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 through the Crisp Museum. View the activities and lectures offered through the museum and enroll in a class today.
You can also download a printable version of the spring 2023 schedule.
Activities, Workshops, and Artist Talks
Museum programs and details are found here. Some activities have pre-registration, age limits, and possible fees. If you can't find your answer, please call (573) 651-2260 to speak with a person or leave a message.
Tuesdays or Wednesdays - Art for Adults $5/class or $100/year
Year-round (preregister) 9 a.m.-Noon or 2 p.m.-close
Making art is a fun way to express your creativity with various mediums. This is a small group and if you have no experience, this is the place to start. Participants may work with what topics they like or get ideas from others in the group to gain experience in painting, drawing, collage, etc. Stencil image shapes quickly, learn to see values of color, temperature, perspective, types of edges and use color theory to mix colors you need. If you are already a creater and want a positive environment and good company, you've found it. Crisp Museum has many supplies, but participants may also bring thier own. Mini lessons will be facilitated by Ellen Flentge, curator of education.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
Fridays - Stitch at Crisp
Year-round 9 a.m.-4 p.m. / free / bring your own supplies
Bring your own fabric & supplies to socialize with others as you make progress on your piece. Bring your sewing machine and supplies if needed.
Table space is provided with electricity connection.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / ages 12+ / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by January 2
Evergreens that fade in the distance will cast blue shadows on a curvy snowbank with frozen edges. A colorful sunset will reflect into the river below. You will follow along, painting start to finish, with Ellen Flentge using acrylic paint on canvas. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / ages 12+ / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by January 23
Participants will paint a woodland scene with a meandering creek among evergreens and aspens that cast blue shadows on the snow. You will follow along, painting start to finish with Ellen Flentge using watercolor on paper. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Crisp Museum
The 28th of January is celebrated as International LEGO Day commemorating the date its pattents were submitted 65 years ago.
Come join Crisp Museum's celebration 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. both days and feed your imagination with LEGOs that are provided. LEGO models will be on display. Look for the LEGO mini’s in our gallery scavenger hunt. Test your tower building skills. Prizes will be awarded each hour.
Crisp Museum is located in the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus, located at 518 S. Fountain St. in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. For more information, call (573) 651-2260 or email museum@semo.edu
Hang Tag Calendar 4-8 p.m. / free / drop in / while supplies last / all ages
Use the provided decorative paper, hooks, and two precut wood pieces to make a calendar which displays the date on hang tags. Colors can be chosen to match your decor or your favorite team colors. Markers, hot glue and a hand size mini drill will be used.
All supplies provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
1-4 p.m. Two-day session at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $20 / ages 16+ / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by January 23
Participants will start with a light wash of color. Then with a theme in mind, such as a shape, you paint around its perimeter and fade it outward, leaving the shape the lighter area. Adding layers darkens the color. The goal is building layers around the shape to give an appearance of lights coming forward and darks tucking under and going backward, into the painting. Class is led by Ellen Flentge using watercolor on paper. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / adults / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by February 6
This paint night is for couples. Each person will create their own piece with a few guidelines so that when the paintings are placed side by side, a connection is made to show love and togetherness. You will follow along, painting start to finish, with Ellen Flentge using acrylic paint on canvas. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
1-4 p.m. each day (only attend one session) at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $5 / Ages 12+
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by Feb. 11
Gary Tyler will introduce basic leather tooling skills which involve wetting and hammering a designed with a metal die onto your leather coaster. Each participant may make two coasters using various tools to make patterns and designs. Seating limited to 8 participants. All supplies provided
Questions: (573) 651-2260
Feburary 22 Trivia Night
7-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
Free and open to the public
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by Feb. 21
Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum at Southeast Missouri State Universitys River Campus is hosting a Trivia Night February 22.
Get together a group of friends (max 6) for a night of trivia at the Crisp Museum. Free coffee, snacks, provided. Prizes will be awarded for the winning team. Signup required by individual participants.
Crisp Museum is located at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
1-4 p.m. at Crisp Museum
Free / preregistration required / ages 13+
Register online or in person at Crisp Museum by Feb. 18
Jim phillips will introduce a brief historical use and demonstrate the process of chain mail making. This skill involves some eye hand coordination to interlock metal loops using plyers. Patterns for connecting can vary by the number of loops involved. Illustrations or samples will be shown. Modern ways of using chainmail can be for jewelry or decoration. Seating is limited.
All supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / adults / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by February 27
Using a Paris, France cityscape theme, participants will incorporate a representation of the Eiffel Tower with either a lovely sunset sky or a starry night. Foreground details may be added, such as people, a pet, tree, shadows, or anything you choose to imagine your piece needs. You will follow along, painting start to finish, with Ellen Flentge using acrylic paint on canvas. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
March 3 Make and Take First Friday
String Art 4-8 p.m. / free / drop in / while supplies last / all ages
A hammer and nails are used to make the outline of a design that you choose from pre made templates. Choose a string color and tie one end to a nail. Now is your time to make a path creating lines to complete the interior of your design. Keep it simple or change colors to make your piece more dynamic.
All supplies provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
March 4 and 5 Gourd Bowl Decor
1-4 p.m. Two-day session at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / ages 16+ / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by March 3
Gourds can be left whole or cut open using a hand-held jigsaw with a straight, curvy, or detailed edge. After cleaning, decoration can incorporate a painted surface design. Edge treatment is next, such as weaving pine needles or wrapping waxed thread over leather. Embellishments such as feathers, metal, shells, bone or fibers can be the final touch. Class is led by Ellen Flentge using prepared gourds. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided and personal embellishments are encouraged.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / adults / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by March 6
This paint night is for couples. Each person will create their own piece with a few guidelines so that when the paintings are placed side by side, a connection is made to show love and togetherness. You will follow along, painting start to finish, with Ellen Flentge using acrylic paint on canvas. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
March 22 at Normal Avenue between Academic Hall and Kent Library in Cape Girardeau
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Booths sponsored by university departments will host games, treats and food. Free and open to the public.
1-4 p.m. at Crisp Museum
Free / ages 12+ / limited seating
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by March 18
Choose whether to use keys and bells or bamboo. Then, construct your wind chime with tools and fishing line to suspend from the top piece of drift wood you have drilled holes in. Class is led by Gary Tyler. Preregistration required.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
March 28 Paint Night Beachtime
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / adults / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by March 27
Think spring at the beach and decide what your favorite thing is there. Is it the big sky, sea shells, and the surf or the wildlife animals like sea turtles? Maybe it is sitting on a colorful towel with your toes in the sand. Thinking of perspective, you could be high above looking down, or on ground level looking outward across the beach, or you could even choose to paint an underwater scene. Perhaps all three? You will be guided start to finish, by Ellen Flentge using watercolor paint on paper. Examples will be provided as inspiration. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
1-4 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $5 / ages 10+ / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by March 27
Pysanky surface design and handling techniques will be demonstrated. Participants will create their own Pysanky egg with rich dyes and symbolic designs using a wax resist process. You will be guided start to finish, by Ellen Flentge. A kiska tool which holds melted wax in a small funnel is used somewhat like a pencil. Between 1 and 10 potent dyes will be available for color. Wear clothing for art making or bring a smock. Examples will be provided as inspiration. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / adults / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by April 3.
It is possible, using light medium and dark values of a color with white in the correct spots to make a piece of paper look like it has a water drop setting on it. This fascinating technique will be taugh and then it is your turn to imagine what the water drops will be on, such as flower petals, leaves, a window, a cheek or something else. You will be guided start to finish, by Ellen Flentge using pastel chalk on paper. Examples will be provided as inspiration. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
April 5 Poetry Open Mic Night
7-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
Free and open to the public
Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum at Southeast Missouri State Universitys River Campus is hosting a Poetry Open Mic Night April 5 to celebrate National Poetry Month.
Open Mic Night is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. and is free and open to the public of all ages.
Community members are invited to take the stage and showcase their original literary talents, or to sit back and enjoy live while supporting other performers. Participation is not required.
Crisp Museum is located at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus at 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
April 14 and 15 Watercolor with Brenda Seyer
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. / limited seating
Preregisteration and fee of $30 may be made online with a card or in person with cash or check by April 7.
Participants should have basic watercolor experience for this two-day workshop. Brenda Seyer will explain and demonstrate intermediate skills to create one to two finished watercolor paintings using photos of landscapes or nature that you provide. A supply list will be sent after preregistration is made. Seating is limited to 8.
Questions (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / adults / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by April 17.
A brightly painted colorful background or a spotlight shining from above will set the stage for your painting to focus on a fun figure. The idea will be to capture a moment in time during the active entertainment. Brushstrokes can be loose and free representing movement or silhouetted for a more solomn or sultry scene. Examples will be provided as inspiration. You will be guided start to finish, by Ellen Flentge using acrylic on canvas. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
April 22 or 23 Role Playing Game Mini Figure Painting
1-4 p.m. each day (only attend one session) at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $5 / ages 8 and Up
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by April 14
Are you a RPG gamer? Gary Tyler will introduce how to color an RPG mini figure using acrylic paints. Participants will be given 2 figures. Seating is limited to 8 each day. All supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / adults / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by May 1.
