Teen art classes currently enrolling for:

Spring Session

Registration opens March 7

Summer Arts

Summer 2024 registration is open!

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.

Photograph of an abstract landscape painting with leafless trees surrounding a tan building. Brown ground and a lighter brown path are around the building. There are dots of colors ranging from white, black, and green across the surface.  
Photograph of a teenaged girl in a mustard orange t-shirt seated at an easel drawing a model.  
Drawing of circles and ovals in overlapping patterns on white paper. The circles are colored. From bottom left to top right they are blue, greens, browns, reds, and pinks.  

Classes for teens are designed for students who are in or about to enter Grades 9-12.

Membership discount—we are pleased to offer 5% off class cost to museum members. To purchase a membership click here

 
Register For Classes
Day + Time
Instructor(s)
Class
 
Level
Price
Saturdays: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Steve Hayes
High School Painting Techniques
Gr. 9-12
$256
Meets 8 times , April 20 - June 15

No class on 5/25

 

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. High School Painting Techniques Supply List

 

Register For Classes

Now Available! Gift Certificates for art classes may be purchased through the Register for Classes Link.

 

Danforth Assistantship Program 2024

This year-round leadership program for teens provides 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 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.

Placement in the Danforth Assistantship Program provides a modest stipend of $200 upon successful participation in the program as outlined below. Danforth Assistants receive valuable mentorship in all areas of their supportive roles at both the art school and museum. Danforth accepts applications from responsible, reliable, and energetic teens currently enrolled in or entering high school or college. Accepted assistants must:

  • attend a training course taking place on Saturdays during the spring, which will provide the necessary training for summer programming and service in the museum
  • commit to at least four weeks of service during Summer Arts in addition to at least four public events or workshops at the art school or art museum over the following year
  • sign an agreement which outlines their understanding of expectations and their commitment to serve on the dates specified

In addition to a stipend, all Danforth Assistants will receive individualized mentorship, valuable leadership experience, work and school references upon request, and an exit letter outlining specific individual contributions to the Danforth.

Applications will be accepted between January 2, 2024 and March 31, 2024.

Assistantship Application 2024

 

Register For Classes
Charcoal drawing of a woman seated in a tall chair with a leg draped over one of the arms. She is looking down at the floor and has her hair up in a bun.  
Photograph of a teenaged girl in a green t-shirt seated at an easel drawing a model.  
Photograph of a dress form with an outfit in linen and a drawing of a runway with various models wearing different outfits.  

Teen Classes FAQ

Will your high school classes help students build a portfolio?

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.

Will we need to buy supplies?

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

My child is going into eighth grade but he is really good at art. Can he take a High School class?

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.

Teenaged girl standing at an easel with a board and a piece of paper tapped to it drawing a woman model who is seated.
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