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!
Youth Art Classes: Week 1 (June 3 – 6)
Kick off the summer arts season with a splash of color! Dive into exciting projects that will teach you essential skills like color mixing and more.
Start off the summer arts season by learning about color! We’ll complete projects that utilize skills like color mixing!
Youth Art Classes: Week 2 (June 10 – 13)
Youth Art Classes: Week 3 (June 17 – 20)
Celebrate the longest day of the year by using the sun to create art! We’ll make sun prints and more!
Create your own sun and moon and the hang them in your room!
Youth Art Classes: Week 4 (June 24 – 27)
Channel the style of artist like Alma Woodsey Thomas to create colorful abstract paintings!
Youth Art Classes: Week 5 (July 8 – 11)
Look in the mirror and transfer what you see onto paper! We’ll talk about the different parts of our faces and draw them!
Contour drawing, shading, and more! Create art by drawing what you can see!
Contour drawing, shading, and more! Create art by drawing what you can see!Youth Art Classes: Week 6 (July 15 – 18)
This open studio is designed just for kids! Come with an idea or let us help you get those creative juices flowing!
Use crepe paper to create a bright and bumpy piece of art! Work will be on an 11x 17 canvas!Youth Art Classes: Week 7 (July 22 – 25)
Combine science and art to make a colorful garland to hang at home!
With a little science and a bit of creativity, you can create your own prints and stamps!
With a little science and a bit of creativity, you can create your own prints and stamps!Youth Art Classes: Week 8 (July 29 – August 1)
Paint, glue, and draw to create fun and funky collage pieces!
Use paper scraps to make your own refreshing piece of summer art in the form of a popsicle!
Paint, glue, and draw to create fun and funky collage pieces!Clay Classes
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!
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.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!
Paint & Sip Art Classes
Grab your favorite beverage and join us for a fun, guided painting class featuring June’s artwork!
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a guided painting class! Bring your favorite beverage and enjoy a relaxing, creative evening.
Grab your favorite beverage and join us for a fun, guided painting class featuring July’s artwork! 
Grab your favorite beverage and join us for a fun, guided painting class featuring August’s artwork!Adult Art Classes
Stained Glass
Join Ellen Wickersham for a stained-glass open studio, where you can explore the art of stained glass in a relaxed, creative environment! This class is open to all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist. Supplies and step-by-step instructions will be provided, ensuring you have everything you need to create your own beautiful stained-glass project. Come enjoy the process, learn new techniques, and leave with a stunning piece of art!
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.
Beginner Crochet
Dive into the world of crochet with this beginner-friendly class, where you’ll learn all the essentials to get started! Begin with the foundation chain, the building block of any crochet project, and progress to mastering basic stitches like single, double, and half-double crochet. You’ll also discover how to hold your yarn and hook properly, read simple patterns, and troubleshoot common mistakes. Whether you’re looking to create cozy scarves, stylish accessories, or decorative pieces, this class will give you the confidence to bring your crochet ideas to life.
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!
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.
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!
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!
