Youth & adult classes
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.
Art Explorer Members can register one week before the general public and all Members receive a 20% discount!
Youth Studio Camp
10-12
Yrs Old
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.
5 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jun 23
End Date
Jun 27
Public
$253
Members
$203
Youth Studio Camp
8-9
Yrs Old
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.
5 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jun 23
End Date
Jun 27
Public
$253
Members
$203
Youth Studio Camp
6-7
Yrs Old
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.
5 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jun 23
End Date
Jun 27
Public
$253
Members
$203
Youth Studio Camp
10-12
Yrs Old
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.
5 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jun 23
End Date
Jun 27
Public
$253
Members
$203
Youth Studio Camp
8-9
Yrs Old
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.
5 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jun 23
End Date
Jun 27
Public
$253
Members
$203
Youth Studio Camp
6-7
Yrs Old
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.
5 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jun 23
End Date
Jun 27
Public
$253
Members
$203
Youth Studio Camp
13-16
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 09
End Date
Jul 11
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
9-12
Yrs Old
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!
3 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 09
End Date
Jul 11
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
6-8
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 09
End Date
Jul 11
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
3-5
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 09
End Date
Jul 11
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
13-16
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 09
End Date
Jul 11
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
9-12
Yrs Old
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!
3 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 09
End Date
Jul 11
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
6-8
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 09
End Date
Jul 11
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
3-5
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 09
End Date
Jul 11
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Class
3-4
Yrs Old
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.
Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Jul 12
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
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.
Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Jul 12
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
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.
Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Jul 12
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Class
10-12
Yrs Old
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.
Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Jul 12
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Class
10-12
Yrs Old
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.
Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Jul 12
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Camp
6-8
Yrs Old
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!
3 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
13-16
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
3-5
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
9-12
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
6-8
Yrs Old
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!
3 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
13-16
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
3-5
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
9-12
Yrs Old
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.
3 Days | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 23
End Date
Jul 25
Public
$153
Members
$123
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Camp
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
Youth Studio Class
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
Youth Studio Class
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
Youth Studio Class
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
Youth Studio Class
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
Youth Studio Class
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
Youth Studio Class
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
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
10-12
Yrs Old
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.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Mar 29
End Date
May 03
Public
$228
Members
$183
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
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.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Mar 29
End Date
May 03
Public
$228
Members
$183
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
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.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Mar 29
End Date
May 03
Public
$228
Members
$183
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
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.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Mar 29
End Date
May 03
Public
$228
Members
$183
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
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.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Start Date
Mar 29
End Date
May 03
Public
$228
Members
$183
Ongoing Class
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
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.
6 Sessions | 90 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Start Date
Mar 29
End Date
May 03
Public
$228
Members
$183
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 Class
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.
Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Date
Jul 17
Public
$53
Members
$43
Adult Studio Class
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
Adult Studio Class
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
Sold Out
Adult Studio Class
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.
Single Session | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Jul 12
Public
$103
Members
$83
Sold Out
Adult Studio Class
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.
3 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jul 16
End Date
Jul 18
Public
$153
Members
$123
Ongoing Class
Adult Studio Class
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.
4 Sessions | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Skip April 5th’s classStart Date
Mar 29
End Date
Apr 26
Public
$203
Members
$163
Ongoing Class
Adult Studio Class
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.
4 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
Apr 26
Public
$203
Members
$163
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.