Personalized Pincushions Workshop with Marylin Huskamp
Wednesday, July 29 | 2:00–5:00 PM
$50 per person

Transform a favorite vintage cup, dish, or small container into a beautiful and functional pincushion in this creative workshop with artist Marylin Huskamp. Participants are encouraged to bring a treasured teacup, small bowl, or other decorative container to personalize and repurpose into a one-of-a-kind pincushion.

Marylin will provide a variety of fabrics, trims, buttons, beads, and other embellishments to help bring each project to life. If time allows, students will also create decorative pins to add a unique finishing touch to their pincushions. A small amount of hand sewing is involved, but no prior sewing experience is necessary.

Supplies Provided:

• Various fabrics

• Stuffing

• Trims

• Buttons and beads

• Pins

• Needles and thread

Students Are Encouraged to Bring:

• A cup, dish, or other container for their pincushion

• Any special trims, buttons, or embellishments they would like to incorporate

Students Must Bring:

• Clear E6000 glue (minimum 2 oz.)

A limited number of Japanese teacups will be available for purchase during class while supplies last.

Create a charming handmade keepsake while learning simple sewing and embellishment techniques in a fun, relaxed environment!

Missouri Theater Plaster Flower Painting Workshop

Celebrate the artistry and history of the Missouri Theater in this hands-on workshop inspired by one of its most distinctive decorative elements.

Begin the evening with a short presentation by Lori McAlister, exploring the rich history of the Missouri Theater and the visionary work of sculptor Waylande Gregory. Drawing influence from ancient Assyrian art and architecture, Gregory incorporated stylized floral motifs throughout the theater—including the chamomile flower, a design rooted in ancient Mesopotamian symbolism.

Following the presentation, participants will create and paint their own plaster cast flower using the same mold used in the ongoing restoration of the Missouri Theater. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with the craftsmanship that helps preserve this historic landmark.

Whether you’re an artist, history enthusiast, or simply curious, this workshop offers a meaningful way to connect with the theater’s legacy—just ahead of its 100-year anniversary in 2027.

For those interested in exploring the theater further, consider pairing this experience with our Sketch the Missouri Theater field trip for an immersive look at its architecture and design.

Details:
Wednesday, August 12
5:30–7:30 PM

Cost:
$35 (all supplies included)

Space is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is recommended.

Glass Fusing (Two-Class Series)
Wednesdays, August 19 & 26
2:00 - 5:00pm
$100 per person

Discover the art of glass fusing in this hands-on, two-class workshop designed for beginners and creatives of all levels. In the first class, students will learn the fundamentals of working with fused glass, including safe material handling, cutting techniques, design assembly, and an overview of the kiln-firing process. Participants will create fused glass jewelry pieces using molds to shape their designs, as well as a glass mosaic artwork. For the mosaic, students are encouraged to bring a colorful reference image to inspire and guide their design.

After the first class, all assembled pieces will be fired in the kiln. In the second class, students will return to finish their jewelry by assembling the final components and adding any finishing touches. They will also refine and complete their glass mosaic artwork. Day 2 will be a shorter session focused on finishing jewelry pieces and picking up all completed projects.

All materials for both classes are included. Our glass kiln was generously donated by Eileen Dyer, whose support helps make this creative experience possible!

Glass Fusing (Two-Class Series)
Wednesdays, August 19 & 26
2:00 - 5:00pm
$100 per person

Discover the art of glass fusing in this hands-on, two-class workshop designed for beginners and creatives of all levels. In the first class, students will learn the fundamentals of working with fused glass, including safe material handling, cutting techniques, design assembly, and an overview of the kiln-firing process. Participants will create fused glass jewelry pieces using molds to shape their designs, as well as a glass mosaic artwork. For the mosaic, students are encouraged to bring a colorful reference image to inspire and guide their design.

After the first class, all assembled pieces will be fired in the kiln. In the second class, students will return to finish their jewelry by assembling the final components and adding any finishing touches. They will also refine and complete their glass mosaic artwork. Day 2 will be a shorter session focused on finishing jewelry pieces and picking up all completed projects.

