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 at the Art Explorer level and above begins Nov. 5. General on-sale begins Nov. 12.
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
$228
Members
$183
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
$115
Members
$93
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
$115
Members
$93
Sold Out
Youth Studio Class
5-6
Yrs Old
Holiday Studio Class (Ages 5-6)Classroom 1
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.1 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Dec 06
Public
$50
Members
$40
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
$153
Members
$123
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
Sold Out
Youth Studio Class
7-8
Yrs Old
Holiday Studio Class (Ages 7-8)Classroom 2
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.
1 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Dec 06
Public
$50
Members
$40
Youth Studio Class
9-10
Yrs Old
Holiday Studio Class (Ages 9-10)Classroom 3
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.
1 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Dec 06
Public
$50
Members
$40
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
$228
Members
$183
Youth Studio Class
11-13
Yrs Old
Holiday Studio Class (Ages 11-13)Classroom 4
Celebrate the giving season! Make and take one-of-a-kind holiday gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.
1 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Dec 06
Public
$50
Members
$40
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
$153
Members
$123
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 at the Art Explorer level and above begins Nov. 5. General on-sale begins Nov. 12.
Adult Studio Class
Holiday Studio Class: Printed TextileClassroom 6
Celebrate the giving season! Take inspiration from the Mesoamerican artists in the special exhibition Painted Worlds to design your own giftable textile.
1 Session Class | 120 Min.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date
Dec 06
Public
$50
Members
$40
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
$303
Members
$243
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
$203
Members
$163
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
$303
Members
$243
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
Start Date
Feb 05
End Date
Feb 06
Public
$50
Members
$40
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
Start Date
Feb 13
End Date
Feb 14
Public
$50
Members
$40
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
$103
Members
$83
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.