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. Session 1: September 20 - October 11, Session 2: October 25 - November 15; Session 3: November 29 - December 20. Instructor: Lori Gipson

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!

Fall 2023 Workshops

Papier-mâché Pumpkin
Sundays, September 17 - 24, 2023, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. $75 workshop fee. Materials included. Instructor: Lori Gipson

Learn how to use Fast Mache papier mâché to create some vintage style Jack O'Lanterns. The first week will be creating papier mâché pumpkin forms, and the second will focus on painting and finishing. Please note, dry time is needed so you may need to pick up your final piece later in the week. Registration required. Ages 16+

Embroidery
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM; $20 workshop fee. Materials included. Instructor: Jenny Schwartzberg

Join Museum Educator Jenny Schwartzberg to learn a modern spin on basic embroidery techniques. This workshop merges the traditional craft with modern technology and methods. This experience is designed for beginners and will go over basic embroidery stiches, setting up an embroidery hoop, and options for creating custom embroidery designs. Participants will get to keep all provided embroidery supplies at the end of the workshop. Registration required. Ages 16+

Recycled Aluminum Jewelry
Friday, October 13, 2023, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. $40 workshop fee. Materials included. Instructor: Lori Gipson

This fun workshop will turn soda cans and bottle caps into personal jewelry. We will view and take inspiration from the Tradition Interrupted exhibition. Materials will be provided, but you can also bring your own thoroughly cleaned and dried materials. Registration required. Ages 16+

Basket Weaving
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
-OR-
Saturday, November 4, 2023, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
$45 workshop fee. Materials included. Instructor: Barbara Vicente

Participants will learn how to weave a 6 inch square napkin basket using an over and under pattern. The basket will be finished with a matchstick woven rim. Barbara is a member of the Missouri Basket Weavers Guild and the Ozark Mountain Basket Weavers. Registration required. Ages 16+

Fall 2023 Studio Classes

Watercolor Painting
Wednesdays, September 20 - October 11, 2023, 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. Regristration closed.

Ceramics
Thursdays, September 21 - November 9, 2023, 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. Please note, this class does not include wheel throwing.

*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. Registration closed.

Introduction to Enameling
Thursdays, October 5 - October 26, 2023, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. $175 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Lillian Fitzpatrick

Learn how to apply color on metal. During this session, students will learn about the nature of enamel, how to prep materials, and the correct operation of a small enameling kiln. You will be able to complete at least one small project and will receive the materials to make objects such as pendants, earrings, or pins. Returning students are welcome and can work on independent projects. Registration required.

Drawing Basics
Wednesdays, October 25 - November 15, 2023; 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.

Introduction to Jewelry
Wednesdays, November 29 - December 20, 2023; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, $175 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Lori Gipson

Students will be taught how to use jeweler's saws, files, and how to texture metal. With their skills, students will create a pendant or pair of earrings from copper and brass. We will also learn how to do pewter casting for a quick look at the casting process. This class is for beginner and intermediate skill levels. No experience is necessary. Returning students are welcome and can work on independent projects. Registration required.

Ceramic Jewelry
Thursdays, November 30 - December 14, 2023, 5:45 PM - 7:45 PM. $120 class fee. Materials included. Instructor: Patricia Ervin

Learn to design and create pendants, beads and buttons for unique jewelry and accessories using low fire white earthenware clay, ceramic colorants and glazes. This three-week class for beginners and intermediate students will focus on designing hand formed, textured and decorated pieces utilizing basic hand building techniques, shaped cutters and silicone molds plus creative texturizing and decorating applications. Tools and supplies included.

*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. Registration required.

Stay In The Loop

Join our email list and receive monthly e-blasts about the Museum's current and upcoming exhibitions, special events, public programs, and our latest studio class and workshop offerings.

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!