Take an Art Class
Classes are offered for all abilities from beginner to advanced. Our goal is to provide an accessible and safe space for all creative outlets. Classes are offered daily with morning, afternoon, and evening options.
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 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.
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.
Not sure which class is right for you?
Consult with a studio staff member to help you find the right fit.
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.
Scholarships
Scholarships for children and adults are available to give everyone the opportunity to participate in studio classes.
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.
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Adaptive Art Supplies
The Art Center’s Community Access Program has partnered with the Iowa Easter Seals to make adaptive art supplies available for programming and studio classes through the Seal’s Adaptive Technology Lending Library. Equipment includes a ImaginAble Guided Hands® Bundle, and Artristic accessible art easel, non-slip mats, Easi-Grip push down table top scissors, and a variety of grip aids for pencils, markers, and paint brushes.
Find more information about accessibility at the Art Center HERE.
For more information about accessible art making at the Art Center, please reach out to our Community Access Program Manager Kelsey Burr at kburr@desmoinesartcenter.org.
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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