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.
Each Monday and Thursday at Crisp Museum
10 a.m. / free and open to individuals
You can learn to play here for free.
Mahjong is a tile-based game, where players draw and discard to create groupings to complete a specific hand of 14 tiles. Lessons start by learning tile names and groupings. A Mahjong card lists the hands that you choose from. Learn to read the card hands and the specific league rules. Etiquette is also explained, because some groups use different table rules than others.
Each Monday and Thursday, individuals will meet at the Crisp Museum to socialize and play. Chairs will be available, but game sets and card tables will need to be arranged. Beginners are welcome to learn how to play here, and for them, a National Mahjong Card is not required.
Questions: Ellen Flentge (573) 651-2260. Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.
Noon - 3 p.m. on Mondays / free
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.
Art for Adults
Tuesdays or Wednesdays (Not available June 24 - July 4)
9 a.m. - Noon or 2 - 5 p.m.
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.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. / free, drop-in / bring your supplies
Bring your fabric and supplies to socialize with others as you make progress on your piece. For any fiber workers, spinning, felting, embroidery, or cross-stitch, bring your sewing machine and supplies if needed. Table space is provided with an electricity connection. A cutting surface with supplies is provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260 Email museum@semo.edu
Map: 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703
Crisp Museum is located inside Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus Cultural Arts Center
September 29
1 - 4 p.m. / free / all ages
Learn what it takes to create a T-shirt quilt by attending this presentation. Layout styles can vary from a simple grid with the same size T-shirt blocks to layered designs incorporating various-sized T-shirts. Whether you use thin or thick, heavy or light fabric, it all depends on your preference. Maybe you like to see texture with frayed or hand-tied seams. Examples will be on hand for a close look.
Questions: (573) 651-2260 Email museum@semo.edu
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. / free, drop-in / bring your supplies
Bring your fabric and supplies to socialize with others as you make progress on your piece. For any fiber workers, spinning, felting, embroidery, or cross-stitch, bring your sewing machine and supplies if needed. Table space is provided with an electricity connection.
Questions: (573) 651-2260 Email museum@semo.edu
Map: 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703
Crisp Museum is located inside Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus Cultural Arts Center
Free / Drop-in during open hours.
How many skeletons, skulls, or bones can you find within the museum? Complete your list and submit to win a large stash of candy. The winner will be selected on October 31 and will be notified. You do not have to be present to win.
October 3 and 4 Watercolor with Kathy Morrison
8 a.m. - 3 p.m. / $30 + supplies
Preregistration and Fee due by September 29, 2025
Register online. You may pay with a card online or use a check or cash in person, a week before the workshop.
Focus on watercolor techniques using photos, improve understanding of good composition, which sometimes means moving things and leaving things out. Experiment with inspirational source materials for practice before your final painting.
Kathy Morrison's love for painting started nearly 50 years ago, after begging for private lessons. Painting was just her hobby until she discovered her passion for Plein Air after taking a workshop with Missouri Artist Billy O'Donnell. Now, Morrison regularly paints in competitions and uses mainly watercolor, but occasionally returns to her roots, using oils.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions: (573) 651-2260 or Email: museum@semo.edu.
1 - 4 p.m.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
6 - 9 p.m. September 11, 2025
Preregister with $10 fee online and click Enroll in Class, follow prompts, visit the museum in person, or call (573) 651-2260.
Follow step by step to create a spooky scene in acrylic paint. Incorporate such things as ghosts, a haunted house, bats, and an owl with glowing eyes, the full moon, or a forest of trees watching you. All supplies will be provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
October 11 Halloween Skull Painting
1 - 4 p.m.
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by Oct. 4
Preregister here, click Enroll in Class, and follow prompts
Plastic Skull Decor Painting, October 11, 1-4 p.m. Learn the process to make a plastic skull look real. Supplies are provided. This workshop is free for SEMO students, faculty, and staff, or $5 fee for the public. Preregistration is required at semo.edu/museum, then go to “Enroll in Class”, next select the event, then give your information. Limited to 10 per session, either October 21 or 22.
Crisp Museum is inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO.
Questions: (573) 651-2260.
October 16 Collage with Emily Denlinger
6 - 8 p.m. / free and open to the public/drop in
Collage at Crisp is in cooperation with the Department of Art + Design at Southeast Missouri State University and hosted at Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum, 6 - 8 p.m., October 16, 2025.
Participants will choose elements from the provided media and materials to layer and assemble their pieces. Emily Denlinger, professor in Art + Design, will give direction and guidance for beginners.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
October 25, Halloween at Crisp
1 - 4 p.m.
Free
Participate at Crisp to make rag monsters, wooden pumpkins, coloring sheets, and a scavenger hunt.
Crisp Museum is inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO.
Questions: (573) 651-2260.
October 27: Sewing with Erin Grogan of "Love Sew Modern"
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Preregister online, click "Enroll in Class," and follow prompts.
Fee $15 due at the workshop.
Learn three methods of sewing curves and complete a very nice block that can become a quilt if repeated.
Supply list and pattern purchase are required once you are signed up for the class.
Bring your machine and sewing notions. Cutting mats, rotary cutters, and electricity are provided.
More info to come soon!
Questions: (573) 651-2260, ask Ellen Flentge.
October 28 or 29, 2025 *Registration begins the first week of July
Baskets with Laura Klaus: Carrier Squared, $65
Preregistration is required 1 week before class / limited seating fills up fast
Preregister online and click "Enroll in Class." Follow the prompts
Note: Online payment requires a card. To pay by check or cash, please visit the museum. Supplies will be provided.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
1 - 4 p.m.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
November 13 Paint Night: Happy Scarecrow
6 - 9 p.m. September 11, 2025
Preregister with $10 fee online and click Enroll in Class, follow prompts, visit the museum in person, or call (573) 651-2260.
Follow the step-by-step to create a happy scarecrow, in acrylic paint. Incorporate such things as fall flowers, a cheerful sky, crows, and straw stuffing. All supplies will be provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
November 15, 16, 22, 23 Escape Room
Groups of 4-10 people (attend for one hour)
Nov. 15, (10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.)
Nov. 22 (10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.)
Preregistration is required. Click 'Enroll in Class' and follow the prompts.
Clue Conspiracy: Who can you trust? It is good to be bad. Anyone can be lying. Figure out who is leading the players to do the dirty deed?
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
November 20 Collage with Emily Denlinger
6 - 8 p.m. / free and open to the public/drop in
Collage at Crisp is in cooperation with the Department of Art + Design at Southeast Missouri State University and hosted at Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum, 6 - 8 p.m., November 20, 2025.
Participants will choose elements from the provided media and materials to layer and assemble their pieces. Emily Denlinger, professor in Art + Design, will give direction and guidance for beginners.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
1 - 4 p.m.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
December 13
Noon
Graduating senior art and design majors produce their final exhibition as SEMO students.
The public is invited to attend this free reception.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO.
Questions: (573) 986-8243.
December 18 Collage with Emily Denlinger
6 - 8 p.m. / free and open to the public/drop in
Collage at Crisp is in cooperation with the Department of Art + Design at Southeast Missouri State University and hosted at Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum, 6 - 8 p.m., December 18, 2025.
Participants will choose elements from the provided media and materials to layer and assemble their pieces. Emily Denlinger, professor in Art + Design, will give direction and guidance for beginners.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO. Questions (573) 651-2260.
River Campus
175 Cultural Arts Center
518 S. Fountain
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701