The Museum Art School offers gallery- and studio-based classes for youth ages 4-18. Works from the permanent collection and special exhibitions provide focus and grounding for a curriculum developed and taught by artists and art educators. Through thoughtful, sequential activities students use a wide range of media to discover their creative capacities. The Museum's resources provide an enriched environment that helps students place their own efforts in a larger cultural context. Classes fill quickly. Please register early.

The classes below take place on Saturdays, October through December. For weekday workshops for ages 6 to 12 during the winter holiday, please click here.

Saturdays, October 4–25

Ages 4–6
10:00–11:30 a.m., $40/$50
Instructor: Danielle Pfeifer

Explore different people and places from around the world and use your imagination to create your own magical world. All Artistic Beginnings classes include studio projects, strolls through the galleries and Balboa Park, creative learning, and time for play.

Saturdays, October 11–November 1

Ages 10–12
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., $50/$60
Instructor: Patrick Meehan

Gain knowledge and understanding of the structure and placement of the features of the head in this core studio youth art class. Objects on view in the Museum, drawing casts, and photographs will be used as inspiration. Observe instructor demonstrations and participate in group critiques to develop your skill.

Saturdays, November 1–22

Ages 4–6
10:00–11:30 a.m., $40/$50
Instructor: Danielle Pfeifer

Discover the world around you while learning about sizzling shapes, crazy colors, terrific textures, fantastic forms, and dizzying designs. Experiment with studio materials to create your own artwork inspired by visits to the museum galleries.

Saturdays, November 8–December 13 (no class November 29)

Ages 13–18
1:00–4:00 p.m., $85/$105
Instructor: Mary Carin

In this class designed for teen artists at any level of artistic development, students will use a variety of methods to build found object sculptures. Collect objects from the park, bring in your own items, and use nails, bolts, screws, wires, and more to construct challenging and expressive works of art.

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