The Emporia Arts Center (EAC) does a lot for the city of Emporia: including art classes, art galleries, performances for the whole family, and the Emporia Arts Center is usually at any downtown Emporia event.  The Emporia Arts Center is located in Emporia, Kansas, on 815 Commercial St. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., except for Saturday when it closes at 3 P.M. In this review, I will be talking about the quality of the art materials and equipment, the art classes, and the little store on the main floor.

In this first paragraph, I will be reviewing the quality of the materials and equipment used at the art classes.  At the classes, the center provides everything you need to be successful. Out of all the classes I have been to, all of the mechanical equipment was in tip-top shape and easy to use.  When I took a drawing class, the center had every pencil for every use possible. Sometimes the markers or any other drawing utensils that require ink are out, but that’s bound to happen to everyone that owns art supplies.  It was really hard to find anything even slightly negative about the Emporia Arts Center! In all, I would rate the quality of the materials and equipment as a five out five stars.

The art classes are by far my favorite part of the Emporia Arts Center!  There are so many classes you can take for any person at any age. At the front desk, there are books that have the classes provided in the summer and fall.  The art classes aren’t free and can be quite pricey. There are rooms in the top of the building meant for every activity. All the teachers are polite, responsible, trustworthy, and they are willing to help.  Some classes are for one day, while others are for a week or more, it just depends on the class and age group. All the classes that I have taken at the Emporia Arts Center I have gotten something out of them. I would rate the classes a five out of five stars.

In this last topic, I am going to be writing about the little shop on the main floor.  In the little store, there are ceramics, little glass trinkets, plates, jewelry, and colorful house decorations.  I would say that the prices are pretty reasonable for what you are getting. Everything looks handmade (in a good way).  Some stuff may sell out just because it is handmade. I would rate this little shop a five out of five stars.

I had nothing bad to say about the Emporia Arts Center and overall it got a rating of five out of stars. I would definitely check out some of the art classes, even if you can’t do art it’s still a blast!  I asked former EAC executive director Dawn Young what her favorite thing the EAC does for the city of Emporia. She said, “My staff and I are able to do amazing and fun things every day. However, my favorite thing to do is to provide Educational Outreach Programs for children.  We are able to bring the arts to so many children in so many different areas. We provide outreach programs within the seven counties that we serve as well as bring Performers from all different cultures around the world.  The people I meet every day motivates me to be a voice for art and culture and build a more dynamic and colorful community”. I hope this article makes you want to go to the Emporia Arts Center!

Emporia Arts Center Website