Teen art classes currently enrolling for:
Classes for teens are designed for students who are in or about to enter Grades 9-12.
Our program for High School students focuses on providing more advanced instruction in drawing and painting, allowing each student to begin the process of developing a personal viewpoint. Instructors encourage students to explore ideas and content as well as refining skill with various media. Strategies for enhancing portfolios will also be explored.
Fall 2026 Registration is now live!
Click here to read about the offering, prices, and schedules for teen art classes!
No class on 11/11 or 11/25
This class is for the high school student who enjoys painting and would like to learn more about exploring concepts of color theory, brushwork, and painting techniques in acrylic and watercolor. Students will learn basic skills and techniques needed to create strong works for portfolios or to enhance enjoyment of painting as a hobby. Class will visit museum galleries for inspiration in addition to working in the studio.
Register For ClassesNo class on 10/10 or 11/28
Are you a serious art student intending to apply to art school soon? This Portfolio Builder class will provide targeted, individualized instruction to help you fill in gaps you may have in your portfolio. From observational drawing samples, to mixed media works or digital, we can support you as you prepare to submit a portfolio. Includes visits to the Danforth Art Museum to illustrate ideas and provide inspiration for developing and advancing your personal viewpoint. Limited to 6 students.
Register For ClassesDanforth Assistantship Program
Applications for the 2027/2028 Cohort will open on January 2, 2027.
This year-round leadership program for teens provides valuable experience in educational functions at the Danforth Art School and the Danforth Art Museum.
Danforth Assistants serve the art school by helping with overall program facilitation during Summer Arts, our highly popular summer program for children, as well as school vacation week workshops and scheduled events which take place year-round. Assisting at the school includes working directly with children, providing support for teachers, preparation of materials and studio spaces, organization of supplies, and various administrative tasks. Danforth Assistants serve the museum by providing tours of the exhibitions to children during Summer Arts and providing support during public programming such as Drop Into Art and other events.
We typically welcome several Assistants back each year, which allows us to place roughly 15 new leaders every Spring.
Placement in the Danforth Assistantship Program provides many benefits upon successful participation in the program*. These include a modest stipend, one free class during the Fall, Winter or Spring sessions, valuable leadership experience, individualized mentorship and important references for college transcripts.
Danforth accepts applications from responsible, reliable, and energetic teens currently enrolled in or entering high school or college. Successful participation* is considered to be:
- Attendance at a mandatory four-session training course taking place on Saturdays during the spring, which will provide the necessary training for summer programming and service in the museum
- Completing at least four weeks of service during Summer Arts
- Serving at three public events at the Danforth over the following year as well as 2 days during School Vacation Weeks in February or April
- Submitting an agreement which outlines understanding of expectations and a commitment to work on agreed upon dates
Weeks of service in Summer Arts do not need to be consecutive, but they must be full weeks, with all full days from 8:15 A.M.-4:15 P.M. Public events take place on weekends.
Teen Classes FAQ
Yes. The instructors for our high-school level classes are chosen specifically for their ability to work with teen artists as they create a body of work over time. At this age, students can vary widely in skill level, but are generally all very serious about learning new techniques and improving their artwork. Through specific exercises, group critique and exposure to advanced methods, students will be able to start or build a portfolio of work which demonstrates a personal point of view.
Probably. We have included a list of suggested materials along with the class descriptions. Please call us if you need help figuring out what to buy. 508.215.5116
We encourage students to take classes with their direct peers. While artistic skills may be advanced, the social atmosphere in our classes is important to the overall learning environment. In this case, the age difference would likely create an uncomfortable experience for both your child and the older students in the class.
Please see our student behavior expectations here.
My daughter is planning to go to college to study art and she needed to develop her portfolio, so this class is perfect for us.” parent—Teens: Gr. 9-12 Summer
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