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HomeLearnClasses

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!

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    6-8

    Yrs Old

    Art Explorers (6-8)

    Classroom 3

    From ancient Egypt to Roman civilizations, explore the artwork that came before us! Students will create artwork inspired by the museum’s ancient art collection exploring printmaking and assemblage techniques.


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 23

    End Date

    Jul 25

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    9-12

    Yrs Old

    Clay Critters (9-12)

    Classroom 7

    Let’s find creatures at the Museum! From lions to camels to dragons there is inspiration around every corner. Students will use a slab hand-building technique to create their favorite critters! Supplies provided.


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 23

    End Date

    Jul 25

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    3-5

    Yrs Old

    Fantasy Friends (3-5)

    Classroom 5

    Young artists will explore galleries for ceramic animals and then create their own “wild” works in clay. Children should feel comfortable without a parent guardian.


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 23

    End Date

    Jul 25

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    13-16

    Yrs Old

    Powerful Prints (13-16)

    Classroom 1

    Inspired by such activist art in the collection as Kerry James Marshall’s Memento #5, students combine text, imagery, and screen printing to create large-scale illustrations that advocate for their cause of choice.


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 23

    End Date

    Jul 25

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    6-8

    Yrs Old

    Art Explorers (6-8)

    Classroom 3

    From ancient Egypt to Roman civilizations, explore the artwork that came before us! Students will create artwork inspired by the museum’s ancient art collection exploring printmaking and assemblage techniques.


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 23

    End Date

    Jul 25

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    9-12

    Yrs Old

    Clay Critters (9-12)

    Classroom 7

    Let’s find creatures at the museum! From lions to camels to dragons there is inspiration around every corner. Students will use a slab hand-building technique to create their favorite critters! Supplies provided.


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 23

    End Date

    Jul 25

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    3-5

    Yrs Old

    Fantasy Friends (3-5)

    Classroom 5

    Young artists will explore galleries for ceramic animals and then create their own “wild” works in clay. Children should feel comfortable without a parent guardian.


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 23

    End Date

    Jul 25

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    9-12

    Yrs Old

    Dragons & Tombs (9-12)

    Classroom 2

    Galloping horses, powerful dragons and temperamental camels!  Find out about these sculptures and other objects from ancient tombs as you investigate the Chinese galleries.  Create drawings, paintings and prints of your discoveries.  


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 30

    End Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    13-16

    Yrs Old

    Fantastical Illustration 13-16

    Classroom 1

    After exploring mythical themes in the collection, students return to the classroom to create detailed fantasy illustrations using storytelling, mixed media, and advanced illustration techniques.


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 30

    End Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    3-5

    Yrs Old

    Mythical Monsters (3-5)

    Classroom 5

    Explore the galleries for mythical creatures and other friendly beings and then make your own! Children should feel comfortable without a parent guardian. 


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 30

    End Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    6-8

    Yrs Old

    Monsters to Mermaids (6-8)

    Classroom 3

    Embark on a journey through ancient artworks to uncover fantasy creatures, then breathe life into your own mythical beings in this captivating art class!


    3 Days | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 30

    End Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    3-4

    Yrs Old

    Color Lab (3-4)

    Classroom 5

    Discover the fantastic worlds of colors in the galleries, then create your colorful work of art! Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. All supplies included. 


    Single Session | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $50

    Members

    $40

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    5-6

    Yrs Old

    Color Lab (5-6)

    Classroom 3

    Discover the fantastic worlds of colors in the galleries, then create your colorful work of art! Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. All supplies included.


    Single Session | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $50

    Members

    $40

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    7-9

    Yrs Old

    Color Lab (7-9)

    Classroom 2

    Discover the fantastic worlds of colors in the galleries, then create your colorful work of art! Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. All supplies included. 


    Single Session | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $50

    Members

    $40

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    10-12

    Yrs Old

    Maker Studio: Scrapbook zines

    Classroom 1

    Search the galleries for inspiration to add to your narrative zines, then experiment in the classrooms. Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. All supplies included. 


    Single Session | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $50

    Members

    $40

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    13-16

    Yrs Old

    Maker Studio: Scrapbook zines

    Classroom 7

    Students search the galleries for inspiration, then craft narrative zines based on what they find. Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. All supplies included.


