A space that used to house weapons now teaches children about art. Perhaps Western civilization isn't in total decline.

The Armory is a thriving, almost century-old outgrowth of the shuttered Pasadena Art Workshops, which was the Pasadena Museum's education program. For more than a decade, the hodgepodge of workshops floated around Pasadena, until 1989 when the National Guard Armory in Pasadena became its new home. Today it includes artist workspaces, a gallery and art classes. With a progressive approach to community-building and art, the Armory is a local institution, teaching everyone from toddlers to retirees the wonder of ceramics, painting, photography and letterpress. But don't expect teachers droning on about the color wheel—the teachers are all artists. Students might find themselves making an underwater collage or flying their own kites alongside internationally recognized artists such as Olga Koumoundouros or Emilie Halpern.