Bees can dart quickly with thier transparent wings or hover in place a while, before landing on thier chosen flower. It only takes moments for them to crawl around seeking nectar and pollen, before they are off again. This artwork will catch a moment in time. You'll decide if your bee is to be in mid air, tucked between petals, or prancing over the stamen. Bold thick strokes or gently fuzzed edges will give your bee its character. Examples will be provided as inspiration. You will be guided start to finish, by Ellen Flentge using acrylic on canvas. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
Floral 3D Paper or Ribbon 4-8 p.m. / free / drop in / while supplies last / all ages
Make a 3D flower in paper or ribbon by cutting, curling, folding and fastening it to a stem and add leaves. After you learn this process, you can make a full boquet at home. Several types of apper flowers will be shown.
All supplies provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
May 6 and 7 Nature Weaving with Dianne Dickerson
Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday Noon-5 p.m. Two-day Workshop
Preregisteration and fee of $30 may be made online with a card or in person with cash or check by April 7.
Dianne Dickerson will show examples and explain the skills used to create a weaving from set up to finish. Your weaving can include fabric, yarn, nature pieces like tree litter, purchased embelishments or other items that you provide. A supply list will be sent after a full registration is made. Some supplies will be provided. Seating is limited to 8.
Questions (573) 651-2260
6-9 p.m. at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $10 / adults / limited seating
Preregister online or at Crisp Museum by May 8.
Paint a landscape with wonderful river reflections. How your mirrored image looks can depict if the water is calm or has ripples. If you have clouds in the sky then reflect them in water also. Start with simple silhouettes, or go into detail with grass and underbrush growing along the bank like a bad hair day. Examples will be provided as inspiration. You will be guided start to finish, by Ellen Flentge using acrylic on canvas. Preregistration required with fee, if applicable.
Supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
1-4 p.m. each day (only attend one session) at Crisp Museum
Free / all ages
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by May 19.
Anyone can dip a card to make a colorful abstract image when the water does the work for you. Did you know enamel spray paint floats when sprayed on water? You just dip your paper and the paint takes hold. Swirling the water leads to more swirled paint effects. Use one or several colors at a time. Take your art a step further and look into the image to find recognizable things. Perhaps you have a landscape. Maybe you see part of animals or more. Make a story using your new art as a starter. All supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
Mini Weaving 4-8 p.m. / free / drop in / while supplies last / all ages
Start with a string wrapped cardboard template, which is later removed. Weaving will progress side to side over and under the first set of strings. Choose one or many colors tha coordinate or contrast to make the body of the weaving. Wood skewers will be slid into the top and bottom of the weaving before it is detached from the card. Details may include added fringe, sequins, shells, etc. All supplies provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
1-4 p.m. Two-day session at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $5 / ages 10+ / limited seating
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by June 2.
Thread a needle, place square fabric pieces in a pattern you want. Then, stitch them together with small stitches into a 4-square or 9-square. Layer this with cotton batting and a fabric backing and stitch. Guidance and examples will be given. All supplies are provided.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
1-4 p.m. Two-day session at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $5 / ages 10+ / limited seating
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by June 6.
With the fabric(s) of your choice, we will follow a pattern to make a quilted foldable tote to fit a 9-13 dish. What a great gift this would make for someone who likes to share thier home cooking! A supply list will be provided that you are to purchase before this workshop. Guidance and examples will be shown.
**Bring a sewing machine or rely on your own hand stitching ability.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
1-4 p.m. Two-day session at Crisp Museum
University community is free / public fee is $5 / ages 16+ / limited seating
Preregister online or in person at Crisp Museum by June 6.
With the fabric(s) of your choice, we will follow a pattern to make a quilted place mat with pockets. This mat is handy for extra storage of frequently used items at a desk or work station and it can be colorful. A supply list will be provided that you are to purchase before this workshop. Some supplies will be provided. Guidance will be given step by step, and examples will be shown.
**Bring a sewing machine or rely on your own hand stitching ability.
Questions: (573) 651-2260
1-4 p.m. at Crisp Museum
Free / all ages
Learn what it takes to create a Tshirt quilt by attending this presentation. Layout styles can vary from a simple grid with the same size Tshirt blocks to layered designs incorporating various sized Tshirts. Whether you use thin or thick, heavey 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
River Campus
175 Cultural Arts Center
518 S. Fountain
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701