    Single Session | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $50

    Members

    $40

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    13-16

    Yrs Old

    Beyond the Frame 13-16

    Classroom 7

    Inspired by playful works of art in More is More, students learn to push conceptual boundaries to create reproductions of their designs using photography, printmaking, and mixed media.


    4 Session Class | 90 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    7-9

    Yrs Old

    Fancy Feast (7-9)

    Classroom 2

    After exploring the collection for artwork inspired by food, students return to the classroom to create sculptures of their favorite foods using mixed media, paper mache, and clay.


    2 Session Class | 90 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Public

    $75

    Members

    $60

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    5-6

    Yrs Old

    Out of the Box (5-6)

    Classroom 1

    Inspired by Frank Stella’s minimalist and abstract expressionism, young artists learn the elements of line and design to create boundary-breaking geometric compositions. Young artists practice storytelling through lines then creates large geometric canvases to create a story with line, shapes, and colors.


    3 Session Class | 90 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Public

    $115

    Members

    $93

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    3-5

    Yrs Old

    Start in Art (3-5)

    Classroom 5

    Nurture a child’s creativity! Young children explore art concepts by working with paint, collage, and clay. Visits to the galleries contain age-appropriate activities that allow students to see and talk about art as a group. Students should feel comfortable without a parent or guardian. Supplies provided.


    6 Session Class | 90 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $228

    Members

    $183

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    10-12

    Yrs Old

    Telling Tales (10-12)

    Classroom 3

    After exploring mythical themes in the exhibition Sages and Heros and the museum collection, students return to the classroom to create a fantastical graphic story using storytelling, mixed media, and advanced drawing techniques.


    6 Session Class | 90 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $228

    Members

    $183

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    7-9

    Yrs Old

    Fancy Feast (7-9)

    Classroom 2

    After exploring the collection for artwork inspired by food, students return to the classroom to create sculptures of their favorite foods using mixed media, paper mache, and clay.


    2 Session Class | 90 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Public

    $75

    Members

    $60

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    5-6

    Yrs Old

    Out of the Box (5-6)

    Classroom 1

    Inspired by Frank Stella’s minimalist and abstract expressionism, young artists learn the elements of line and design to create boundary-breaking geometric compositions. Young artists practice storytelling through lines then creates large geometric canvases to create a story with line, shapes, and colors.


    3 Session Class | 90 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Public

    $115

    Members

    $93

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    3-5

    Yrs Old

    Start in Art (3-5)

    Classroom 5

    Nurture a child’s creativity! Young children explore art concepts by working with paint, collage, and clay. Visits to the galleries contain age-appropriate activities that allow students to see and talk about art as a group. Students should feel comfortable without a parent or guardian. Supplies provided.


    6 Session Class | 90 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $228

    Members

    $183

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    10-12

    Yrs Old

    Telling Tales (10-12)

    Classroom 3

    After exploring mythical themes in the exhibition Sages and Heros and the museum collection, students return to the classroom to create a fantastical graphic story using storytelling, mixed media, and advanced drawing techniques.


    6 Session Class | 90 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:00 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $228

    Members

    $183

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    5-6

    Yrs Old

    Creature Feature (5-6)

    Classroom 1

    Inspired by mythical creatures in the exhibition Sages and Heros, young artists return to the classroom to create fantasy creations using painting and drawing techniques along with mixed media.


    3 Session Class | 90 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:00 pm


    Date

    Oct 11

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $115

    Members

    $93

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    7-9

    Yrs Old

    Myths & Monsters 7-9

    Classroom 2

    After exploring mythical themes in the exhibition Sages and Heros, young artists return to the classroom to create a fantastical graphic story using storytelling, mixed media, and advanced drawing techniques.


    4 Session Class | 90 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:00 pm


    Date

    Oct 11

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    5-6

    Yrs Old

    Creature Feature (5-6)

    Classroom 1

    Inspired by mythical creatures in the exhibition Sages and Heros, young artists return to the classroom to create fantasy creations using painting and drawing techniques along with mixed media.


