Adult Studio Classes & Workshops

Studio classes at the Springfield Art Museum are designed with the intention of providing an enriching learning environment for all skill levels. Classes primarily focus on a special topic or technique and include making connections to art objects from the Museum's permanent collection or our current exhibitions. They are also a great place to meet and network with artists, class attendees, and instructors!

General studio classes are offered in the spring, fall, and winter and typically run three weeks. Special programs and workshops are also offered regularly as 2-4 hour or one-day workshops. Studio classes are open to ages 16 and up unless otherwise noted.

In order to ensure a quality experience, registration is required for all our classes and workshops. Materials are not included in studio class fees unless otherwise noted. Additional classes will be listed as instructors become available.

Contact Museum Educator Lori Gipson at lori.gipson@springfieldmo.gov or (417) 874-2835 with questions regarding studio classes and workshops.

Spring 2023 Studio Classes

Upcoming Studio Classes

Enameling
Wednesdays, April 5 - April 19, 2023, 6 - 8 PM. $150 class fee; all materials included.

Learn how to apply color on metal. During this session students learn about the nature of enamel, how to prep materials, and the correct operation of a small enameling kiln. Students will complete at least one small project and will receive the materials to make objects such as pendants, earrings, or pins. Registration closed.

Mixed Media Collage
Wednesdays, May 3 - May 17, 2023, 6 - 8 PM. $120 class fee.

Inspired by pieces in the Museum's permanent collection, students will explore different mediums and create mixed media collages. Register here.

Explorations in Enameling: Cloisonne
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. $200 class fee; all materials included. Instructor: Lillian Fitzpatrick

This ancient technique utilizes small strips of metal to separate and outline elements of a design in a work of enamel. Students will begin by forming a copper disk into a shallow bowl, then learn to apply vitreous enamel and create designs using wire and fine silver to define fields of color. Students who participated in a previous workshop may bring pieces from that day and add the new techniques, in addition to making a new piece for this workshop. Register here.

Explorations in Enameling: Imagery, Embellishment, and Surface Treatment
Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. $200 class fee; all materials included. Instructor: Lillian Fitzpatrick

Students will begin by forming a copper disk into a shallow bowl, then learn to apply vitreous enamel, add imagery, and embellish an enameled surface. Techniques will include screen printing, graphite drawing, and painting with gold overglaze. Students will also learn different firing techniques to yield different final surface textures and reflective qualities. Students who participated in a previous workshop may bring pieces from that day and add the new techniques, in addition to making a new piece for this workshop. Register here.

Screen Printing for Beginners
Sunday, May 21; 1:15-4:15 pm, $75 class fee. Printing materials are included. Students will need to bring their own items to be printed on. Instructor: Lillian Fitzpatrick

Screen printing is a fun way to reproduce your own designs (Or even your kids' drawings) on clothing, fabric, or paper. During this class you will assemble an 8x10 screen for printing, transfer your design, and print your design onto the fabric item of your choice. You will learn some easy and inexpensive methods to make your own screens at home. And you can take home and reuse the screen you make in class! Register here.

Previous Studio Classes

Ceramics
Thursdays, January 5 - February 23, 2023, 5:45-7:45 PM. $320 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Patricia Ervin

Charcoal Drawing
Wednesdays, January 11 - January 25, 2023, 6 - 8 PM. $120 class fee.

Screen Printing for Beginners
Saturday, January 14, 2023, 10AM-3PM (a break will be given for lunch), $75 class fee. Printing materials are included. Students will need to bring their own items to be printed on. Instructor: Lillian Fitzpatrick

Coil Pottery
Saturdays, February 4 - February 18, 2023, 1-4 PM. $180 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Kyle Bird

Still Life Painting
Wednesdays, February 1 - February 15, 2023, 6 - 8 PM. $120 class fee.

Abstract Sculptures in Paper-mache
Sundays, February 5 - February 26, 1-3PM. $150 class fee. Materials are included. Students will need to bring gardening or leather gloves and are encouraged to bring newspaper. Instructor: Lillian Fitzpatrick

Metals: Sawing and Texturing
Wednesdays, March 1 - March 15, 2023, 6 - 8 PM. $150 class fee; all materials included.

Ceramics
Thursdays, March 30 - May 25, 2023, 5:45-7:45 PM. $320 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Patricia Ervin. This class will not meet on April 27.

Spring 2023 Workshops

Upcoming Workshops

Gesture Drawing Workshops
Wednesdays, January 11 - May 24, 2023, 12:15 - 1 PM. FREE.

These fast-paced one-time drawing workshops keep your body and mind moving while practicing the art of gesture drawing. You will not leave with finished, refined drawings. The goal is to practice capturing movement and energy. No experience is necessary. Registration required. Ages 16+

Vessel Making Workshop: Basket Weaving
Saturday, June 10, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM; $45 workshop fee: All materials are included; Instructor: Barbara Vicente

Join artist Barbara Vicente for a Basket Weaving Workshop that will explore the vessel form, currently featured in the special exhibition Holding Space: Contemporary Enamel Vessels. Barbara is a member of the Missouri Basket Weavers Guild and the Ozark Mountain Basket Weavers. Participants will learn reed weaving techniques and create their own small egg basket. Registration required . Ages 16+

Vessel Making Workshop: Basket Weaving
Saturday, June 24, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM; $45 workshop fee: All materials are included; Instructor: Barbara Vicente

Stay In The Loop

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Gift Certificates

Give the gift of art-making! Purchase gift certificates for studio classes and workshops at the Museum's front desk, or contact Lori Gipson at lori.gipson@springfieldmo.gov to learn more. Gift certificates are only eligible for classes and workshops at this time. They cannot be redeemed for Museum retail merchandise or event ticket purchases.

Class & Workshop Refund/Cancellation Policy

Updated policy coming soon!