Youth studio camps and classes
Taught by experienced art educators among the world’s greatest works of art, Nelson-Atkins classes teach young people how to foster and apply their creativity. Classes are designed for ranges of age and ability, with themes that promise to engage and enrich any student. All supplies are provided at no additional cost.
Art Explorer Members can register one week before the general public and all Members receive a 20% discount!
Member presale for Winter Classes starts Nov. 3 for Art Explorer members and above. General sale begins Nov. 10.
Filter Options:
Youth Studio Class
3-5
Yrs Old
Start in ArtClassroom 5
Introduce your child to foundational art concepts through paint, collage, and clay. Gallery visits teach students about art appreciation and spark group discussions.
Register: 10:30am – 12:00pm
6 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 30
End Date
Mar 06
Public
$225
Members
$180
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
3-5
Yrs Old
Start in ArtClassroom 4
Young learners explore foundational art concepts with paint, collage, and clay. Gallery visits teach students about art appreciation and spark group discussions. Class will not be held on Oct. 17.6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Sep 26
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$225
Members
$180
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Holiday Studio Class (Ages 5-6)Classroom 1
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday
Date
Dec 05
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Drawing FundamentalsClassroom 1
Students develop fundamental skills in drawing by exploring galleries, observing and discussing artwork, and experimenting in the studio classroom.
Register: 10:30am – 12:00pm
3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 30
End Date
Feb 13
Public
$112
Members
$90
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Prints and PatternsClassroom 1
Discover the patterns and prints in the museum collection. Unleash your imagination through hands-on explorations of collage, texture, and the printmaking process.
Register: 10:30am – 12:00pm
3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Feb 20
End Date
Mar 06
Public
$112
Members
$90
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Watercolor FoundationsClassroom 1
Students learn the basics of watercolor painting, like brush control, mixing colors, creating washes, and applying various texture techniques.3 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Oct 24
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$112
Members
$90
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Watercolor FoundationsClassroom 1
Students learn the basics of watercolor painting, like brush control, mixing colors, creating washes, and applying various texture techniques.3 Sessions | 90 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Oct 24
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$112
Members
$90
Youth Studio Class
7-8
Yrs Old
Holiday Studio Class (Ages 7-8)Classroom 2
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday
Date
Dec 05
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
Paintings ImpressionsClassroom 2
Be inspired by the colorful works of Impressionist artists, then head back to the classroom to create bold artwork using composition, expressive brushstrokes, and limited color palettes.
Register: 10:30am – 12:00pm
3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 30
End Date
Feb 13
Public
$112
Members
$90
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
Sculpture LabClassroom 2
Explore the museum for sculpture inspiration, then return to the classroom to create an imaginative artwork.
Register: 10:30am – 12:00pm
3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Feb 20
End Date
Mar 06
Public
$112
Members
$90
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
Musical ImpressionClassroom 2
Explore how music shapes art in the exhibition Farhad Ostovani: Goldberg Variations. Then return to the classroom to create paintings and prints inspired by music.3 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Oct 24
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$112
Members
$90
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
Musical ImpressionClassroom 2
Explore how music shapes art in the exhibition Farhad Ostovani: Goldberg Variations. Then return to the classroom to create paintings and prints inspired by music.3 Sessions | 90 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Oct 24
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$112
Members
$90
Youth Studio Class
9-10
Yrs Old
Holiday Studio Class (Ages 9-10)Classroom 3
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday
Date
Dec 05
Public
$50
Members
$40
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
10-12
Yrs Old
Build, Sculpt, ConstructClassroom 7
Be inspired by sculpture artists like Henry Moore and Alexandar Calder to create abstract sculptures. Class will not be held on Oct. 17.3 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Skip Oct 17thStart Date
Sep 26
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$225
Members
$180
Youth Studio Class
10-13
Yrs Old
Palette Knife PaintingClassroom 3
Explore expressive painting techniques with local contemporary artist Harold Smith. Learn to use a palette knife to build texture, movement, and depth while creating richly layered paintings.
