The French word "ATELIER" (pronounced ah-TELL-eee-ay) meaning "studio," was chosen because the program is modeled after the New York "STUDIO" School where learning is accomplished through the interaction of professional artists with students. The purpose of the studio is to grow talent and skill in the community, and also to teach the technical and business side of art. Students assist in all aspects of the design, implementation and promotion of the exhibits.

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Atelier CMS inc
501(c)(3) nonprofit visual art program
Employer Identification Number 50-0002230
DLN:17053112030042
PO BOX 106112 Jefferson City, Missouri 65110


Visitors to St. Louis, Kansas City or Chicago often take in the arts and those cities are known for their thriving art communities of theater, galleries and museums. But how many visitors (or even residents) of Jefferson City know that our city boasts one of the most innovative art programs in the Midwest?

Atelier CMS inc may be best known for its annual outdoor exhibit and festival, ART INSIDE THE PARK, that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the Capitol City each fall. This year’s event on the Capitol grounds featured giant WILDflower sculptures and compelling works by 15 visiting artists from as far away as Spain and France. But ART INSIDE THE PARK is just the tip of an iceberg that is the year-round engagement of area youth in learning the trade of the arts. Behind the scenes, a host of dedicated supporters have been hatching a business plan to make the visual arts more accessible to the community on a year round basis. The vision came much clearer this summer when the group opened a combined museum, studio and community space in a beautifully restored building at 830-2 East High Street.

One expects to find art works of this caliber in our largest metropolitan areas, but to uncover this talent in Jefferson City is a surprise and delight. While the museum and annual ART INSIDE THE PARK are enjoyed by the whole community, visitors should also know that this is an important educational program. Atelier’s after school teen program accepts about 30 students each year. Students are selected based on their interest and commitment, but there is no cost to the student to participate and all interested teens are encouraged to apply. Students can also be recommended by teachers and parents. Atelier is a non-profit organization, seeking community support for all its programs through donations, in-kind support, sponsorship of events, and art center rental.


OUR Vision
A central Missouri community where informed appreciation for contemporary visual art contributes to a vibrant quality of life.

The first exhibit project ART INSIDE THE PARK 2004 showcased 21 site specific installations.
Above is the first public art image in America, Lady Liberty (in this case; made from 9,000 surveying flags).