class, so I didn't miss out on something I was looking forward to. I didn't bother going to the rest of the classes and definitely won't be taking any of the others I was planning to. Keep your money. I wanted the experience not a refund you jerks. read more

Great place but they never answer the phone. Tried to get ahold of someone to ask about classes for weeks with no success.

The Armory Art Center is an incredibly warm and friendly community of men and women who enjoy learning; enjoy friendship; and enjoy being with faculty and students who love art and love making art. Ellen L. read more

The Armory is a wonderful community for artists. The facilities are beautiful, the instructors are knowledgeable and informative, and the exhibitions are fantastic. If you are looking for an art class or exhibition this is definitely the place to go! read more

Great summer camp, the kids learn a variety of art forms and the organization of the camps is outstanding!

This was an amazing camp for my daughter. I could not be happier. It was well organized and efficient, the kids were well behaved and kind, and the adults were positive and supportive. We've never participated in a better camp! We will for sure be back. read more

I want to be clear that I am writing this review as a student of the Armory Art Center. Yelp, without any verification of accuracy has accused me of misrepresenting this review and has continually attempted to remove it, quite possibly at the request of the Armory. I have taken classes at the Armory Art Center for over 15 years at various times. In the past, it was a wonderful place to take classes and workshops, meet other like minded artists and speak to accomplished faculty. Unfortunately, over the last few years they have had enormous turnover with their staff and executive directors resulting in very low standards and in many ways and many times, offending students, faculty members and known artists in the area. In discussions with my instructors and faculty. I have found they pay them a pittance, treat them miserably and disrespectfully, continue to employ management who are petty, unprofessional and offensive. It is sad that the Armory Art Center has reached such low levels of respect in the community. I would not recommend supporting this business until they change their behavior and professional standards. And Yelp, if you remove this review, one more time under false premises, I will seek recourse. read more