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
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16
December 7, 14, 21
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
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
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.
August 7 or 8 Sea Turtle Tote
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$10 / Preregister by August 5, click "Enroll in Class" and follow prompts.
Sewing machine and supplies required / Limited seating
This workshop is in cooperation with the River Heritage Quilters' Guild of Cape Girardeau to promote sewing to new generations.
Follow the step-by-step instructions to create an attractive underwater seascape, including a sea turtle made from fabric in a variety of colors. Make a coral reef with fish, seaweed, and bubbles. Then, turn it into a nice tote you'll enjoy carrying anywhere. Include all the internal or external pockets you'd like and embellish with a sea turtle charm. Some supplies are 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: museum@semo.edu or eflentge@semo.edu.
Hawaiian Ice Social
August 24 and 25
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
free / drop-in
Welcome SEMO students! For a cool treat, stop by for a free Hawaiian Ice and a photo opportunity with props at Crisp Museum.
Crisp Museum is located inside the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO.
Collage with Emily Denlinger
August 27
6-8 p.m.
Free / Drop In / 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
Museum Open House
August 29
1-4 p.m.
Stop in the Crisp Museum and view our regional video, see interesting displays related to SEMO students' excavations with dinosaur bones from the Bad Lands, local history, fine art, and much more.
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.
September 10
Paint NIght: Under the Sea
6-9 p.m.
Preregistration due by June 10 / $10 Public fee required or Free to SEMO students
Follow step by step to create your underwater landscape and add interesting subjects using stencils. Create your own seek and find with distant shapes or hidden objects or phrases for viewers to find. Add final touches with bubbles.
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.
Collage with Emily Denlinger
September 24
6-8 p.m.
Free / Drop In / 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
June 11
Paint Night: Dandelions
Preregistration due by June 10 / $10 Public fee required or Free to SEMO students
Follow step by step or create your own design with a representational landscape background or abstract, colorful one. Include dandelion seeds that float off the developed, puff-ball head into the distance by painting them smaller and smaller. Incorporate some bright, yellow blossoms and even insects if you wish. Will you make it day or night? The choice is yours.
July 14, 2026
Basket Making BACKPACK with Laura Klaus
9 a.m. until finished
Provide your own refreshments/lunch.
Reserve your spot between now and June 30, 2026, online
Fee of $135 must be paid on or after July 1, 2026, online
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 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO.
September 9, 2026
Lazy Susan Basket Making with Laura Klaus
9 a.m. until finished
Provide your own refreshments/lunch.
Reserve your spot between now and June 30, 2026, online. If having trouble, call the. museum.
A fee of $75 must be paid on or after July 1, 2026, online or in person at the museum.
Follow step by step with Laura Klaus to create your 12" wide x 4" tall, round Lazy Susan basket in a matter of hours. Natural fibers are dampened and woven to create an attractive finished piece in one session.
Questions: Museum (573) 651-2260 Em: museum@semo.edu
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.
November 10, 2026
Bands of Color Basket Weaving with Laura Klaus
9 a.m. until finished
Provide your own refreshments/lunch.
Reserve your spot between now and June 30, 2026, online. If having trouble, call the. museum.
Fee $85 must be paid on or after July 1, 2026, online or in person at the museum.
Follow step by step with Laura Klaus to create your 11" x 11" x 9" Bands of Color basket with colored middle bands in a matter of hours. Natural fibers are dampened and woven to create an attractive finished piece in one session.
Questions: Museum (573) 651-2260 Em: museum@semo.edu
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.
Contact Us
Phone
Location
Office
River Campus
175 Cultural Arts Center
518 S. Fountain
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Mailing Address
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701