Youth & adult classes

Capture Your World (10-12)

Classroom 2

Students will create large artworks using printmaking techniques and painting that advocate for conservation, inspired by activists in the museum’s collection and the featured exhibition Survival of the Fittest. They will learn how to infuse powerful messages into artwork.

Museum Zoo (8-9)

Classroom 3

Inspired by the museum’s collection and featured exhibition Survival of the Fittest, students will create shadow boxes that tell a story about animal conservation, using layers of paper, found objects, and paint.

Wild Wonders (6-7)

Classroom 4

In this class, students will discover the intersection of art and animal conservation in the featured exhibition Survival of the Fittest. Back in the classrooms, they will then design and build habitats for animals.

Capture Your World (10-12)

Classroom 2

Students will create large artworks using printmaking techniques and painting that advocate for conservation, inspired by activists in the museum’s collection and the featured exhibition Survival of the Fittest. They will learn how to infuse powerful messages into artwork.

Museum Zoo (8-9)

Classroom 3

Inspired by the museum’s collection and featured exhibition Survival of the Fittest, students will create shadow boxes that tell a story about animal conservation, using layers of paper, found objects, and paint.

Wild Wonders (6-7)

Classroom 4

In this class, students will discover the intersection of art and animal conservation in the featured exhibition Survival of the Fittest. Back in the classrooms, they will then design and build habitats for animals.

Art as Activism (13-16)

Classroom 1

Inspired by activist art in the collection and exhibitions like Survival of the Fittest and 2024 Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards, students learn assemblage and painting techniques to create large artworks that advocate for their cause of choice. This class explores ways art can raise awareness and inspire action.

Larger than Life (9-12)

Classroom 3

Be inspired by large artworks in the museum’s collection to create your own artworks using printmaking techniques and mixed media!

Mighty Animals (6-8)

Classroom 2

Draw inspiration from the mighty animals in the museum’s collection! Back in the studio classroom, they will create oversized animal artwork.

Paws, Claws, & Brushes (3-5)

Classroom 5

Young artists will gather inspiration across the museum to create their favorite animals inspired by the collection using paint, collage, and clay.

Art as Activism (13-16)

Classroom 1

Inspired by activist art in the collection and exhibitions like Survival of the Fittest and 2024 Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards, students learn assemblage and painting techniques to create large artworks that advocate for their cause of choice. This class explores ways art can raise awareness and inspire action.

Larger than Life (9-12)

Classroom 3

Be inspired by large artworks in the museum’s collection to create your own artworks using printmaking techniques and mixed media!

Mighty Animals (6-8)

Classroom 2

Draw inspiration from the mighty animals in the museum’s collection! Back in the studio classroom, they will create oversized animal artwork.

Paws, Claws, & Brushes (3-5)

Classroom 5

Young artists will gather inspiration across the museum to create their favorite animals inspired by the collection using paint, collage, and clay.

Lines & Patterns (3-4)

Classroom 5

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.  

Lines & Patterns (5-6)

Classroom 3

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.

Lines & Patterns (7-9)

Classroom 2

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.  

Maker Studio: Figure Sketching

Classroom 1

Develop figure drawing techniques by observing various sculptures in the museum’s collection. Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group.

Maker Studio: Figure Sketching

Classroom 1

Develop figure drawing techniques by observing various sculptures in the museum’s collection. Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group.

Artful Tales (6-8)

Classroom 3

From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, students will travel to different cultures and time periods, discovering the stories behind the art. Back in the classroom, students will create and share then create their own stories!

Beyond Reality (13-16)

Classroom 1

Inspired by the satirical and thought-provoking Dadaist art movement, students use found objects to create layered assemblage sculptures.

Pattern Play (3-5)

Classroom 5

Young artists will explore textures in the museum’s collection and create their own textured artworks using stamps and sponges.

Surreal & Real (9-12)

Classroom 2

Be inspired by surreal and realism artists in the Nelson-Atkins collection! Back in the studio classroom, students will create their own surreal and imaginative sculptures that push that boundary of abstraction.

