The Des Moines Art Center’s Art School provides youth, teen, and adult studio art classes catered to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

Classes are taught in a variety of traditional mediums like painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. Specialty classes, such as jewelry/metals, mixed media, and calligraphy, are also offered. We hire local, practicing teaching artists who have a background and passion for art education. Their mission is to foster a path for students to reach their artistic goals.

ADULT SUMMER ART CLASSES

KIDS & TEEN CLASSES/SUMMER CAMP

Person creating a small cup out of clay while on a ceramics wheel

Adult Summer Studio Art Classes

Take a class in the Art School this summer! Try something new, or hone your craft — various mediums are available such as jewelry making, ceramics, drawing, photography, and more.

browse adult classes

Kids and Teen Summer Art Classes

There are a variety of classes and camps available this summer in the Art School, including classes for our youngest artists age 3-5, up to workshops for teens age 15-18. Week-long summer art camps run from June through mid-August for ages 5-14.

BROWSE YOUTH CLASSES

about summer camp

Two children working on a paper art project

Not sure which class is right for you?

Consult with a studio staff member to help you find the right fit.

ART CLASS INQUIRY

Teen Arts Academy and Teen Clay Academy

Join us in the studio for a nine-month program designed to assist motivated high school students in the development of a college art portfolio.

About Teen Academy PROGRAMS

Scholarships

Scholarships for children and adults are available to give everyone the opportunity to participate in studio classes.

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Community Access Program

Partner with Des Moines Art Center on programming that provides art education to engage audiences that otherwise lack this access due to a variety of barriers.

About Community Access

  • Registration Policies

    • Members receive a 20% discount, to get the discount you must “claim your account” using the same email on file for your membership
    • Adult class registration closes 7 days before the start date
    • Youth registration closes 24 hours before the start date
    • Registration is ONLY complete when we’ve received full payment
    • A 2.5% processing fee will be charged for all credit card transactions
    • Confirmations for online registration are auto sent via email
    • Late enrollment requires instructor approval. Tuition and fees will not be prorated
    • All transfers or refunds must be done 7 days prior to the start of class
      • There is a $15 cancellation fee
      • If you must get a refund after the 7 day period the material fee will not be included in the refund
    • The art center reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment with no incurring obligation
      • If a class gets cancelled by us you’ll receive a full refund including material fees with no cancelation fee