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Youth Classes

AMFA offers children a variety of affordable, accessible, and playful educational experiences exploring the visual and performing arts.

By attending interactive programs that encourage doing and making and cultivate curiosity in a nurturing learning environment, students foster a love of the arts as they grow into adulthood and beyond.

Please review our guidelines and policies before registering for a class.

Me & My Grown-Up

Me & My Grown-Up is a three-week class designed for preschool-aged children. Work with your child and discover the joy of artmaking while exploring new materials together!

Price: $45 Members / $57 Non-Members
Location: Flex Studio I
Instructor: India Childress
Date: Saturdays from May 20 to June 10, 2023
(no class Memorial Day Weekend)
Time: 9 - 10 a.m.

REGISTER

After School Exploration Classes

  • Creature Feature | Grades K–2

    In this three-week after-school adventure, create fantastic creatures while learning how to make papier-mâché sculptures.

    Price: $45 Members / $57 Non-Members (all materials included)
    Location: Flex Studio I

    Tuesdays: May 16 - 30, 2023, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
    Instructor: Kristin Andrews-Karr
    REGISTER

  • My Colorful World | Grades K-2

    Discover the world of color in this exciting three-part class. Explore hue, shade, tint, tone, and value through paint, sculpture, and fiber experiments.

    Price: $45 Members / $57 Non-Members (all materials included)
    Location: Flex Studio I

    Wednesdays: May 17 - 31, 2023, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
    Instructor: Sharon Boyd-Struthers
    REGISTER

  • Clay, Play, and Explore | Grades 3-5

    Handbuilding is a fun and easy introduction to creating with clay. Design in your mind and create with your hands. Students will use pinching, coiling, and slabs to create forms and sculptures from clay.

    Price: $60 Members / $75 Non-Members (all materials included)
    Location: Flex Studio I

    Thursdays: May 18 - June1, 2023, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
    Instructor: Lauren Crutchfield
    REGISTER

  • Beyond the Selfie | Grades 6-8

    This class will take students beyond the instant snap of a selfie into a world of mixed media Pop-Art self-portraiture. Capture a fleeting moment of yourself in a beautiful one-of-a-kind portrait while learning about the Pop-Art movement and honing some drawing, painting, and collage skills.

    Price: $45 Members / $57 Non-Members (all materials included)
    Location: Flex Studio I

    Thursdays: May 18 - June 1, 2023, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
    Instructor: India Childress
    REGISTER

  • Character Creator | Grades 9-12

    Did you ever read a story so vivid you could picture the characters and want to put them on paper? This after-school class focuses on how to design and illustrate characters and learn about the process behind character development and illustration while honing drawing and inking skills.

    Price: $45 Members / $57 Non-Members (all materials included)
    Location: Flex Studio I

    Wednesdays: May 17 - 31, 2023, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
    Instructor: Kristin Andrews-Karr
    REGISTER

Saturday Workshops

  • Making Together: Fairy and Frog Garden Houses | All Ages

    Create fairy or frog houses for your garden out of clay and decorate them. After the workshop, you will be contacted to pick up your house after the firing process has concluded.

    This workshop is designed for one adult and one child to take together.

    Price: $50 Members / $63 Non-Members
    Location: Flex Studio I
    Instructor: Laura Philips
    Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
    Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

    REGISTER

  • Making Together: Tie Dye with Shibori Folding | All Ages

    Experiment with classic tie dye processes and traditional Shibori folding techniques to create unique dyed T-shirts, scarves, and bags.

    This workshop is designed for one adult and one child to take together.

    Price: $50 Members / $63 Non-Members
    Location: Flex Studio I
    Instructor: Lauren Crutchfield
    Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023
    Time: 1 - 4 p.m.

    REGISTER

  • Pin It | Grades 9-12

    Learn to make decorative pins using repurposed bottle caps and a variety of studio techniques including hammering and cold connections. Create drawings or use found imagery to make unique pins to affix to any piece of clothing or bag.

    Price: $50 Members / $63 Non-Members
    Location: Flex Studio I
    Instructor: Myriam Saavedra
    Date: Saturday, June 3, 2023
    Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

    REGISTER

Shibori bandanas created by Peter Scheidt.

Junior Arts Academy

Established in 1996, Junior Arts Academy is a two-week immersive arts program that provides the tools and opportunity for elementary age students to explore their creativity and the potential for the visual and performing arts.

This program is full of fun learning experiences throughout the Museum, allowing students to discover a range of media, techniques, and themes in the studios, tell stories in the theater, connect their making with the art in the galleries, while building confidence, curiosity, and community.

Summer 2023

Junior Arts Academy: Together Again! centers around AMFA's inaugural exhibition Together. The program concludes with "Play and Display," which provides students the opportunity to share their art and perform short plays for their friends, families, and the community.

Date: Monday, June 12, to Friday, June 23, 2023
Time: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ages: Rising First through Fourth Graders
Price: $452 members/ $565 non-members

Register

Sponsors

Junior Arts Academy is supported in part by Cindy and Greg Feltus.

