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. All supplies are provided at no additional cost.
Art Explorer Members can register one week before the general public and all Members receive a 20% discount!
Member presale for Spring classes begins Jan. 21 and Jan. 28 for general on-sale.
Youth Studio Class
3-5
Yrs Old
Start in Art (3-5)Classroom 4
Introduce your child to foundational art concepts through paint, collage, and clay. Gallery visits teach students about art appreciation and spark group discussions.6 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
May 09
Public
$225
Members
$180
Sold Out
Youth Studio Class
3-5
Yrs Old
Start in ArtClassroom 5
Introduce your child to foundational art concepts through working with paint, collage, and clay. Gallery visits give students a chance to learn about art appreciation and enjoy group discussions in a welcoming environment.
6 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Jan 24
End Date
Feb 28
Public
$225
Members
$180
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Pattern & Prints (5-6)Classroom 1
Spark your creativity by exploring the array of prints in the exhibition Lawrence Lithography Workshop. Students get a chance to create their own prints using monotype and collagraphs techniques.3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
Apr 18
Public
$112
Members
$90
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Painting Fundamentals (5-6)Classroom 1
Young learners develop drawing and painting skills by exploring galleries, observing and discussing art, and experimenting with a variety of art styles.3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Apr 25
End Date
May 09
Public
$112
Members
$90
Sold Out
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Winter Art AppreciationClassroom 1
Students get a chance to search the galleries for winter themed artwork. After reviewing and discussing the pieces, students create winter weather art of their own through drawing, painting, and sculpture.
3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Jan 24
End Date
Feb 07
Public
$112
Members
$90
Sold Out
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Color ExplorationClassroom 1
Explore colorful works by indigenous Mesoamerican artists in the special exhibition Painted Worlds. After experiencing these rare art pieces, students will carry that inspiration into the classroom to create their own vibrant artwork using a variety of mediums.
3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Feb 14
End Date
Feb 28
Public
$112
Members
$90
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
Printed Adventures (7-9)Classroom 2
Dive into the world of linocuts, block printing, monotype prints, and collagraphy, then unleash your imagination through hands-on experimentation.3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
Apr 18
Public
$112
Members
$90
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
Inked Illustrations (7-9)Classroom 7
Explore landscapes in the exhibition Legendary Landscapes, then create your own fantastical landscapes and scroll paintings inspired by the exhibition.3 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Apr 25
End Date
May 09
Public
$112
Members
$90
Sold Out
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
Dimensions of SculptureClassroom 2
From new kinetic sculptures to traditional bronzes, journey through a world of sculptures in the museum’s renowned collection. Students use their new understanding to compose 3D art of their own.
4 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Jan 24
End Date
Feb 14
Public
$150
Members
$120
Sold Out
Youth Studio Class
7-9
Yrs Old
People and PortraitsClassroom 2
Students develop drawing and portrait skills by exploring the galleries as a group, observing and discussing artwork, and experimenting with what they have learned in a variety of art styles in the studio classroom.2 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Feb 21
End Date
Feb 28
Public
$75
Members
$60
Youth Studio Class
10-12
Yrs Old
Manga, Comics, and Zines (10-12)Classroom 3
Dive into the world of anime and manga through works in the Japanese galleries, then create your own illustrations inspired by traditional and modern styles.6 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
May 09
Public
$225
Members
$180
Youth Studio Class
10-12
Yrs Old
Bloom in Clay (6-12)Classroom 3
Immerse yourself in the exhibition Monet’s Garden and the Secret Language of Flowers. Inspired by Monet’s Water Lilies and other floral works, create a ceramic mug featuring your own imaginative Impressionist garden.Single Session | 90 Min.
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Date
Apr 16
Public
$50
Members
$40
Sold Out
Youth Studio Class
10-12
Yrs Old
Clay CreationsClassroom 3
Explore hand-building techniques and different glaze applications inspired by works from the museum’s collection. This experiential learning is true to the art form, so pieces will need to dry and be fired. Students may need to wait 2-4 weeks after the class to pick up their authentic creations.
6 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Jan 24
End Date
Feb 28
Public
$225
Members
$180
Youth Studio Class
13-16
Yrs Old
Maker Studio: CeramicsClassroom 7
Delve into the ancient practice of clay art. Students will use coil and slab techniques to create artwork that is functional and decorative, as well as explore the museum galleries to find ceramic masterworks to gain insight and inspiration. Some student creations will need to dry and be fired, so select pieces will not be available to take home until 2-4 weeks after class is over.4 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Jan 24
End Date
Feb 28
Public
$150
Members
$120
Youth Studio Class
13-15
Yrs Old
Maker Studio: Prints and Manga (13-15)Classroom 6
Study the line work, composition, and storytelling of art in the Japanese galleries, then apply these techniques to your own creations.4 Session Class | 90 Min.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
Apr 25
Public
$150
Members
$120
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) and all supplies are provided at no additional cost.
Art Explorer Members can register one week before the general public and all Members receive a 20% discount!
Member presale for Spring classes begins Jan. 21 and Jan. 28 for general on-sale.
