Youth classes can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.

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July 24–July 26
July 31–August 2
Fun Art Saturdays | Saturday, July 27
Fall Studio Classes
Scholarships & Cancellations

Summer Classes are open for registration!

Register for only morning or afternoon. Please note: If your child is attending a morning and an afternoon session in the same week, you must pick them up between the sessions. No childcare is offered between classes.

Early registration for members at the Art Explorer level and above begins July 29. Registration opens to the general public on Aug. 5.

July 24–July 26 Theme: Museum Zoo

Paws, Claws, and Brushes

Young artists will explore animal art in the galleries and then create their own “wild” works of art using paint and collage. All supplies provided. Children should feel comfortable without a parent guardian.

Three session class | Wednesday, July 24–Friday, July 26
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 3–5 years

Artful Critters

Animals are everywhere! After looking at animals of all sizes in the galleries, create cute critters in the studio classroom. All supplies provided.

Three session class | Wednesday, July 24–Friday, July 26
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 6–8 years

Aesthetic Animals

From horses to lions to dragons, the galleries are filled with art from the world of nature. After finding inspiration in the galleries, create mixed media artwork in the studio classroom. All supplies provided.

Three session class | Wednesday, July 24–Friday, July 26
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 9–11 years

Fantastical Illustrations

Let imagination run wild by creating your own fantasy worlds. Be inspired to create vibrant and imaginative illustrations inspired by dragons and other mythical creatures in the museum’s collection. All supplies are provided.

Three session class | Wednesday, July 24–Friday, July 26
$150 public | $120 Members
Teen 12–15 years

July 31–August 2 Theme: Innovation, Design, and Discovery

Color Lab

Learn how artists have used color in many innovative ways! Then create using techniques inspired by works in the Impressionist, Modern, and Contemporary galleries. All supplies provided. Children should feel comfortable without a parent guardian.

Three session class | Wednesday, July 31–Friday, August 2
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 3–5 years

Artful Assemblage

Discover how artists have used found objects and recycled materials to create contemporary sculptures, then create one of your own! All supplies provided.

Three session class | Wednesday, July 31–Friday, August 2
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 6–8 years

Inventive Designs

Sketch architecture around the museum, then build the structure of your dreams! All supplies included.

Three session class | Wednesday, July 31–Friday, August 2
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 9–11 years

Art-Tech Fusion

Enter the Art + Tech Lab, where experimentation and innovation collide to create artworks. All supplies are provided.

Three session class | Wednesday, July 31–Friday, August 2
$150 public | $120 Members
Teen 12–15 years

Fun Art Saturdays | Saturday, July 27

Art and Movement

Notice how artists create visual movement in works of art, then get moving yourself to create an original work of art! Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. All supplies included.

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
$50 public | $40 Members

Maker Studio: Art and Movement

A variety of stations will be set up in the studio classroom for teens to explore art and technology. A perfect opportunity to try out a new art medium! Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. All supplies included.

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
$50 public | $40 Members

Fall Studio Classes

Early registration for members at the Art Explorer level and above begins July 29. Registration opens to the general public on Aug. 5.

Start in Art (3-5)

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.

Class will not meet on October 19. Registration opens in August.

6 session class | Saturday, Sept. 21–Nov. 2
$225 public | $180 Members
Youth 3–5 years
Register | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Register | 1:30–3 p.m.

Opposites Attract! (6–7)

Explore the museum’s collection in search of opposites, such as dark and light, warm and cool, and big or small. Then create landscapes, still life’s, and more using mixed media. How many opposites can you use in an artwork of your own? Supplies provided.

Class will not meet on October 19. Registration opens in August.

6 session class | Saturday, Sept. 21–Nov. 2
$225 public | $180 Members
Youth 6–7 years
Register | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Register | 1:30–3 p.m.

Printmaking Adventures (8–10)

Spark your creativity by exploring the diverse array of printmaking techniques represented in the museum’s collection. Dive into the world of linocuts, block printing, monotype prints, and collagraphy, then unleash your imagination through hands-on experimentation. Supplies provided. 

Class will not meet on October 19. Registration opens in August.

6 session class | Saturday, Sept. 21–Nov. 2
$225 public | $180 Members
Youth 8–10 years
Register | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Register | 1:30–3 p.m.

Manga, Comics, and Zines (10-12)

Dive into the world of anime and manga by looking at pieces in the featured exhibition Hokusai: Waves of Inspiration. Be inspired by traditional to modern styles and techniques to create your own illustrations. Supplies provided.

Class will not meet on October 19. Registration opens in August.

6 session class | Saturday, Sept. 21–Nov. 2
$225 public | $180 Members
Youth 10–12 years
Register | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Register | 1:30–3 p.m.

Maker Studio: Prints and Manga (13–15)

Explore the world of manga by drawing inspiration from the featured exhibition Hokusai: Waves of Inspiration. Enhance your skills in line work, composition, and storytelling, then apply these techniques to your own creations. Supplies provided.

Registration opens in August.

3 session class | Saturday, Sept. 21–Oct. 5
$112 public | $90 Members
Youth 13–15 years
Register | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Maker Studio: Fashion Patches (13–15)

Explore the museum’s collection for a variety of textile techniques. Then, embroider a fun and playful fashion patch to apply on clothes! Supplies provided.

Class will not meet on October 19. Registration opens in August.

3 session class | Saturday, Oct. 12–Nov. 5
$112 public | $90 Members
Youth 13–15 years
Register | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

Scholarships & Cancellations

A limited number of need-based studio class scholarships are available. To apply, please complete the scholarship application form. If you have questions, please contact scholarships@nelson-atkins.org for more information.

Cancellations made five business days prior to a class may be refunded, less a $15 processing fee per enrollment. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than five business days prior, due to absence, or after a class begins. If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, your enrollment fee will be refunded in full. We do not issue credits toward future classes or workshops if you cancel your enrollment or miss a class. There are no make-up classes due to absence. Switching enrollment from one class/workshop to another will result in a $10 transfer fee on a per student/per class basis.

Student work created in studio classes is sometimes held for exhibition in the Ford Learning Center. All artwork selected for a student exhibition will be securely stored until the exhibition begins. The artwork is typically on display for a period of 3 to 4 months. When the exhibition concludes, the Studio Manager will send participants an email notification. Students or guardians may collect artwork from the coat check desk during the museums regular hours. Be sure to register using a current email address or send an updated address to studioworkshops@nelson-atkins.org.