Youth Studio Series

The Youth Studio Series provides hands-on studio and performance activities, gallery tours, and access to professional teaching artists, allowing students to access all that AMFA has to offer. This program prepares students, grades 1-12, to become lifelong learners in a fun, safe, and accessible environment.

Each week offers a new selection of visual and performing arts courses, both in the morning and the afternoon, allowing for students and parents to choose courses that best fit the students’ interests and schedules.

This summer, Youth Studio Series lasts for five weeks, from June 26 – July 28, 2023. Classes meet Monday through Friday and are scheduled from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. A supervised lunch period is included for those signed up for both the morning and afternoon classes. Students should bring their own lunch.

Please Note: There are no classes on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4.

Week One: June 26 - 30, 2023

  • Everything Clay | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Come play with clay! Learn all about handbuilding and make amazing clay creations.

    Price: $180 member / $220 non-member
    Instructor: Laura Phillips
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Pirate Training | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Learn how to walk, talk, and act like a pirate. Explore characters through acting games, create hats and swords for costumes, and engage the imagination to devise unique pirate adventures. Build life skills in communication, emotional expression, and teamwork.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Destaney Duguid
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Theatre Flex Classroom

    REGISTER

  • Stage Combat | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Study the performance of staged fights safely and believably for theatre and other performing arts. Explore unarmed fighting techniques, vocalization, and storytelling to create a fight that is appropriate to the characters’ circumstances. Build life skills in communication, self-awareness, and teamwork.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Brett Ihler
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Performing Arts Theater

    REGISTER

  • Teen Summer Intensive 2-D | Rising 9-12 Grade

    This weeklong intensive will focus on printmaking, painting, and drawing. Students will have a chance to explore these three mediums with hands-on projects while viewing and studying related works in the galleries.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Lauren Crutchfield
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • My Colorful World | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Discover basic color theory through vibrant mixed media projects. Techniques include collage, image transfers, painting, and found object assemblage.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Sharon Boyd-Struthers
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • Creating With Clay | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Explore basic handbuilding techniques along with an introduction to decorating your creations with underglazes.

    Price: $180 member / $220 non-member
    Instructor: Jacqueline Currie
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Stage Combat | Rising 9-12 Grade

    Learn to perform staged fights safely and believably for theatre and other performing arts. Explore unarmed fighting techniques, vocalization, and storytelling to create a fight that is appropriate to the characters’ circumstances. Build life skills in communication, self-awareness, and teamwork.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Brett Ihler
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Performing Arts Theater

    REGISTER

Week Two: July 5 - 7, 2023

  • Wearable Art | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Accessorize with more than just jewelry. Create headpieces, wings, capes, and more in this 3-day hands on art making experience.

    Price: $96 member / $120 non-member
    Instructor: Candace Barns
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Improv | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Explore the basics of creating something from nothing through silly improv games and exercises. Improv builds life skills in creative thinking, communication, and resilience.

    Price: $96 member / $120 non-member
    Instructor: Destaney Duguid
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Theatre Flex Classroom

    REGISTER

  • Improv Games | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Think outside the box and build confidence in a fun and positive setting through improv games and exercises. Improv builds life skills in creative thinking, communication, and resilience.

    Price: $96 member / $120 non-member
    Instructor: Michael Scott
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Performing Arts Theater

    REGISTER

  • Teen Drawing Intensive | Rising 9-12 Grade

    Explore and hone several concepts including proportion, light, and value in this three-day drawing intensive.

    Price: $96 member / $120 non-member
    Instructor: Lauren Crutchfield
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • All About Me | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Let’s explore you and all of your favorite things. Go beyond the traditional self-portrait to create something that is uniquely you.

    Price: $96 member / $120 non-member
    Instructor: Kristin Andrews-Karr
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Kinetic Sculpture | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Harness the kinetic power of simple forces to create art that moves! Tinker with wood, wheels, strings and more to create a moving masterpiece.

    Price: $96 member / $120 non-member
    Instructor: India Childress
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • Long Form Improvisation | Rising 9-12 Grade

    Learn how to take a few suggestions and create a big story! Build improv skills through ensemble work while honing life skills in creative thinking, teamwork, and resilience.

    Price: $96 member / $120 non-member
    Instructor: Michael Scott
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Performing Arts Theater

    REGISTER

Week Three: July 10 - 14, 2023

  • Magical Mythical Creatures | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Unicorns, thunderbirds, dragons and more come to life on and off the page in this weeklong art making journey around the through myths and legends.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Suzanne McClinton
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Musical Theatre | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Learn the basics of Musical Theatre. With a combination of dance and acting fused into one, take on creative freedom to portray emotion through song and dance. Enjoy working as an ensemble while developing skills in communication, empathy, and self-awareness.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Brandon Nichols
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Glass Box

    REGISTER

  • Teen Studio Intensive 3-D | Rising 9-12 Grade

    This weeklong intensive will focus on sculpture. Students will explore several sculptural mediums with hands-on projects while viewing and studying related works in the galleries.

