Youth & adult classes
Youth studio 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.
Art Explorer Members can register one week before the general public and all Members receive a 20% discount!
Youth Studio Classes
11 – 13
Yrs Old
Art to Wear 11-13
Classroom 3
Get inspired in the museum’s permanent collection and the exhibition, “Sparkle! Gifts of Contemporary Jewelry from Robert Hiller”. Try your hand at fashion and jewelry design along with other types of wearable sculpture. All supplies provided.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 25
End Date
Mar 01
Public
$228
Members
$183
Youth Studio Classes
6-8
Yrs Old
Collage and Assemblage
Classroom 1
In this class, young artists will explore various ways of experimenting with materials to create unique collages! Students will take inspiration from the Nelson-Atkins collections.? All supplies provided.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Date
Jan 25
Public
$228
Members
$183
Youth Studio Classes
9-11
Yrs Old
Colorful Creations 9-11
Classroom 2
Artists are colorful people! Find works across various galleries, then create some colorful art of your own in the studio classrooms with paint, collage, and more. All supplies provided.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Date
Jan 25
Public
$228
Members
$183
Youth Studio Classes
13-15
Yrs Old
Maker Studio:Photos & Identity
Classroom 7
Explore mixed media processes and experimental digital photography inspired by the exhibition “Strange and Familiar Places”. All supplies provided.
3 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Date
Jan 25
Public
$115
Members
$93
Youth Studio Classes
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. All supplies provided.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 25
End Date
Mar 08
Public
$228
Members
$183
Youth Studio Classes
11 – 13
Yrs Old
Art to Wear 11-13
Classroom 3
Get inspired in the museum’s permanent collection and the exhibition, “Sparkle! Gifts of Contemporary Jewelry from Robert Hiller”. Try your hand at fashion and jewelry design along with other types of wearable sculpture. All supplies provided.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturdays
Start Date
Jan 25
End Date
Mar 01
Public
$228
Members
$183
Youth Studio Classes
6-8
Yrs Old
Collage and Assemblage
Classroom 1
In this class, young artists will explore various ways of experimenting with materials to create unique collages! Students will take inspiration from the Nelson-Atkins collections.? All supplies provided.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturdays
Date
Jan 25
Public
$228
Members
$183
Youth Studio Classes
9-11
Yrs Old
Colorful Creations 9-11
Classroom 2
Artists are colorful people! Find works across various galleries, then create some colorful art of your own in the studio classrooms with paint, collage, and more. All supplies provided.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturdays
Date
Jan 25
Public
$228
Members
$183
Youth Studio Classes
13-15
Yrs Old
Maker Studio: Mapping the Stars
Classroom 7
Discover the intersection of Art and Science by exploring astrological paintings and drawings in the featured exhibition “Mapping the Heavens: Art, Science, and Exchange”. Then create your own illustrations inspired by the collection. All supplies provided.
3 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Saturdays
Date
Feb 15
Public
$115
Members
$93
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.
Art Explorer level Members can register one week before the general public and all Members receive a 20% discount!
Adult Studio Classes
Woven Words
Classroom 6
Whether you are already a fan of fiber arts or looking to try something new, this immersive class is for you! Find inspiration in paintings that include soft lines and layering of color, then respond with the written word and techniques like wet felting, needle felting, and simple embroidery.
8 Sessions | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Fridays
Date
Jan 17
Public
$403
Members
$323
Adult Studio Classes
Basketry Workshop
Classroom 6
Discover the art of basketry with local artist Lula Smith in this engaging workshop. Explore traditional weaving techniques using natural materials and craft your own handwoven basket. All materials are provided, and all skill levels are welcome.
3 Sessions | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturdays
Date
Jan 25
Public
$153
Members
$123
Adult Studio Classes
Painter Studio: Oil & Cold Wax
Classroom 4
Immerse yourself in the art of Oil and Cold Wax! Discover how to craft textured, dynamic pieces with cold wax and water-based oil paints. All materials are provided, and artists of all skill levels are welcome.
4 Sessions | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Saturdays
Date
Jan 25
Public
$203
Members
$163
Adult Studio Classes
Winter Landscapes
Classroom 6
Capture the serene beauty of winter landscapes in gouache, from the shadows in snowdrifts to the frosty glow of trees. You’ll explore a limited palette while learning techniques for creating hard and soft edges, along with layering and dry brushing to bring depth and atmosphere to your work.
4 Sessions | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursdays
Date
Jan 30
Public
$203
Members
$163
Adult Studio Classes
Gallery Sketch Class
Classroom 5
Immerse yourself in art! Spend time drawing in a different gallery each class, then develop your sketches into finished works of art. Participants will complete a drawing using a different technique each class. You’re welcome to join one or both sessions. All supplies provided.
Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursdays
Start Date
Jan 30
End Date
Jan 31
Public
$50
Members
$40
Adult Studio Classes
Gallery Sketch Class
Classroom 6
Immerse yourself in art! Spend time drawing in a different gallery each class, then develop your sketches into finished works of art. Participants will complete a drawing using a different technique each class. You’re welcome to join one or both sessions. All supplies provided.
Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursdays
Start Date
Feb 06
End Date
Feb 07
Public
$50
Members
$40
Adult Studio Classes
Written in the Stars
Classroom 4
Bring a friend or come on your own for a fun night of creativity! Gather inspiration from the featured exhibition, “Mapping the Heavens: Art, Science, and Exchange”. Then work with teaching artists in the studio classrooms to create a decorative ceramic plate inspired by the collection. All supplies provided and all skill levels are welcome.
Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursdays
Start Date
Feb 20
End Date
Feb 21
Public
$50
Members
$40
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.