Education Programs
Inspiring creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts through innovative educational experiences for all ages.
All Ages
Programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors
Year-Round
Classes, workshops, and events throughout the year
Diverse Offerings
Multiple art forms and learning approaches
Expert Instruction
Led by professional artists and educators
Program Categories
Upcoming Classes
Watercolor Basics
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Family Art Day
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Teen Photography Workshop
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Contact Education Department
Have questions about our programs? Our education team is here to help.
Program Overview
The Royal Art Institute offers a comprehensive range of educational programs designed to engage, inspire, and educate participants of all ages and backgrounds. Our programs are led by professional artists, art historians, and educators who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise.
Our Approach
Experiential Learning
Hands-on activities that encourage active participation and creative exploration.
Inquiry-Based
Encouraging questions, critical thinking, and personal connections to artworks.
Inclusive & Accessible
Programs designed to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
Globally Informed
Drawing connections between diverse cultural traditions and contemporary global perspectives.
Program Formats
Classes
Multi-session courses focused on skill development
Workshops
Single-session deep dives into specific techniques
Camps
Immersive multi-day experiences during school breaks
Tours
Guided exploration of exhibitions and collections
Children & Families
Our children's programs foster creativity, self-expression, and artistic skills in a supportive environment. From toddlers to pre-teens, we offer age-appropriate activities that make art accessible and enjoyable for young learners.
Family programs encourage collaborative creativity and provide opportunities for parents and children to learn and create together, strengthening bonds through shared artistic experiences.
Art Explorers (Ages 3-5)
A playful introduction to art for our youngest artists, focusing on sensory experiences, basic art concepts, and creative expression.
Young Artists (Ages 6-8)
Building foundational art skills through exploration of various media and techniques, inspired by works in our collection.
Art Studio (Ages 9-12)
Developing more advanced techniques and artistic concepts while encouraging personal expression and creative problem-solving.
Family Art Lab
Drop-in art-making activities for families with children of all ages, inspired by current exhibitions.
Family Tours
Interactive guided tours designed for families to explore and discuss art together.
School Break Camps
Immersive art camps during school holidays, offering themed art activities, gallery exploration, and creative projects.
Teen Programs
Our teen programs provide a supportive environment for young adults to develop their artistic voice, build technical skills, and explore career pathways in the arts. Led by professional artists and educators, these programs encourage creative risk-taking and critical thinking.
Teens also have opportunities to connect with peers who share their interests, exhibit their work, and gain valuable leadership experience through our Teen Council.
Teen Studio (Ages 13-18)
After-school classes focusing on specific media and techniques, from drawing and painting to digital art and photography.
Portfolio Development
Guidance for teens preparing portfolios for college applications, with personalized feedback and technical instruction.
Teen Council
Leadership program where teens plan events, curate exhibitions, and serve as museum ambassadors.
Summer Teen Intensive
Two-week summer program offering in-depth exploration of various artistic disciplines with professional artists.
Adult Classes
Our adult programs cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, refine existing skills, or simply enjoy the creative process, our classes provide a supportive and enriching environment.
Drawing Fundamentals
Learn essential drawing techniques, from contour and gesture to shading and perspective.
Oil Painting
Explore oil painting techniques, color theory, and composition through still life, landscape, and figure studies.
Watercolor Techniques
Master the luminous qualities of watercolor through demonstrations and guided practice.
Ceramics
Learn hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques to create functional and sculptural ceramic pieces.
Digital Photography
Develop your photographic eye and technical skills through assignments and critiques.
Figure Drawing
Work from live models to develop observational skills and understanding of human anatomy.
School Programs
Our school programs align with curriculum standards and provide engaging, interactive experiences that complement classroom learning. We work closely with teachers to customize visits that meet specific educational objectives.
Programs are available for grades K-12 and include guided tours, hands-on activities, and resources for pre and post-visit learning.
School Visit Options
Guided Tours
- Art and History Connection (Grades 3-12)
- Visual Literacy (Grades K-12)
- STEAM Connections (Grades 3-12)
- Current Exhibition Tours (Grades K-12)
Art-Making Workshops
- Tour + Studio Experience (Grades K-12)
- Artist Techniques Workshop (Grades 3-12)
- Materials Exploration (Grades K-5)
Teacher Resources
We offer professional development workshops, curriculum resources, and planning assistance to help teachers integrate art into their classrooms.
