Inspiring Creativity Through Art Education
At the Emporia Arts Center, we believe that art is for everyone. Our Art Education programs offer engaging, hands-on experiences for all ages, fostering creativity, self-expression, and lifelong learning. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or refining your artistic skills, we provide a welcoming space where imagination thrives.
As access to arts education continues to diminish in public schools, we are committed to expanding opportunities in Emporia and surrounding communities. Through our Community Initiative, we bring the joy of art beyond our walls, offering interactive programs that make creativity accessible to all. Our Art Mobile brings creativity to the community through this outreach, providing hands-on art education and inspiring engagement through interactive programs. Join us in celebrating the power of art—right here in Emporia!
Spring Classes
Spring has sprung with amazing artwork—but we’re just getting started! Stay tuned for our Summer, Fall, and Winter 2025 art classes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, there’s always something new to explore. More details coming soon! You can always catch the latest on our social media.
Kids Classes
Adult classes
Open Studio for adults (18+)! This come and go session is great for all skill levels from beginner to expert. Teachers will be available to help with hand building or wheel throwing – a bonus; we supply coffee from Granada Coffee Co.April Kids Paint & Sip
Join us for April Kids Paint & Sip, a fun-filled guided painting class designed just for kids! Young artists will follow step-by-step instructions to create their own masterpiece while enjoying their favorite drink. No experience needed—just bring yourself, your creativity, and a tasty beverage.
Join Joyce & Nancy at the Emporia Arts Council for a fun and creative class on Junk Journals and Book Making! Learn how to combine a variety of materials like paper, fabric, and found objects to craft your own one-of-a-kind journal.Beginner Watercolor
Learn the basics of watercolor in this Thursday night class with Nancy Pontius! This class is perfect for beginners, and Nancy will guide you through essential techniques to help you create beautiful, flowing watercolor artwork. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a love for color!
Get creative and craft your own Mini Blossoming Cherry Tree using paper! In this fun kids’ class, little artists will cut, fold, and design their very own blooming masterpiece. It’s a hands-on way to explore art and nature while building fine motor skills. 
Get ready to crawl into creativity with our Bug Collage class! Kids will use colorful paper, glue, and their imagination to create their very own buggy masterpiece. From butterflies to beetles, little artists will explore textures and shapes while making a fun, nature-inspired collage.Button caterpillar
Join us for a fun and colorful Button Caterpillar class! Kids will create their very own rainbow caterpillar using buttons, glue, and lots of creativity. This hands-on craft is perfect for little artists to explore colors, patterns, and textures while making a cute, wiggly friend to take home.
Intro to Wheel
Throw your very own pots on the wheel in this Intro to Wheel class! Perfect for beginners, this hands-on class will introduce you to the basics of pottery as you learn to shape and mold clay on the wheel. Whether you’re looking to start a new creative hobby or simply try something new, this class is the perfect place to begin your pottery journey!
Dive into creativity with our Wash Watercolor Canvas class! Kids will explore fun watercolor techniques to create a funky, mixed-media masterpiece on canvas. Layer colors, add textures, and let your imagination run wild in this playful art experience.Mother’s Day Paint -a- Mug
Celebrate Mother’s Day by hanging out with your mom and painting a premade mug together! This fun and creative class allows you to personalize your mug, and we’ll fire them for you so you can use them at home. Only $30 per pair, with an additional $10.00 for each extra painter.
Perspective Drawing
Step into the world of perspective drawing and design your very own mini room! In this fun and engaging class, kids will learn the basics of perspective, depth, and dimension while sketching their own creative spaces. Perfect for young artists who love to draw and dream up imaginative scenes!
Still Life Drawing
Learn the basics of drawing and shading in this 4-week crash course on still life drawing! This class will guide you through essential techniques, helping you build confidence as you create realistic and expressive drawings of everyday objects. Perfect for beginners, you’ll gain valuable skills and a deeper appreciation for the art of drawing.
Tissue Paper O’Keeffe Flowers
Create a colorful, textured floral piece inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe in this unique class! Using vibrant tissue paper, you’ll craft a beautiful flower design that captures the essence of O’Keeffe’s iconic style. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy exploring the world of color and texture!
May 21+ Paint & Sip
Join us for a fun and relaxed 21+ Paint & Sip class! This guided painting experience is perfect for all skill levels—just bring yourself and your favorite beverage, and let your creativity flow while you unwind and enjoy a night of painting and sipping. It’s a great way to spend time with friends or meet new ones while creating your own masterpiece!
May Kids Paint & Sip
Join us for a fun May Kids Paint & Sip class! This guided painting class is perfect for young artists—just bring yourself and your favorite beverage, and we’ll provide everything else you need to create a colorful masterpiece. It’s a great way to spark creativity and have fun with friends!
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Join us for a whimsical evening celebrating all things tea! Sip, snack, and mingle with fellow tea lovers while showing off your handmade tea party dish—teacups, teapots, saucers, or whatever you’ve created.
We’ll provide snacks and drinks, but feel free to bring your favorite treats to share. It’s a night of creativity, community, and a touch of madness!
