Youth Classes
Youth classes at the Springfield Art Museum are designed with the purpose of providing enrichment programs that act as supplemental learning environments for pre-k, school-aged children, and teens interested in art and art-making practices. In order to ensure a quality experience, registration is required for all our classes and workshops. Materials are included in the class tuition for youth programs 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 pre-k, youth, or teen classes.
Free Classes
Pre-K Open Studios
Select Fridays, Starting September 15, 2023, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. FREE.
Bring your littlest artist for some hands-on fun! Each week, you and your child can make your mark using a variety of tools and materials in an exploratory open-studio setting. These sessions are designed for children ages 3 - 5 with a caregiver. Please check registration page for specific dates. Registration required.
Teen Open Studios
Select Thursdays, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM. FREE.
- October 26
- November 16
- December 14
Designed for teens (ages 13 - 17) wanting to continue to develop and work on their art-making skills. During these sessions, students will work independently on self-selected projects. An instructor oversees each session and is available to answer questions, demonstrate techniques, and help troubleshoot challenges. Basic supplies will be available; however, project-specific materials will not be provided. Registration required.
Help Keep Open Studios Free!
Open Studios are offered free of charge to participants but you can help keep these programs free for all by making a donation of your choice to our Education Fund. Your support helps keep initiatives like Gesture Drawing, Pre-K Open Studios, Teen Open Studios, and Take-Home Project Bags accessible to everyone in our community.
Simply select "Education" from the drop-down list on our online donation form. We thank you in advance for your consideration and appreciate your generosity!
Fall 2023 Kids Classes (Ages 6 - 8)
Kids Create
Select Saturdays, September - December 2023, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. $20 class fee.
Each class includes a short learning discussion about an Element of Art and Design and either visiting a gallery or looking at images of art from the Museum's permanent collection. Students will then make a piece of art inspired by what they saw and talked about. Students will be able to take home their finished pieces at the end of class unless otherwise noted or if it is too wet to carry out. Individual sessions include:
- Kids Create: Lines! September 16, 2023. Registration required.
- Kids Create: Fun with Color October 7, 2023. Registration required.
- Kids Create: Playing with Texture November 11, 2023. Registration required.
- Kids Create: Shapes! December 9, 2023. Registration required.
Fall 2023 Young Artist Classes (Ages 9 - 12)
Young Artists
Select Saturdays, September - December 2023, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM. $25 class fee.
Designed for young artists wanting to develop and grow their art-making skills, these classes will include a short learning session about a Principle of Art and Design, art viewing, and art-making. Students will be able to take home their artwork the same day unless otherwise noted or if the work is too wet to carry out. Individual sessions include:
- Young Artists: Creating Balance September 16, 2023. Registration required.
- Young Artists: Finding the Rhythm October 7, 2023. Registration required.
- Young Artists: Playing with Patterns November 11, 2023. Registration required.
- Young Artists: Emphasis! December 9, 2023. Registration required.
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Gift Certificates
Give the gift of art-making! Purchase gift certificates for youth 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!