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!

Summer Art Classes

Looking for a creative adventure this summer? Our Summer Art Classes are here! From playful PreK projects to in-depth art explorations for adults, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, come make, learn, and have fun with us!

Youth Art Classes: Week 4 (June 24 – 27)

Expressionist painting: ms – hs

Channel the style of artist like Alma Woodsey Thomas to create colorful abstract paintings!

  • Tuesday, June 24th

  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | MS – HS

  • 20.00 per student

torn paper collage: prek – 1st

Use colorful paper to create a radical collage!

  • Wednesday, June 25th

  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | PreK – 1st

  • 5.00 per student

expressionist painting: 2nd – 5th

Channel the style of artist like Alma Woodsey Thomas to create colorful abstract paintings!

  • Friday, June 27th

  • 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 2nd – 5th

  • 20.00 per student

Youth Art Classes: Week 5 (July 8 – 11)

tiny self portrait: prek – 1st

Look in the mirror and transfer what you see onto paper! We’ll talk about the different parts of our faces and draw them!

  • Tuesday, July 8th

  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | PreK – 1st

  • 5.00 per student

Drawing and sketching: 2nd – 5th

Contour drawing, shading, and more! Create art by drawing what you can see!

  • Wednesday, July 9th

  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 2nd – 5th

  • 20.00 per student

Drawing and sketching: MS – HS

Contour drawing, shading, and more! Create art by drawing what you can see!

  • Friday, July 11th

  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | MS – HS

  • 20.00 per student

Youth Art Classes: Week 6 (July 15 – 18)

make stuff – open studio: 2nd – 5th

This open studio is designed just for kids! Come with an idea or let us help you get those creative juices flowing!

  • Tuesday, July 15th

  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 2nd – 5th

  • 20.00 per student

make stuff open studio: ms – hs

This open studio is designed just for kids! Come with an idea or let us help you get those creative juices flowing!

  • Wednesday, July 16th

  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | MS – HS

  • 20.00 per student

crepe paper canvas art: prek – 1st

Use crepe paper to create a bright and bumpy piece of art! Work will be on an 11x 17 canvas!

  • Friday, July 18th

  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | PreK – 1st

  • 8.00 per student

Youth Art Classes: Week 7 (July 22 – 25)

Fizzy watercolor moon: Pre – 1st

Combine science and art to make a colorful garland to hang at home!

  • Tuesday, July 22nd

  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | PreK – 1st

  • 5.00 per student

printmaking & stamps: 2nd – 5th

With a little science and a bit of creativity, you can create your own prints and stamps!

  • Wednesday, July 23rd

  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 2nd – 5th

  • 20.00 per student

printmaking & stamps: ms – hs

With a little science and a bit of creativity, you can create your own prints and stamps!

  • Friday, July 25th

  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | MS – HS

  • 20.00 per student

Youth Art Classes: Week 8 (July 29 – August 1)

mixed media madness: ms – hs

Paint, glue, and draw to create fun and funky collage pieces!

  • Tuesday, July 29th

  • 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | MS – HS

  • 20.00 per student

popsicle collage: prek – 1st

Use paper scraps to make your own refreshing piece of summer art in the form of a popsicle!

  • Wednesday, July 30th

  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | PreK – 1st

  • 5.00 per student

mixed media madness: 2nd – 5th

Paint, glue, and draw to create fun and funky collage pieces!

  • Friday, August 1st

  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 2nd – 5th

  • 20.00 per student

Clay Classes

Kids Clay CLub

This open studio slot is designed just for kids (under 17)! Creative play is our priority in this come and go class. Our staff is here to help walk your kiddo through the basics. Smocks are provided, but remember to dress for a mess!

  • Thursdays, June 5th – August 14th

  • 1:30 – 3:00 PM | PreK – HS

  • 4:00 – 5:30 PM | PreK – HS

  • 10.00 per session

Coffee & Clay CLub

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.

  • Thursdays & Saturdays, June 5th – August 16th

  • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 18+
  • 15.00 per session

Summer paint-a-mug

Get creative in our studio by designing your very own premade mug using our selection of glazes! In this hands-on class, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with different colors, patterns, and techniques to personalize your mug. Whether you prefer bold designs or subtle details, our studio glazes offer endless possibilities for making your mug truly one-of-a-kind. Once you’ve finished, we’ll glaze and fire your creation, leaving you with a beautiful, functional piece of art to enjoy!

  • Tuesday, July 15th

  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | All Ages

  • 20.00 per student

Paint & Sip Art Classes

Summer Solstice Paint & Sip

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a guided painting class! Bring your favorite beverage and enjoy a relaxing, creative evening.

Painting: Sun and Moon!

  • Friday, June 20th

  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 21+

  • 25.00 per student

July Paint & Sip

Grab your favorite beverage and join us for a fun, guided painting class featuring July’s artwork!

Painting: Oranges!

  • Friday, July 11th

  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 21+

  • 25.00 per student

August paint & sip

Grab your favorite beverage and join us for a fun, guided painting class featuring August’s artwork!

Painting: Peppers!

  • Saturday, August 16th

  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 21+

  • 25.00 per student

Adult Art Classes

Adult Theatre Basics

Jump into theater with this dynamic workshop led by Lucas Perez-Leahy! Learn essential acting techniques, improvisation, and character development through fun, interactive exercises. Perfect for all skill levels, this workshop will help you build confidence and enhance your stage presence.

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 10th – July 24th

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | 18+

  • 100.00 per student

July Watercolor Study

Discover the beauty of watercolor in this guided class with Nancy! Explore essential techniques like brushwork, color blending, and layering while creating your own stunning artwork. Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking to refine your skills, Nancy will provide step-by-step guidance and personalized tips to help you bring your vision to life. Join us for a fun, creative experience!

  • Wednesdays, July 9th – 23rd

  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 18+

  • 40.00 per student

Collage Houses

Unleash your creativity as you design your very own dream home using a variety of collage materials! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to combine different textures, colors, and patterns to construct a unique and imaginative house. Explore techniques like layering, cutting, tearing, and arranging paper, fabric, and other mixed media elements. Whether it’s a cozy cottage, a whimsical treehouse, or a colorful cityscape, you’ll bring your vision of a perfect home to life in a fun and artistic way.

  • Fridays, July 11th – 25th

  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 18+

  • 40.00 per student

Pastels in the Park

Join us for “Pastels in the Park”! We’ll start at the Emporia Arts Center (EAC) for a quick intro to chalk pastels, then walk or drive to the scenic ESU campus. Create your own pastel artwork outdoors, capturing the beauty around you. Perfect for all skill levels!

  • Saturday, July 12th

  • 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | 18+

  • 25.00 per student

August Watercolor Study

Discover the beauty of watercolor in this guided class with Nancy! Explore essential techniques like brushwork, color blending, and layering while creating your own stunning artwork. Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking to refine your skills, Nancy will provide step-by-step guidance and personalized tips to help you bring your vision to life. Join us for a fun, creative experience!

  • Thursdays, July 31st – August 14th

  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 18+

  • 40.00 per student

Collage Portraits

Explore the exciting world of mixed media as you create a vibrant collaged self-portrait! This class will guide you in using color, texture, and layered materials to express your unique style and personality. Experiment with various papers, fabrics, paints, and other materials to bring your self-portrait to life. Perfect for artists of all skill levels!

  • Fridays, August 1 – 15th

  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 18+

  • 40.00 per student