When you want to get hands-on with your own art projects, of course you can start at home, but there’s no shortage of places to go create in a studio setting. From classes to camps, workshops, and drop-in art-making sessions, check out these places to go get artsy in Des Moines!
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Editor’s Note: Whether its issues related to the pandemic, staffing shortages or the weather, circumstances can change quickly. Please be sure to confirm hours and availability before heading out to a destination.
Kid’s art classes and studios in Des Moines:
Ankeny Art Center
The Ankeny Art Center offers various fine art classes for children of all ages and skill levels. Their classes not only teach technique and theory but also how to use materials in different ways and how to collaborate with other students. In addition to semester classes, summer camps are available.
A/R Workshop
A DIY boutique craft store located in The District at Prairie Trail where you can make items from wooden signs, canvas pillows, wall hangings to string art. Even though they cater to adults, A/R Workshop offers creative workshops and summer camps for kids. They’re also a great place to host a kid’s birthday party.
ArtFull
An arts and crafts playground, ArtFull offers classes and drop-in activities in many different mediums at their Valley West Mall location. In addition to in person workshops, you can pick up crafting supplies and at-home art kits to tackle projects at home. They also offer a weekly story time and craft, host birthday parties and offer other fun art experiences.
Board & Brush
Paint, distress, and create a work of art out of wood at this DIY studio in Clive. While many classes are for adults, they frequently offer children’s workshops with simpler projects like signs and fairy gardens perfect for little hands. You can also book your own private sessions or grab kits to take home and do on your own time.
Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines Art Center classes are for ages 3-16+ (and are broken down into smaller age groups). Classes meet once each week for six to twelve sessions during the fall, winter, and spring. They offer weeklong camps in the summer. Students explore the museum’s galleries and exhibits and respond to what they have seen through drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking projects, and more.
Five Monkeys, Inc.
This Valley Junction pottery studio offers a wide variety of ceramic pieces for you to paint. Helpful staff will assist kids with ideas and techniques upon request. Finished projects are glazed and fired in a kiln making them food safe. They also host fun arts and crafting events and host parties.
Glazed Expressions
With locations in Clive and Ankeny, Glazed Expressions offers a large variety of pottery for kids to paint. Keep an eye on the studio’s calendar for events like Friday Pajama Party and other fun themed nights. They’re also a go-to spot for kid’s birthday parties.
JoAnn Fabrics
JoAnn Fabrics offers sewing classes to kids ages 8 and up. They’ll learn how to thread your machine, how to wind and set a bobbin, and other sewing fundamentals. Visit their website to see what classes they have in store.
Kids Create
Kids Create is a mobile art studio offering exciting art classes in and around the Des Moines metro area. They offer lessons in watercolor, drawing, clay, acrylic, ceramic painting, fibers, and mixed media. They offer art workshops and camps for preschoolers and school aged kids at their Polk City location and in conjunction with local parks and recreation departments.
Mainframe Studios
Mainframe Studios offers art classes for kids ages 5-17. Taught by Jess Quinn a certified art educator, kids explore basic art techniques that will provide a solid foundation for future art lovers and artists. Children will explore art using paint, oil pastels, and drawing media. This unique learning experience places an emphasis on having fun while exploring creativity.
Michael’s
Michael’s is more than just an arts and crafts supply and framing store. They’re currently offering their Kids Club Maker Academy on-line. They offer classes on everything from drawing to crochet to food crafting, some of which are FREE, others have a minimal fee.
Painting With a Twist
While Painting With a Twist is geared toward adults, they also offer kid’s classes and camps during vacations and summer for children ages 5 and up. During an event guests create a work of art or painting with the help of their staff. They also host birthday parties.
The Knotty Nail
Create string art, design a wood sign, make a wreath and more at this Valley Junction creative spot. They host a wide variety of workshops, and other events regularly. Keep an eye on their calendar and register on-line. Or, book a private group event for a fun outing or birthday party.
Yarn Junction
Yarn Junction offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced knitting, crocheting and weaving classes for children and adults. Classes vary in length and price, and they do require that you purchase yarn from the store for the class.