    Price: $180 member / $220 non-member
    Instructor: Lauren Crutchfield
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • Studio Zoo! | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Do you love animals? Then join us for a class that uses your favorite animals as subjects in a variety of 2-D and 3-D art projects. Create a zoo with new friends while trying out printmaking, painting, sculpture and more.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Suzanne Golden
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Art Journals | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Bind an art journal using traditional book binding techniques and begin creating. Use color, writing, layering and more to create a beautifully expressive journal while exploring new art making techniques.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Jacqueline Currie
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • Musical Theatre | Rising 9-12 Grade

    Learn the basics of Musical Theatre. With a combination of dance and acting fused into one, take on creative freedom to portray emotion through song and dance. Enjoy working as an ensemble while developing skills in communication, empathy, and self-awareness.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Brandon Nichols
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Glass Box

    REGISTER

Week Four: July 17 - 21, 2023

  • Mini Masters | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Using the galleries, our Mini Masters will explore artworks and the artists who made them. In the studio, use traditional art mediums and techniques to create masterpieces.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Lauren Crutchfield
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Superhero Training | Rising 1-4 Grade

    It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a superhero! Explore characters through acting games, create masks and capes for costumes, and engage the imagination to devise unique superhero adventures. Build life skills in communication, emotional expression, and teamwork.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Destaney Duguid
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Theatre Flex Classroom

    REGISTER

  • Musical Theatre | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Learn the basics of Musical Theatre. With a combination of dance and acting fused into one, take on creative freedom to portray emotion through song and dance. Enjoy working as an ensemble while developing skills in communication, empathy, and self-awareness.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Brandon Nichols
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Glass Box

    REGISTER

  • Art Journals | Rising 9-12 Grade

    Bind an art journal using traditional book binding techniques and begin creating. Use color, writing, layering and more to create a beautifully expressive journal while exploring new art making techniques.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Kristin Andrews-Karr
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • Superhero Meet-Up | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Calling all Superheroes! Come make a variety of artworks featuring favorite Superheroes or create never before seen heroes.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Candace Barns
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Theatre Flex Classroom

    REGISTER

  • Drawing Intensive | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Explore beginning drawing concepts in this weeklong drawing intensive. Perfect for students just starting out or for those looking to hone their skills.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Michael Shaeffer
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • Acting for the Camera | Rising 9-12 Grade

    Explore the fundamentals of on-camera acting. Discover the differences and similarities between on-camera acting and stage acting. Learn how to act “a little bit at a time” to create a scene moment by moment. Build skills in emotional expression, self-awareness, and resilience.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Michael Scott
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Glass Box

    REGISTER

Week Five: July 24 - 28, 2023

  • Imagine It! Make It! | Rising 1-4 Grade

    From idea to creation! Learn techniques to mastermind your concepts in 3-D, upcycle, collage, drawing, and painting.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Lauren Crutchfield
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Fairy Tale Playtime | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Explore the art of storytelling using the classic fairytales of The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Develop the characters through acting games and engage the imagination to devise a new adventure that combines the two stories. Build life skills in communication, emotional expression, and teamwork.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Destaney Duguid
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Performing Arts Theater

    REGISTER

  • Acting With Masks | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Learn to engage the body, voice, and emotions in new ways while exploring theatrical masks. Explore characters through acting games, create character masks, and engage the imagination through storytelling. Build skills in communication, self-awareness, and teamwork.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Kevin Brown
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Theatre Flex Classroom

    REGISTER

  • Teen Craft Intensive | Rising 9-12 Grade

    Experience the Art of Craft in this weeklong intensive class. Create works in our newly renovated Woodworking, Clay, and Metals studios. This will be a great introduction to a variety of craft mediums that will be sure to spark newfound interests in these specialized art forms.

    Price: $180 member / $220 non-member
    Instructor: Candace Barns
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • Animal Puppets | Rising 1-4 Grade

    Turn a love for animals, art, and storytelling into wonderful puppets! Explore a variety of puppet making techniques to create a cast of animal characters for a puppet play.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: India Childress
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Flex Studio I

    REGISTER

  • Drawing the World Around You | Rising 5-8 Grade

    Visit the AMFA grounds and galleries and learn to use line and contour, shape and form, light and shadow, and proportion and perspective to create masterful 2-dimensional works of art.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Drawing Studio

    REGISTER

  • Acting With Masks | Rising 9-12 Grade

    Learn to engage the body, voice, and emotions in new ways while exploring theatrical masks. Explore characters through acting games, create character masks, and engage the imagination through storytelling. Build skills in communication, self-awareness, and teamwork.

    Price: $160 member / $200 non-member
    Instructor: Jacqueline Currie
    Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
    Location: Glass Box

    REGISTER