All materials for both classes are included. Our glass kiln was generously donated by Eileen Dyer, whose support helps make this creative experience possible!

Sketching at the AKMA with Alex Asher
Friday, September 4
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
$20 per person

Join local artist and Director of Education Alex Asher for a full day of sketching at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. This relaxed workshop invites artists of all skill levels to slow down, observe, and draw from the museum's remarkable collection, historic architecture, and beautiful surroundings.

The day will begin with a guided tour of the museum, where Alex will share highlights of the collection and point out interesting subjects for sketching. After the tour, participants are free to explore the galleries and sketch throughout the museum for the remainder of the day. Alex will be available to answer questions, offer feedback, and provide guidance as you work.

This workshop is part of Alex Asher's ongoing Sketch St. Joseph series, encouraging artists to discover and document some of the city's most unique and inspiring locations.

Students Should Bring:

• Sketchbook or drawing paper

• Pencils, pens, charcoal, or other preferred sketching materials

• Portable stool (optional)

• Lunch or snacks (optional)

Fantasy Felted Pumpkins with Saundra Keiffer
Friday, September 11
2:00–5:00 PM
$50 per person
All supplies included

Celebrate the arrival of fall by creating a one-of-a-kind fantasy felted pumpkin! In this fun, beginner-friendly workshop, fiber artist Saundra Keiffer will introduce students to the art of needle felting using colorful dyed wool roving and curly sheep locks. Learn how wool fibers are blended to create beautiful art batts before using felting needles to sculpt your own whimsical pumpkin.

Once your pumpkin takes shape, personalize it with a variety of autumn-inspired trims, yarn, textured fibers, and other decorative embellishments to create a unique seasonal keepsake you'll enjoy displaying year after year.

All supplies are included. Students are welcome to bring their own basic needle felting tools (foam pad, medium felting needles, or favorite embellishments) if they have them, but they are not required. Whether you're new to needle felting or already enjoy fiber arts, this relaxed and creative class is the perfect way to welcome the fall season.

Intro to Drawing with Alex Asher
Wednesdays, September 16 – October 7
5:30–7:30 PM
$150 per person (includes all four sessions)

Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to strengthen your drawing skills, this four-week course offers a welcoming introduction to the fundamentals of drawing. Instructor Alex Asher will guide students through the process of developing an initial composition while exploring perspective, line quality, shading, and value using both graphite pencils and charcoal.

Students will spend time drawing in the classroom as well as throughout the museum galleries, using artwork and museum spaces as inspiration. All supplies are included, and participants should meet in the classroom at the beginning of each session before venturing into the museum.

No previous drawing experience is required, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Glass Fusing (Two-Class Series)
Thursdays, September 17 & 24
2:00 - 5:00pm
$100 per person

Discover the art of glass fusing in this hands-on, two-class workshop designed for beginners and creatives of all levels. In the first class, students will learn the fundamentals of working with fused glass, including safe material handling, cutting techniques, design assembly, and an overview of the kiln-firing process. Participants will create fused glass jewelry pieces using molds to shape their designs, as well as a glass mosaic artwork. For the mosaic, students are encouraged to bring a colorful reference image to inspire and guide their design.

After the first class, all assembled pieces will be fired in the kiln. In the second class, students will return to finish their jewelry by assembling the final components and adding any finishing touches. They will also refine and complete their glass mosaic artwork. Day 2 will be a shorter session focused on finishing jewelry pieces and picking up all completed projects.

All materials for both classes are included. Our glass kiln was generously donated by Eileen Dyer, whose support helps make this creative experience possible!

Intro to Drawing with Alex Asher
Wednesdays, September 16 – October 7
5:30–7:30 PM
$150 per person (includes all four sessions)

Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to strengthen your drawing skills, this four-week course offers a welcoming introduction to the fundamentals of drawing. Instructor Alex Asher will guide students through the process of developing an initial composition while exploring perspective, line quality, shading, and value using both graphite pencils and charcoal.