Register: 10:30am – 12:00pm
3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 30
End Date
Feb 13
Public
$112
Members
$90
Youth Studio Class
11-13
Yrs Old
Holiday Studio Class (Ages 11-13)Classroom 4
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday
Date
Dec 05
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Class
13-16
Yrs Old
Maker Studio: PortraitureClassroom 7
Participants gather ideas from the people and art in the galleries, then return to the classrooms to develop drawing and portraiture skills in a variety of styles.
Register: 10:30am – 12:00pm
3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 30
End Date
Feb 13
Public
$112
Members
$90
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
13-16
Yrs Old
Art as ActivismClassroom 3
Discover how murals can be a powerful tool for expression. Be inspired by posters in the exhibition Mucha’s Muses, then create your own statement mural.3 Sessions | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Oct 24
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$150
Members
$120
Adult studio classes
Whether you’re just introducing art into your life or nurturing your creativity, adult studio classes offer a wide choice of subjects, media, and materials to study. Many classes are held on evenings and weekends, with schedules designed for working folks. All skill levels are welcome (unless a class is labeled as advanced) and all supplies are provided at no additional cost.
Art Explorer Members can register one week before the general public and all Members receive a 20% discount!
Member presale for Holiday Classes starts Nov. 3 for Art Explorer members and above. General sale begins Nov. 10.
Filter Options:
Adult Studio Class
Adult Holiday Studio Class: Paper OrnamentsClassroom 5
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday
Date
Dec 05
Public
$50
Members
$40
Adult Studio Class
Drawing: VesselsClassroom 6
Be inspired by vessels in the museum’s collection to develop skills and experiment with gesture drawing, line quality, exaggerative-form composition, and mark making.
Register- 1:30pm – 3:30pm
6 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Mondays
Start Date
Jan 25
End Date
Mar 01
Public
$300
Members
$240
Adult Studio Class
Soft Pastels WorkshopClassroom 6
Inspired by works in Women’s World, explore soft pastels with local artist Jill Tichenor. Use floral, vegetable, and foliage compositions to refine layering, expressive mark making, and blending techniques.
Register 1:30pm – 3:30pm
4 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 am – 3:30 am
Thursdays
Start Date
Jan 28
End Date
Feb 18
Public
$200
Members
$160
Adult Studio Class
The Art of Gelli Plate PrintingClassroom 6
Learn to create a basic monoprint using a Gelli Plate and acrylic paints by building layers within a print, developing registration techniques, creating image transfer prints, and using additive and subtractive approaches.
Register 1:30pm – 3:30pm
4 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Fridays
Start Date
Jan 29
End Date
Feb 19
Public
$200
Members
$160
Adult Studio Class
Mixed Media PortraitsClassroom 4
Inspired by the exhibition Women’s World, join local artist Anita Easterwood to create mixed media portraits that incorporate fabric and texture. Techniques focus on the foundations of figure drawing, layering fabrics, and compositional layouts.
Register- 10:30am-12:30pm
3 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 30
End Date
Feb 13
Public
$150
Members
$120
Adult Studio Class
Woodburning: NatureClassroom 6
Explore the galleries for artwork that uses wood as a medium, then head to the classroom to develop mixed-media pyrography (wood burning) skills and create your own nature-themed piece by combining wood-burned designs with added layers of stain, watercolor, or acrylic paint.
Register- 10:30am – 12:30pm
3 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 30
End Date
Feb 13
Public
$150
Members
$120
Adult Studio Class
Keepsake JournalsClassroom 4
Explore bookbinding techniques to create a keepsake journal using collage, paint, and paper. Bring photographs, letters, ticket stubs, maps, or other meaningful keepsakes to incorporate into your book.
Register 6-8pm
Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday
Date
Feb 19
Public
$48
Members
$38
Adult Studio Class
Watercolor AnimalsClassroom 6
Inspired by animal paintings in the European, Asian, and American galleries, participants will learn watercolor techniques for illustrating animals through composition, form, and texture.
Register 1:30pm – 3:30pm
4 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursdays
Start Date
Feb 25
End Date
Mar 18
Public
$200
Members
$160
Adult Studio Class
Tiny TreasuresClassroom 4
Explore bookbinding techniques to create a keepsake journal using collage, paint, and paper. Bring photographs, letters, ticket stubs, maps, or other meaningful keepsakes to incorporate into your book.
