Education
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Whether you want to make your own art or explore local artistic constructs, look no further.
Instructional crafting sessions and information on local artistic events can be found at the Crisp Museum. View the activities and lectures offered through the museum and enroll in a class today.
Activities, Workshops, Presentations and Demos
Museum program details are below. Some activities have pre-registration, age limits, and possible fees. If you can't find your answer, please call (573) 651-2260 or email museum@semo.edu to speak with a person during work hours or leave a message.
Noon - 3 p.m. on Mondays / free
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
Local artists can gather here to socialize and create in our space. In fair weather, a small group will meet at an off-site location for plein air painting. For more details, contact Ellen Flentge at (573) 651-2260.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. / free / drop in
A game with 8 jokers can't be bad. The goal is to make a hand with 14 tiles so you can say, "Mah Jongg!" before the other players. This event is free. Come in to learn the tile names, how to read the card, the pregame called the Charleston, and the process to draw and discard. An official Mah Jongg card is not required to learn.
Art for Adults 9 a.m. - Noon or 2 - 5 p.m.
Tuesdays or Wednesdays
April 1,7, 8, 14 or 15
May 5, 6, 12,13, 19, 20, 26 and 27
June 2, 3, 9, 10, 17, and 18
July 1, 7, 8 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29
Fee $5 / Pre-register online and click "Enroll in Class" and follow the prompts.
This is a small group. Beginners will learn to mix the colors that they need and how to arrange a palette, use the brushes, and clean them correctly. You may use the museum’s supplies or bring your acrylics, oils, soft pastels, or watercolors. Color theory works for all media, and once you learn it, you can try them all. Paint from pictures you take or find to make works to keep or gift—mini lessons taught by Ellen Flentge.
Questions: (573) 651-2660.
Portrait Painting
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. First and third Thursdays, January-June (Note: March 3rd week moved to 4th week)
Fee $5 / Pre-register online and click "Enroll in Class" and follow the prompts.
Learn the most important steps related to facial features to make a successful likeness of someone.
Paint from pictures you take or use examples to practice color mixing skin tones and clothing in light and shadow. Use various values and intensities of colors to create the convex and concave forms that represent a person's image. Participants may share tips and tricks with others. Mini lessons are taught by Ellen Flentge.
Questions: (573) 651-2660.
Collage with Emily Denlinger
April 16
6-8 p.m.
Free / Open to the Public / Supplies Provided
This is a fun way to incorporate figures, create an imaginative environment, break the rules of proportion, pair things that never usually go together, and still make a statement in a nice composition. You have the creativity, just make time to use it!
Participants will choose elements from the provided media and materials to layer and assemble their pieces, or may bring their own. Emily Denlinger, professor in Art and Design, will give guidance and assistance to beginners. Supplies and refreshments will be provided.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Southeast Missouri State University's Cultural Arts Center at River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions: (573) 651-2260 or Email: Emily Denlinger: edenlinger@semo.edu
Mini Figure Painting
April 25, 1-4 p.m. / Preregistration required
Paint a mini figure with acrylics for your collection or
use it with a fantasy RPG game. Supplies will be provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
Multi-Color Round Basket Making with Laura Klaus
9 a.m. until finished
Provide your own refreshments/lunch. A Cafeteria is open for purchases on campus.
Preregister and pay $85 on line: https://semo.edu/museum Follow prompts under the "Enroll in Class" link. To pay with cash or check, come in to Crisp Museum.
Follow step by step with Laura Klaus to create your basket in a matter of hours. This will be a round basket made with multiple colur, dyed, reed strips that weave onto a wire frame and includes two handles. It will measure approximately 14" diameter an narrow down in a rounded side to the bottom. It is 9" high.
Questions: Museum desk (573) 651-2260
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 418 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO.
Collage with Emily Denlinger
May 21
6-8 p.m.
Free / Open to the Public / Supplies Provided
This is a fun way to incorporate figures, create an imaginative environment, break the rules of proportion, pair things that never usually go together, and still make a statement in a nice composition. You have the creativity, just make time to use it!
Participants will choose elements from the provided media and materials to layer and assemble their pieces, or may bring their own. Emily Denlinger, professor in Art and Design, will give guidance and assistance to beginners. Supplies and refreshments will be provided.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Southeast Missouri State University's Cultural Arts Center at River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions: (573) 651-2260 or Email: Emily Denlinger: edenlinger@semo.edu
Evergreen Horizon Tote
May 22
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$10 / Preregister by May 12, click "Enroll in Class" and follow prompts.
Prepurchase the pattern / Sewing machine and supplies required / Limited seating
Follow step by step to create an attractive landscape of hills and evergreens on a sunny day, made with fabric in warm colors. Then, turn it into a nice tote you'll enjoy carrying anywhere.
This workshop is in cooperation with the River Heritage Quilters' Guild of Cape Girardeau to promote sewing to new generations.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Southeast Missouri State University's Cultural Arts Center at River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions: (573) 651-2260 or Email: museum@semo.edu or eflentge@semo.edu.
July 14, 2026
Multi-Color Round Basket Making with Laura Klaus
9 a.m. until finished
Provide your own refreshments/lunch. A Cafeteria is open for purchases on campus.
Reserve your spot between now and June 30, 2026 on line: https://semo.edu/museum Follow prompts under the "Enroll in Class" link.
Fee of $135 must be paid on or after July 1, 2026 on line: https://semo.edu/museum Follow prompts under the "Enroll in Class" link. To pay with cash or check, come in to Crisp Museum.
Follow step by step with Laura Klaus to create your basket in a matter of hours.
Questions: Museum desk (573) 651-2260
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 418 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO.
Contact Us
Phone
Location
Office
River Campus
175 Cultural Arts Center
518 S. Fountain
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Mailing Address
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701