Summer classes Registration opens soon!
Week 1 Theme | Niki de Saint Phalle | June 26–June 28
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.
Registration opens for select membership levels on April 15th. General public registration opens April 22nd.
Shapes and Form
Find shapes throughout the galleries, including those in the featured exhibition, Niki de Saint Phalle: Rebellion and Joy, then create colorful works of art that are both flat and 3D! All supplies provided. Children should feel comfortable without a parent guardian.
Three session class | Wednesday, June 26–Friday, June 28
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 3–5 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Joyful Forms
The artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s work features fun and colorful characters she called Nanas whose playful poses and big personalities will inspire artwork of our own. All supplies provided.
Three session class | Wednesday, June 26–Friday, June 28
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 6–8 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Kinetic Collage
Gather inspiration in the exhibition Niki de Saint Phalle: Rebellion and Joy which includes a moving assemblage! Use brads and folds to create a colorful collage of your own that moves, too! All supplies provided.
Three session class | Wednesday, June 26–Friday, June 28
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 9–11 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Art as Activism
Unlock your inner artist by channeling the spirit of Niki de Saint Phalle. Renowned for her bold and imaginative sculptures, paintings, and public art installations, Saint Phalle’s art exudes joy, color, and a bit of rebellion. All supplies are provided.
Three session class | Wednesday, June 26–Friday, June 28
$150 public | $120 Members
Teen 12–15 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Week 2 Theme | Fantastical Creations | July 10–July 12
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.
Fantasy Friends
Explore the galleries for mythical creatures and other friendly beings and then make your own! All supplies provided. Children should feel comfortable without a parent guardian.
Three session class | Wednesday, July 10–Friday, July 12
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 3–5 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Mythical Monsters
Embark on a journey through ancient artworks to uncover fantasy creatures, then breathe life into your own mythical beings in this captivating art class! All supplies provided.
Three session class | Wednesday, July 10–Friday, July 12
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 6–8 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Dragons, Knights, and Castles
From regal dragons to knights in shining armor, find inspiration in the galleries as you channel your creativity to inspire your artwork! All supplies provided. .
Three session class | Wednesday, July 10–Friday, July 12
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 9–11 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Week 3 Theme | Around the World | July 17–July 19
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.
Art All Around
After venturing out into the galleries to see art from around the world, young artists will explore art processes and media including paint, collage, and clay. All supplies provided.
Three session class | Wednesday, July 17–Friday, July 19
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 3–5 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Art Passport
Create a passport to document the amazing art you see from around the world. Then create paintings, assemblages, and collages in the studio classroom. All supplies provided.
Three session class | Wednesday, July 17–Friday, July 19
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 6–8 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Ancient Explorers
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 17–Friday, July 19
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 6–8 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Stitch and Style
Take inspiration from patterns and designs in works of art throughout the museum, then create some wearable art of your own. All supplies provided.
Three session class | Wednesday, July 17–Friday, July 19
$150 public | $120 Members
Teen 12–15 years
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Week 4 Theme | Museum Zoo | July 24–July 26
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.
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
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
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
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
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
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
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
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Week 5 Theme | Innovation, Design, and Discovery | July 31–August 2
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.
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
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
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
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
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
Register | AM | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register | PM | 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Fun Art Saturdays
Sign up for a Saturday full of fun art activities! Children should feel comfortable without a parent or guardian.
Saturday, July 13
Super Shapes
Seek out shapes in the galleries, then create your super shape 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
Register | 3–4 Years
Register | 5–6 Years
Register | 7–9 Years
Maker Studio: Drawing and Painting
Search the galleries for various drawing and painting techniques, then experiment in the classrooms. Activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. All supplies included.
July 13 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
$50 public | $40 Members
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
Register | 3–4 Years
Register | 5–6 Years
Register | 7–9 Years
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
Spring classes Classes ongoing - Registration closed
Line, Shape Pattern
Patterns are all around! Look for patterns in a new gallery each week, then use shapes, lines, and colors to create artworks. Supplies provided.
Saturdays | Six week class | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
March 23–April 27 | Classroom 1
$225 public | $180 Members
Youth 6–8 years
Start in Art
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.
Saturdays | Six week class | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
March 23–April 27 | Classroom 4
$225 public | $180 Members
Youth 3–5 years
Fun with 3D
Create and experiment with various materials in the studio! From an exciting new kinetic sculpture to more traditional bronzes, journey through the world of sculptures in the museum’s collection, then create 3D art of your own. All supplies are provided.
Saturdays | Six week class | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
March 23–April 27 | Classroom 3
$225 public | $180 Members
Youth 8–10 years
Clay Creations
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. All supplies are provided.
Saturdays | Six week class | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
March 23–April 27 | Classroom 7
$225 public | $180 Members
Youth 9–13 years
Pop Art
Play with colors using collage, painting, and drawing techniques inspired by the museum’s pop art collection! Discover various ways to abstract art. All Supplies are provided.
Saturdays | Four week class | 1:30–3 p.m.
March 23–April 13 | Classroom 3
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 9–13 years
Painting Portraits
From ancient to contemporary art, there are plenty of portraits across the museum! Build techniques in portraiture by examining the varying styles of artworks. All supplies are provided.
Saturdays | Four week class | 1:30–3 p.m.
March 23–April 13 | Classroom 2
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 6–8 years
Creative Creatures
The museum is full of mystical and mythical creatures! Find these impressive animals in the museum’s collection, then create your very own using drawing, painting, and collage. All supplies are provided.
Saturdays | Four week class | 1:30–3 p.m.
March 23–April 13 | Classroom 2
$150 public | $120 Members
Youth 8–10 years
This class has been cancelled!
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.