Adult Studio Class
Wood Burning WorkshopClassroom 6
Ignite your creative through the art of mixed-media pyrography or wood burning. Participants will observe works in the galleries that use wood as a medium, then head to the classroom to develop skills in mark-making, linework, and shading. Create your own nature-themed piece by combining wood-burned designs with added layers of stain, watercolor, or acrylic paint.2 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Apr 03
End Date
Apr 10
Public
$100
Members
$80
Adult Studio Class
Landscapes in InkClassroom 5
Connect Chinese brush painting techniques with the spirit of Song Dynasty storytelling. Be inspired by Song Dynasty artists in the exhibition Legendary Landscapes. Reflect on life’s journey through expressive studies of traditional and symbolic elements from humans, nature, and the universe. Students will explore how brushwork becomes a visual language as they create their own paintings.6 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
May 09
Public
$300
Members
$240
Adult Studio Class
Better Drawings: SculptureClassroom 6
Build upon the fundamentals of drawing from sculpture by working directly from 3-D objects in the museum’s collection. Train your eye to better observe while experimenting with gesture, line quality, contour, composition, measurement, unity and other drawing basics. Embellish your work with line works inspired by the aesthetic of Alphonse Mucha in the featured exhibition Timeless Mucha.6 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
May 09
Public
$300
Members
$240
Adult Studio Class
Painter Studio: Oil PaintsClassroom 4
Strengthen your oil painting skills by working directly from life, focusing on representation, color mixing, and building confident brushwork. Students will develop techniques in observation, form, and composition while exploring the expressive possibilities of water-based oil paint. All skill levels are welcome.6 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Apr 04
End Date
May 09
Public
$300
Members
$240
Adult Studio Class
Gouache: Urban LandscapesClassroom 6
Paint your surroundings in gouache! After observing the urban landscape, experiment with techniques like brushwork, color mixing, and visual texture to capture a city’s worth of details.4 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Class will not meet April, 16thStart Date
Apr 09
End Date
May 07
Public
$200
Members
$160
Adult Studio Class
A Night of WatercolorClassroom 4
Spend the evening exploring watercolor techniques. Participants will learn a new approach to watercolor and create a finished painting. Join us solo or with a group. All skill levels are welcome.Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Date
Apr 16
Public
$50
Members
$40
Adult Studio Class
Timeless PrintsClassroom 6
Inspired by the special exhibition Timeless Mucha, explore the flowing lines, bold shapes, and decorative design principles that define Alphonse Mucha’s iconic Art Nouveau style. Then, bring your ideas to life by creating your own prints using a variety of printmaking techniques.4 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Apr 17
End Date
May 08
Public
$200
Members
$160
Sold Out
Adult Studio Class
Hand-built CeramicsClassroom 4
Create hand-built ceramics with local artist and teacher, Bekah Bliss. Taking inspiration from the special exhibition Painted Worlds and the museum’s collection, students explore clay building techniques, various decorative applications, and enhanced surface design with colored Terra Sigillata, an ultra-refined clay slip that gives a soft sheen to pottery.4 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Class will not meet 02/07Start Date
Jan 24
End Date
Feb 21
Public
$200
Members
$160
Sold Out
Adult Studio Class
Natural Dye WorkshopClassroom 4
Inspired by the museum’s collection and Painted Worlds, explore the importance of natural dyes. Participants will learn to utilize pigments such as indigo, turmeric, charcoal, cochineal, and more for painting and dyeing, as well as develop skills in preparing fibers, resist-dyeing techniques, creating dye baths, and modifying color values. All skill levels are welcome.6 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jan 24
End Date
Feb 28
Public
$300
Members
$240
Sold Out
Adult Studio Class
Indigo Dye MasteryClassroom 4
Explore indigo and other historic natural dyes inspired by the special exhibition Painted Worlds and other pieces in our permanent collection. Participants will learn about indigo bearing plants around the world, how to make an indigo vat, and practice shibori-resist techniques to create your own indigo dyed fabric.Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Date
Feb 05
Public
$50
Members
$40
Sold Out
Adult Studio Class
Abstract Art Inspired by MonetClassroom 4
In his twilight years, Monet’s bold colors and expressive brush strokes sparked a passion in a new generation of Abstract Expressionists. Participants will visit Water Lilies by Monet to help inspire their inner abstract artist for a night of discussion, creativity, and fun. Join us solo or with a group. All skill levels are welcome.Single Session | 120 Min.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Date
Feb 13
Public
$50
Members
$40
Sold Out
Adult Studio Class
Painted PostcardsClassroom 6
The journey begins in our galleries by creating sketches inspired by in the museum’s collection. Then, transform those sketches into postcards using watercolors, collage, and pen and ink.2 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Start Date
Feb 21
End Date
Feb 28
Public
$100
Members
$80
Ongoing Class
Adult Studio Class
Watercolor FundamentalsClassroom 6
Build your watercolor skills with brushwork, creating washes, applying textures, and glazing, then learn to apply those practices to landscapes, still lifes, and abstract paintings. This class is designed for adults 55 and over and welcomes all skill levels. Participants can invite friends and family to view work created during the class at an exhibition opening on April 3.6 Session Class | 120 Min.
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Start Date
Jan 22
End Date
Feb 26
Public
$300
Members
$240
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.