- Teacher Guides for exhibitions
- Curriculum-aligned lesson plans
- Professional development workshops
- Pre and post-visit activities
Planning Your Visit
School visits must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance. We offer subsidized admission and transportation for Title I schools.
Duration: 60-120 minutes
Group Size: Maximum 60 students (divided into smaller groups)
Cost: $8 per student, teachers and chaperones free
Title I Schools: $4 per student
Community Outreach
Our community outreach programs extend the museum's resources beyond our walls, bringing art experiences to diverse communities throughout the region. We partner with community organizations, senior centers, hospitals, and social service agencies to provide accessible art programming.
Art in Schools
Bringing teaching artists to schools with limited arts education resources for residencies and workshops.
Learn MoreArt for Seniors
Art-making and appreciation programs at senior centers and assisted living facilities.
Learn MoreHealing Arts
Art therapy-informed programs for healthcare settings and organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Learn MoreCommunity Art Days
Free art-making events in neighborhood parks, community centers, and public spaces.
Learn MoreArt Access Initiative
Providing free museum memberships and transportation for underserved families and individuals.
Learn MoreDigital Outreach
Virtual programs and digital resources for those unable to visit the museum in person.
Learn MoreAccessibility Programs
We are committed to making art accessible to visitors of all abilities. Our accessibility programs provide inclusive experiences that accommodate diverse needs and learning styles.
Sensory-Friendly Programs
Designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including those with autism spectrum disorders. Features include reduced crowds, adjusted lighting and sound, and sensory break areas.
Art Beyond Sight
Tours and workshops for visitors who are blind or have low vision, featuring verbal description, tactile elements, and multisensory experiences.
ASL Tours
Tours conducted in American Sign Language for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, led by deaf educators or with ASL interpretation.
Art & Memory
Programs for individuals with dementia and their care partners, using art discussion and hands-on activities to stimulate memory and encourage social engagement.
Accessibility Resources
Sensory Maps & Guides
Visual guides indicating quiet spaces, busy areas, and sensory features throughout the museum.
Assistive Devices
Wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, and magnifiers available free of charge.
Accessible Materials
Large-print guides, braille materials, and tactile diagrams for select exhibitions.
Digital Learning
Our digital learning resources extend the museum experience beyond our physical space, providing opportunities for engagement and education from anywhere in the world.
From virtual tours and online courses to interactive activities and educational videos, our digital offerings make art accessible to diverse audiences regardless of location.
Virtual Tours
Explore our exhibitions and collection highlights through guided virtual tours with interactive features and expert commentary.
Explore Virtual ToursOnline Courses
Structured learning experiences covering art history, techniques, and appreciation, with video lessons, assignments, and feedback.
Browse CoursesWebinars & Talks
Live and recorded presentations by artists, curators, and educators on various art-related topics.
Upcoming WebinarsDigital Collection
Searchable database of our collection with high-resolution images and detailed information about artworks.
Search CollectionEducational Resources
Lesson plans, activities, and worksheets for teachers, parents, and students to use in classrooms or at home.
Download ResourcesArt-Making Tutorials
Step-by-step video tutorials demonstrating various art techniques and projects for all skill levels.
Watch TutorialsRegistration Information
How to Register
- Online: Register through our website using the links provided with each program
- Phone: Call (212) 555-1236 during business hours
- In Person: Visit the Education Office during museum hours
- Email: Contact [email protected]
Policies
- Registration is confirmed upon payment
- Full refunds available up to 14 days before program start
- 50% refund available 7-13 days before program start
- No refunds within 7 days of program start
- Programs may be canceled due to low enrollment
Scholarships & Financial Aid
We are committed to making our programs accessible to all. Need-based scholarships and financial aid are available for most programs. To apply, please complete our Financial Aid Application at least three weeks before the program start date.
Financial Aid ApplicationMembership Discounts
Royal Art Institute members receive a 10-20% discount on all education programs, depending on membership level. Be sure to log in to your member account when registering online to receive your discount.
Program Calendar
Browse our upcoming education programs and events. Use the filters to find programs by age group, type, or date.
Artist Talk: Emily Chen
Join artist Emily Chen for a discussion of her creative process and current work.
Watercolor Basics
Learn essential watercolor techniques in this beginner-friendly workshop.
Family Art Day
A day of art-making activities for the whole family, inspired by our current exhibitions.