Students will spend time drawing in the classroom as well as throughout the museum galleries, using artwork and museum spaces as inspiration. All supplies are included, and participants should meet in the classroom at the beginning of each session before venturing into the museum.

No previous drawing experience is required, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Glass Fusing (Two-Class Series)
Thursdays, September 17 & 24
2:00 - 5:00pm
$100 per person

Discover the art of glass fusing in this hands-on, two-class workshop designed for beginners and creatives of all levels. In the first class, students will learn the fundamentals of working with fused glass, including safe material handling, cutting techniques, design assembly, and an overview of the kiln-firing process. Participants will create fused glass jewelry pieces using molds to shape their designs, as well as a glass mosaic artwork. For the mosaic, students are encouraged to bring a colorful reference image to inspire and guide their design.

After the first class, all assembled pieces will be fired in the kiln. In the second class, students will return to finish their jewelry by assembling the final components and adding any finishing touches. They will also refine and complete their glass mosaic artwork. Day 2 will be a shorter session focused on finishing jewelry pieces and picking up all completed projects.

All materials for both classes are included. Our glass kiln was generously donated by Eileen Dyer, whose support helps make this creative experience possible!

Intro to Drawing with Alex Asher
Wednesdays, September 16 – October 7
5:30–7:30 PM
$150 per person (includes all four sessions)

Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to strengthen your drawing skills, this four-week course offers a welcoming introduction to the fundamentals of drawing. Instructor Alex Asher will guide students through the process of developing an initial composition while exploring perspective, line quality, shading, and value using both graphite pencils and charcoal.

Students will spend time drawing in the classroom as well as throughout the museum galleries, using artwork and museum spaces as inspiration. All supplies are included, and participants should meet in the classroom at the beginning of each session before venturing into the museum.

No previous drawing experience is required, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Thursday & Friday, October 1 & 2
10:00 AM–4:00 PM each day
$250 per person (includes lunch)

Discover the unique challenge and charm of painting on a small scale in this two-day workshop with artist Larry DeGraff. Working with miniature canvases, students will explore techniques for creating detailed, expressive paintings while learning how composition, color, and brushwork can have a big impact in a small format.

Larry will provide personalized instruction and demonstrations throughout the workshop, helping artists strengthen their painting skills while gaining confidence in working with miniature subjects. This workshop is ideal for painters with some experience in oils, acrylics, watercolor, or pastel who are looking to refine their technique and explore a new approach to painting.

Supply List

The museum will provide:

• Tables

• Tabletop easels (for students who prefer to work seated)

• Lunch both days

Please bring:

Easel (optional)

• If you prefer to paint standing, bring your own easel setup.

Brushes

• Flat and/or filbert hog bristle or synthetic hog bristle brushes in a variety of sizes (2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

• Round rigger or script brush for detail work

Painting Tools

• Palette knife

Canvases

• Any size 8×10 or smaller (examples: 6×8, 6×6)

Artist-Grade Paints (or similar colors)

• Titanium White

• Cadmium Yellow Light or Cadmium Lemon Yellow

• Cadmium Yellow Medium

• Yellow Ochre

• Cadmium Red Light

• Burnt Sienna or Transparent Oxide Red

• Alizarin Crimson

• Ultramarine Blue

• Viridian Green

• Ivory Black

Painting Medium

• Odorless Mineral Spirits or Gamsol (No turpentine, please.)

Other Supplies

• Paper towels

For Watercolor or Pastel Artists

• Bring pigments that approximate the color palette listed above.

Thursday & Friday, October 1 & 2
10:00 AM–4:00 PM each day
$250 per person (includes lunch)

Discover the unique challenge and charm of painting on a small scale in this two-day workshop with artist Larry DeGraff. Working with miniature canvases, students will explore techniques for creating detailed, expressive paintings while learning how composition, color, and brushwork can have a big impact in a small format.

