Artists gather to trade their handmade Artists Trading Cards.
I’ve always wanted to visit your museum.” The staff of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph is excited to hear this statement almost every month at the museum’s After Hours event. On the fourth Tuesday of the month from January to October the museum extends its hours, and admission is free to all visitors. The casual event is an all-ages event where guests are invited to spend time sharing their appreciation for art. Executive Director Eric Fuson explains, “The relaxed atmosphere encourages friends to meet and gather and even make new friends.”
After Hours began in the summer of 2021 as a way to increase the accessibility of the museum and help foster a sense of community following the limited public activities available during the pandemic. The event quickly proved popular among both regular museumgoers and new visitors. “It’s great to have our regulars, but it’s always exciting to meet someone having their first visit. It’s been great outreach,” says Fuson. “This event is a great extension of our mission to enrich the community.” The AKMA has invited other organizations like the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Noyes Home for Children, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters to participate in After Hours as well to reach new audiences for both the museum and the partner organizations.
The monthly event has proven to be a fantastic way to keep the public aware of and attending educational programming. It has been particularly successful at drawing an audience for artists talks during temporary exhibitions and tours by museum staff. Musical performances have also been a regular feature with performers ranging from local elementary groups to faculty at Missouri Western State University. Poetry readings and history lectures have drawn large crowds in recent months.
Each After Hours also includes at least one art making activity. In 2025 they included making embossed prints with leaves, a wall collage inspired by Rachelle Gardner-Roe’s exhibition, and beaded friendship bracelets. A popular recurring activity is Artists Trading Card Night. Artists of all ages produce miniature artwork the size of a trading card and exchange with other artists.
Information about After Hours and other upcoming events at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum can be found at albrecht-kemper.org.
Financial assistance provided by the St. Joseph, Missouri Visitors Bureau and the Missouri Arts Council.
