Discover Your Creative Side with MFA Teen Programs
Explore a world of art and inspiration designed just for teens! The MFA’s teen programs offer exclusive access to hands-on workshops, interactive gallery experiences, and creative events that encourage self-expression and exploration.
Upcoming Programs & Events
MFA Teen Poetry Fellowship & Workshop at the MFA
The Teen Poetry Fellowship at the MFA is a four-week paid program for high school students in grades 9–12 that explores the connection between visual art and creative writing through close looking, discussion, and mentorship. Inspired by the MFA’s global collection spanning nearly 5,000 years of human creativity, 15 selected students work alongside MFA educators and guest poet Denzel Johnson-Green to develop original poetry in response to artworks in the galleries. The fellowship culminates in a published collection of student work and a live spoken-word performance at the MFA on Thursday, January 29 at 6 pm, with each participating student earning a $500 scholarship in support of their creative goals.
MFA Spring Break Teen Workshops
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg is excited to host its Spring Break Teen Workshops for students ages 13–17, running March 16–20, 2026, from 9:00 AM–3:45 PM. Each day features a different creative focus—painting, collage and mixed media, printmaking, art and archaeology, and fiber arts—combining in-gallery exploration with hands-on artmaking guided by MFA educators and docents. Teens may register for individual workshops or enjoy a discounted full-week package. Daily programming includes gallery tours, artist-led projects, lunch break, and time to develop a final artwork and artist statement. MFA Members receive discounted pricing, space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
MFA Teen Arts Council
The Teen Arts Council at the MFA is a unique paid opportunity for high school students to get involved with the arts, collaborate with other creatives, and help shape the museum’s future teen programming! This dynamic council is designed for teens who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in the art world – whether you are an artist, dream of someday having an arts career, or just want to help make the MFA a fun place for teens like you.
What You’ll Do:
Meet & Learn from Artists & Professionals – Attend workshops and panel discussions with artists, curators, and other museum professionals, gaining insight into the creative industry.
Plan Teen-Focused Events – Organize and curate special events for your peers, from gallery tours to art-making workshops, and even an exclusive teens-only party. The Teen Arts Council will help us to create opportunities for teens to connect with art and each other.
Provide Input & Feedback – Share your thoughts and ideas about the MFA’s exhibitions and programs, and how the museum can better serve the teen community.
Gain Leadership Skills – Gain valuable skills in project management, communication, teamwork, and public speaking while making meaningful contributions to the museum.
The Teen Arts Council applications are open to all high school students who are enthusiastic about art and eager to contribute to the MFA’s mission. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn, engage, and lead!
To apply for MFA TAC, candidates must meet these requirements:
- Be a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader during the 2025-2026 school year.
- Applicants must be high school students in the Tampa Bay Area—specifically Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, or Hernando counties—including those attending public, private, charter schools, or homeschooling. Please consider your potential commute to the MFA when applying.
- Submit a completed application by August 24, 2025
- You do not need to be an artist in order to apply. Teens interested in art, music, culture, museums and all types of creative outlets are welcome!
- MFA TAC meets every first and second Thursday of the month from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Students are encouraged to come early come for "office hours" 4:00 - 5:00 pm to do homework at the Café or peruse through the museum.
- Occasional Saturdays and event days are required beyond regular meeting times.
- MFA takes all school calendars and transportation into consideration when scheduling programming.
- MFA TAC members are expected to follow the rules and guidelines of the program, participate in all meetings and occasional events, fulfill solo and group responsibilities such as art assignments, independent research, inquiry and tour review, and develop teen centered events for the museum.
Applications are now closed. Spring TAC applications open Early January.
Student Membership
Enjoy all CORE benefits for one degree-seeking high-school, college, or university student (if under 18, includes one adult chaperone per visit).
The General Membership Core Benefits apply to Individual, Dual, Family, Friend, Supporter, Sustainer, and Student memberships.
- Complimentary and unlimited admission to our extensive collection and special exhibitions for an entire year
- Invitations to exclusive members-only exhibition previews and events
- Complimentary or discounted admission to programs, events, and classes
- Early access to registration for select programs, events, and classes
- 10% Discount on all MFA Shop purchases
- Member-exclusive special double discount days in the MFA Shop
- 15% Discount on all Café Clementine purchases
- $5 Discount on up to two (2) Regular Adult General Admission Tickets per visit for family and friends
- Subscription to our weekly Happenings e-newsletter and special MOSAIC member-only publication
- Option to enroll in membership auto-renewal
*In-person enrollment at the MFA only. Must present a valid student I.D. to activate this membership.
Past Programs & Events
MFA Teens with Daisy & Honey | Conversations with a Creative
Teens joined the conversation as local artist and professional Nia Mitchell shared insights about her business. Nia, a designer, muralist, and artist in the St. Petersburg area, showcased her fun, positive, and carefree merch. Attendees listened as she talked about building a brand from the ground up and took advantage of an insightful Q&A.
MFA Teens with St. Pete Ceramics | Hand Building Workshop on July 9.
MFA Teens and our neighbors from St. Pete Ceramics gathered for a hand-building clay workshop, where teens tried their hand at building bowls inspired by Persian bowls from Nishapur made over 1000 years ago. It was a creative and casual class enjoyed with friends. Participants explored the galleries and then learned techniques from local ceramicists. This workshop was designed for 9th–12th grade visitors, who spent time hand-building their pieces, walking through the galleries, and then glazing their creations. St. Pete Ceramics took the finished pieces back to their studio to be fired, ready for pickup at the next MFA Teen program on July 23.
MFA Teens at Black Crow Coffee Co. on June 20.
MFA teamed up with Black Crow Coffee Co. (722 2nd St N location) to host an information table featuring merchandise and details about the upcoming MFA TAC program, along with the Summer Lineup. Teens had the opportunity to meet and chat with Nina Yankowitz in a casual setting over coffee, while connecting with other like-minded teens from the St. Pete area.
The Superintendent’s High School Exhibition of Excellence | April 5 – April 27
This spring, the MFA proudly hosted The Superintendent’s High School Exhibition of Excellence, a dynamic showcase of artwork by 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from across Pinellas County. Featuring a wide range of media—including painting, sculpture, photography, film, and animation—the exhibition celebrated the creativity and skill of some of the district’s most accomplished young artists.
Artworks were submitted by local teachers and selected by a panel including Katherine Pill, the MFA’s Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, and Kimberlynn Martin, Director of Education & Engagement. The exhibition not only highlighted emerging talent but also provided students with the unique opportunity to have their work displayed in a museum setting.
On April 24, 2025, the MFA welcomed students, families, educators, and community members to a free evening open house honoring the featured artists. The event offered full access to the MFA Collection Galleries and a vibrant celebration of youth creativity in our region.
We thank Pinellas County Schools and all participating students and teachers for making this extraordinary exhibition possible.
Generous support for this project provided by The Queen’s Court, Inc.
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
Join today to unlock a world of artistic exploration and creativity with a membership at the MFA!