Larry will provide personalized instruction and demonstrations throughout the workshop, helping artists strengthen their painting skills while gaining confidence in working with miniature subjects. This workshop is ideal for painters with some experience in oils, acrylics, watercolor, or pastel who are looking to refine their technique and explore a new approach to painting.

Supply List

The museum will provide:

• Tables

• Tabletop easels (for students who prefer to work seated)

• Lunch both days

Please bring:

Easel (optional)

• If you prefer to paint standing, bring your own easel setup.

Brushes

• Flat and/or filbert hog bristle or synthetic hog bristle brushes in a variety of sizes (2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

• Round rigger or script brush for detail work

Painting Tools

• Palette knife

Canvases

• Any size 8×10 or smaller (examples: 6×8, 6×6)

Artist-Grade Paints (or similar colors)

• Titanium White

• Cadmium Yellow Light or Cadmium Lemon Yellow

• Cadmium Yellow Medium

• Yellow Ochre

• Cadmium Red Light

• Burnt Sienna or Transparent Oxide Red

• Alizarin Crimson

• Ultramarine Blue

• Viridian Green

• Ivory Black

Painting Medium

• Odorless Mineral Spirits or Gamsol (No turpentine, please.)

Other Supplies

• Paper towels

For Watercolor or Pastel Artists

• Bring pigments that approximate the color palette listed above.

Intro to Drawing with Alex Asher
Wednesdays, September 16 – October 7
5:30–7:30 PM
$150 per person (includes all four sessions)

Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to strengthen your drawing skills, this four-week course offers a welcoming introduction to the fundamentals of drawing. Instructor Alex Asher will guide students through the process of developing an initial composition while exploring perspective, line quality, shading, and value using both graphite pencils and charcoal.

Students will spend time drawing in the classroom as well as throughout the museum galleries, using artwork and museum spaces as inspiration. All supplies are included, and participants should meet in the classroom at the beginning of each session before venturing into the museum.

No previous drawing experience is required, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Sketching at Mount Mora Cemetery
Wednesday, October 21 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
$20 per person

Experience one of St. Joseph's most beautiful and historic landmarks through the eyes of an artist. Begin the day with a guided walking tour led by local historian Suzanne Lehr, who will share the fascinating stories, remarkable architecture, and rich history that make Mount Mora Cemetery a true outdoor museum. Established in 1851 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mount Mora is known for its scenic winding roads, impressive monuments, and the final resting place of many influential figures from St. Joseph's past.

Following the tour, participants are invited to spend the afternoon sketching throughout the cemetery until 4:00 PM. Whether you enjoy architectural details, historic monuments, peaceful landscapes, or plein air drawing, Mount Mora offers endless inspiration for artists of all skill levels.

This special event serves as a fundraiser for both the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art and Mount Mora Cemetery, helping support two important local organizations dedicated to preserving art and history.

Participants should bring their preferred sketching or plein air supplies and dress for the weather, as this workshop will take place outdoors. A picnic lunch is also recommended so you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings during the day.

Studio Basics: Mat, Frame & Hang Your Art with Alex Asher
Wednesday, December 9
2:00–5:00 PM
$50 per person

Give your artwork the professional finishing touch in this hands-on workshop with artist and educator Alex Asher. Whether you're preparing work for an exhibition, a gift, or your own home, you'll learn the essential skills needed to confidently mat, frame, wire, and hang your artwork.

Students will work with their own pieces while learning how to properly measure artwork, select complementary mat colors, cut mats, assemble frames, attach hanging hardware, and display artwork securely. Alex will also share tips for choosing frames and mats that enhance your work and create a polished presentation.

Please bring one or more pieces of artwork you would like to frame, along with your own frame and mat. A limited selection of mat board will be available for purchase or use, but bringing your own materials is recommended to ensure the best match for your artwork. If you're unsure which mat color to choose, black or white are timeless options that provide a clean contrast for most artwork.

Supplies to Bring:

• Artwork to frame

• Frame(s)

• Mat board(s) sized for your artwork (recommended)

Leave with a beautifully finished piece of art and the confidence to frame and hang future projects yourself!