Register 6-8pm
Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday
Date
Feb 26
Public
$48
Members
$38
Ongoing Class
Adult Studio Class
Vitality Arts: Mindful MakingClassroom 6
Join a practicing yoga teacher and fiber artist for a 7-week exploration of art as self-care, finding inspiration through movement, meditation, and time in the galleries. Participants experiment with painting, printing, and embroidery, combining favorite techniques into a final piece to share at a culminating event.7 Sessions | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Fridays
Start Date
Sep 25
End Date
Nov 06
Public
$350
Members
$280
Ongoing Class
Adult Studio Class
Drawing: A Youthful ApproachClassroom 6
Experiment with tempera paint, collage, and various drawing media and methods as you enjoy and explore the process of artmaking. Class will not be held on Oct. 17.6 Sessions | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturdays
No class on Oct 17thStart Date
Sep 26
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$300
Members
$240
Ongoing Class
Adult Studio Class
Chinese Brushwork: BotanicalsClassroom 5
Be inspired by the traditional Chinese painting theme The Four Gentlemen, depicting four seasons as plants: plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. Reflect on how the seasons connect to life’s journey and symbolic elements. Class will not be held on Oct. 17.6 Sessions | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturdays
No class on Oct 17thStart Date
Sep 26
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$300
Members
$240
Ongoing Class
Adult Studio Class
Oil Painting FundamentalsClassroom 5
In this Painter Studio class, strengthen your foundations in color theory, brushwork, paint application, and color mixing. Apply techniques and skills to still life and abstract color paintings. Class will not be held on Oct. 17.6 Sessions | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Saturdays
No class on Oct 17thStart Date
Sep 26
End Date
Nov 07
Public
$300
Members
$240
Ongoing Class
Adult Studio Class
Watercolor Landscapes: Painting TreesClassroom 6
Inspired by works in the European, Asian, and American galleries, this watercolor class explores painting trees in landscapes. Participants practice techniques to capture atmosphere, light, shadow, and the unique character of different trees.4 Sessions | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursdays
Start Date
Oct 22
End Date
Nov 12
Public
$200
Members
$160
Scholarships and discounts
Need-based scholarships
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for youth and adult studio classes. To apply, please complete the scholarship application form. If you have questions, please contact scholarships@nelson-atkins.org for more information.
Member discounts
Nelson-Atkins members receive a 20% discount on registration for youth and adult classes. Additionally, members at the Art Explorer level or higher get early access to class registration one week prior to when it opens to the public.
Enrollment
How to enroll
You may enroll in a class online (by clicking Register on any of the classes offered above) or by calling the museum at 816.751.1278.
Waiting lists
A waiting list is created for classes that have filled to capacity. If spaces become available, people on the waiting list will be notified in order. To be placed on a waiting list, please call 816.751.1278.
Switching to another class
If you’d like to transfer your enrollment from one class or workshop to another, you will be charged a $10 transfer fee per student and per class. To make changes to your enrollment, please contact our guest services team at 1art@nelson-atkins.org or 816.751.1278.
Cancellations and refunds
Refunds
If you cancel your enrollment more than five business days prior to the class or workshop, you will be refunded the enrollment fees. There is a $15 processing fee per enrollment for cancellations.
Credits for missed classes
We do not issue class credits toward future sessions.
Cancelled classes
The Nelson-Atkins will cancel classes that do not reach minimum enrollment. In those instances, all fees will be refunded 100%.
Attendance and artwork
What to wear
Some materials used in class cannot be washed out of clothes. We advise students to wear clothes that they’re comfortable getting messy.
Absences
If a student misses a class period, they cannot make up for that absence by attending another class. Students may only attend the class in which they are enrolled.
If students miss the final day of class, their artwork will be held at coat check and an email will be sent out with pick-up information.
Artwork pick-up and exhibitions
If you or your child has artwork to be picked up, you can collect it at the coat check desk in Bloch Lobby.
Sometimes, student art will be publicly displayed in the Ford Learning Center Student Gallery. In those cases, you will be notified by email when your or your child’s artwork is on display. If you haven’t heard from us yet, we’re still installing the exhibition.
Once the artwork is taken down, we will email you with instructions on how to collect it.