    3 Session Class | 90 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:00 pm


    Date

    Oct 11

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $115

    Members

    $93

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    7-9

    Yrs Old

    Myths & Monsters 7-9

    Classroom 2

    After exploring mythical themes in the exhibition Sages and Heros, young artists return to the classroom to create a fantastical graphic story using storytelling, mixed media, and advanced drawing techniques.


    4 Session Class | 90 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:00 pm


    Date

    Oct 11

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123


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 level Members can register one week before the general public and all Members receive a 20% discount!

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    Drawing in the Park

    Classroom 6

    Be inspired by artists from the collection that painted outdoors or en plein aire! Learn many of the same techniques and apply them to your own creations! Participants will explore the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park to learn strategies for creating a composition, shading and drawing techniques, as well as creating sketches using watercolor and ink.


    4 Session Class | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Date

    Sep 18

    Public

    $203

    Members

    $163

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    Better Drawings: Still Life

    Classroom 4

    Build upon the fundamentals of still life drawing by working directly from 3-D objects.  Train your eye to better observe and while experimenting with value, line quality, contour, composition and other drawing basics.


    5 Session Class | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Date

    Sep 20

    Class will not meet 10/18

    Public

    $253

    Members

    $203

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    Chinese Brush Painting

    Classroom 6

    Connect Chinese brush painting techniques with the spirit of storytelling. Reflect on life’s journey through expressive studies of traditional and symbolic elements from nature. Inspired by the exhibition Sages and Heroes, students will explore how brushwork becomes a visual language for conveying mood, memory, and meaning.


    3 Session Class | 120 Min.

    10:30 am – 12:30 pm


    Date

    Sep 27

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    Gallery Sketch Class

    Classroom 6

    Spend time drawing in a different gallery in each class, then develop your sketches into finished works of art. Each standalone class explores a unique drawing technique. Join one or all sessions!


    1 Session Class | 120 Min.

    6:00 pm – 8:00 pm


    Date

    Oct 02

    Public

    $50

    Members

    $40

  • Multiple colors of pain on a table with pant brushes in them.

    Gallery Sketch Class

    Classroom 6

    Spend time drawing in a different gallery in each class, then develop your sketches into finished works of art. Each standalone class explores a unique drawing technique. Join one or all sessions!


    1 Session Class | 120 Min.

    6:00 pm – 8:00 pm


    Date

    Oct 16

    Public

    $50

    Members

    $40

  • A person adjusting paintbrushes in their apron.

    Autumn in Gouache

    Classroom 6

    Create  vibrant and expressive Autumn scenes and foliage using gouache. Develop painting techniques in color mixing, blending, layering, and using different brush strokes to capture the textures and colors of fall leaves. 


    4 Session Class | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Date

    Oct 23

    Public

    $203

    Members

    $163

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    Gallery Sketch Class

    Classroom 6

    Spend time drawing in a different gallery in each class, then develop your sketches into finished works of art. Each standalone class explores a unique drawing technique. Join one or all sessions!


    1 Session Class | 120 Min.

    6:00 pm – 8:00 pm


    Date

    Oct 23

    Public

    $50

    Members

    $40

  • Art supplies ranging from scissors to colored pencils in varius cans.

    Into the Wild

    Classroom 4

    Embark on a creative adventure as you explore the untamed landscapes and dramatic narratives of the featured exhibition, Survival of the Fittest. Draw inspiration from the exhibition’s wilderness paintings to craft your own stylized Chine Colle prints. Learn the delicate art of layering paper and texture to bring your vision of nature’s resilience and beauty to life. 


    Single Session | 120 Min.

    6:00 pm – 8:00 pm


    Date

    Jul 25

    Public

    $53

    Members

    $43

  • Colored pencils layed out over a drawing on paper.

    Continuous Line

    Classroom 6

    Experiment with the basics of drawing! Participants will explore types of drawing materials to use, how to transform shapes into 3-D by using value, crosshatching and blending techniques. In the galleries, discover blind contour techniques and develop observation skills to apply to your creations.


    3 Session Class | 120 Min.

    1:30 pm – 3:30 pm


    Start Date

    Jul 30

    End Date

    Aug 01

    Public

    $153

    Members

    $123



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.