THE NELSON-ATKINS
Youth Studio Classes
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Summer Classes are open for registration!

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. 

Week 1 | June 26–June 28 Theme: Niki de Sant Phalle

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 | July 10–July 12 Theme: Fantastical Creations

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.

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 | July 17–July 19 Theme: Around the World

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 9–11 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 | July 24–July 26 Theme: Museum Zoo

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 | July 31–August 2 Theme: Innovation, Design, and Discovery

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.

Inventive Designs

Sketch architecture around the museum, then build the structure of your dreams! All supplies included. 

Three session class | Wednesday, July 31–Friday, August 2
$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-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 | 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

Register | 10–12 Years
Register | 13–15 Years


Fun Art Saturdays | 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

Register | 10–12 Years
Register | 13–15 Years


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@stag.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.