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.

Free Classes

Gesture Drawing
Wednesdays, 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM. FREE. Instructor: Lori Gipson

Session 6: March 20, 2024 - April 10, 2024
Session 7: May 1, 2024 - May 22, 2024

This fast-paced drawing class keeps your body and mind moving while practicing the art of gesture drawing. The goal is to practice capturing the movement and energy. Over the 4 weeks you will practice and refine your gesture drawings. If willing and able, students typically take turns holding 10 - 30 second poses. It’s a great activity for drawing as well as stretching your body! No experience is necessary. Registration required.

Help Keep Gesture Drawing Free!

Gesture Drawing is offered free of charge to participants but you can help keep this program free for all by making a donation of your choosing 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!

Studio Classes

Watercolor Painting
Thursdays, March 21, 2024 - April 11, 2024, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM. $240 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Ursula Wollenberg

Join in the fun and spontaneity of the beautiful and soft medium of watercolor. Even if you've never held a paintbrush before, we will learn how to paint with watercolors in a way that is relaxing and fun. This class is for beginners and anyone who would like to further explore their watercolor knowledge. We will focus on getting comfortable with watercolor as we learn techniques and the process of painting. You will learn the use of materials, tools, techniques, planning, color, values and more. You will walk away with a solid foundation in watercolor painting, mixing, and blending techniques. By direct involvement with the materials, you will learn to make the most of both planned and unexpected effects. Printed color references and various other tools will be provided. Each student will get a set of watercolor paints and brushes that they will get to keep at the end of the class. Students will need to provide a water container and paper towels. Registration Required. Ages 16+

Ceramic Pottery
Thursdays, March 21, 2024 - May 9, 2024, 5:45 PM - 7:45 PM. $320 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Patricia Ervin

This class will focus on hand-building techniques to create decorative and utilitarian objects using earthenware clay. Over eight weeks, beginner and intermediate students will learn to utilize methods of pinching, coiling, and slab construction along with various texturing, finishing, and glazing techniques. Registration Required. Ages 16+

*Depending on the kiln firing schedule, pieces may not be ready at the end of the session. You will be notified when pieces are ready to be picked up.

Ceramics - Handbuilding
Fridays, April 5 - 19, 2024, 5:45 - 7:45 PM, $120 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Kyle Bird

In this class you will work with clay and glazes to complete an original ceramic piece over the course of three weeks. Taking inspiration from the Museum’s collection of ceramic art, you will explore hand-building techniques, with emphasis on coil pottery. The class is open to students of all skill levels. Registration Required. Ages 16+

Drawing Basics
Wednesdays, May 8 - 29, 2024; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, $150 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Lori Gipson

Students will learn the fundamentals and building blocks of drawing. The focus of this class will be how to see and how to translate your view to paper. We will use both graphite and charcoal and work primarily from observation (still life, objects, images, etc). Registration required. Ages 16+

Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Thursdays, May 9 - 30, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, $150 class fee. Basic materials included. Instructor: Lori Gipson

Students will learn the basic skills of acrylic painting from paint application to color theory. Students will be able to work from photos, still life, or perform a master study. The Museum will provide paint in select colors and canvas paper. There will also be studio paint brushes available for use. Students are welcome to bring their own supplies. Registration Required. Ages 16+

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!