Artful Tales (6-8)

Classroom 3

From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, students will travel to different cultures and time periods, discovering the stories behind the art. Back in the classroom, students will create and share then create their own stories!

Beyond Reality (13-16)

Classroom 1

Inspired by the satirical and thought-provoking Dadaist art movement, students use found objects to create layered assemblage sculptures.

Pattern Play (3-5)

Classroom 5

Young artists will explore textures in the museum’s collection and create their own textured artworks using stamps and sponges.

Surreal & Real (9-12)

Classroom 2

Be inspired by surreal and realism artists in the Nelson-Atkins collection! Back in the studio classroom, students will create their own surreal and imaginative sculptures that push that boundary of abstraction.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Clay Creations (10-12)

Classroom 7

Explore hand building techniques and a variety of glaze applications inspired by works of art from all over the world! Please note: to allow for drying and firing, some student work will need to be picked up 2-4 weeks after class is over. 

Mixed Media (5-6)

Classroom 1

Ignite imagination by creating in mixed media! Students will use painting, drawing, collage and printmaking to create one-of-a-kind works of art inspired by visits to the galleries. 

Maker Studio: Comic Creations (13–16)

Classroom 3

Step into the world of comic and zine creations! Enhance your skills in line work, composition, and storytelling, then apply these techniques to your own creations.  

People and Places (7-9)

Classroom 2

The Nelson-Atkins galleries are full of interesting people! Participants will gather ideas in the galleries, then return to the studio classrooms to develop drawing and portraiture skills in a variety of styles. 

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.

Mixed Media (5-6)

Classroom 1

Ignite imagination by creating in mixed media! Students will use painting, drawing, collage and printmaking to create one-of-a-kind works of art inspired by visits to the galleries.

People and Places (7-9)

Classroom 2

The Nelson-Atkins galleries are full of interesting people! Participants will gather ideas in the galleries, then return to the studio classrooms to develop drawing and portraiture skills in a variety of styles. 

Tiny Treasures

Classroom 4

Come on your own or bring friends and family to get creative at the museum! Search the featured Starr Miniature exhibition, John Smart: Virtuoso in Miniature, for inspiration, then create and decorate your own mini portraits in our studio classrooms.  

Connect with Color

Classroom 6

Discover the secrets of effectively mixing and pairing colors! If you are new to color theory or looking to improve your creative practice, this class is for you. Create studies in a variety of media to later develop into finished works.

Gouache: Everyday Objects

Classroom 6

Be inspired by still life paintings in the museum’s collection to create your own works in gouache. Participants will explore light, shadow, harmony, and composition using fruits and vegetables. 

Monet in Bloom

Classroom 4

Monet’s bold colors, expressive brush strokes, and love for flowers sparked a passion in a new generation of Abstract Expressionists. Explore the Monet’s Gardens and the Secret Life of Flowers exhibition and let the brilliance of Monet’s work re-ignite your love of art! Join us solo or with friends and family as you release your inner abstract expressionist for a night of artistic fun.  

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. 

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.

Stained Glass Workshop

Classroom 4

Discover the process of creating stained glass shuttlecock in this beginner-friendly class. Search the museum’s collection for inspiration then choose from various pre-cut glass to create your design. 

Students will use lead free solder and chemicals. 

Gelli Plate

Classroom 6

Students will discover how to create a basic monoprint using a Gelli Plate and acrylic paints. Techniques that will be explored are building layers within a print, registration techniques, creating image transfer prints, and using additive and subtractive approaches on a variety of substrates. 

Watercolor Beyond Tradition

Classroom 6

Journey through the wilderness paintings in Survival of the Fittest to create your own unique compositions using non-traditional watercolor techniques. From splatting to pouring and twig painting go wild and explore new ways to enrich your watercolor techniques. 

Alternative Lithography

Classroom 6

Discover a new way to experience lithography by using clayboards! Experiment with drawing and etching to create unique compositions resulting in bold and detailed prints. 

Stained Glass Workshop

Classroom 4

Discover the process of creating stained glass shuttlecock in this beginner-friendly class. Search the museum’s collection for inspiration then choose from various pre-cut glass to create your design. 

Students will use lead free solder and chemicals.