Visual literacy begins with a love for pictures and storytelling. This series combines the best (and often obscure) picture book artists, storytelling in the Museums galleries, and art-making in the studio into one, fun adventure. Learn about color mixing from Hervé Tullet, shape-changing from Eric Carle, mice who enjoy messes from Leo Lionni, and a range of emotions from Molly Bang and Patricia Polacco to name just a few. Bring your favorite stuffy friend to accompany you on your adventure.
Handbuild whimsical fungi and spruce up your spring fairy garden decor or meditation space. Although impermanent, mushrooms are life-giving and part of an invisible network of growth and biodiversity. Discover the wonder of nature while sculpting with natural clay. Ages 18+. Registration includes clay and tools.
Handcraft a hanging textile using upcycled fabric scraps and natural fibers to bring texture, color, and artistic personality into your workspace or home. Learn about traditional loom techniques, pattern and color rhythm, balance, and finishing through an easy approach that builds confidence with the hands. Ages 18+. Registration includes materials and inspiration.
Create and wear a silver pendant with a cabochon stone setting. This series teaches design basics, metalsmithing techniques (soldering, cutting, bezel setting), jewelers techniques (hot/cold connections, sawing, forming, stone setting). If you have taken this class before, make a companion piece to match. All skill levels are welcome. Ages 18+.
Perseverance is the key for maturing artists who are finding their own way through the means of heightened self-expression, competitive skill set, and individuation. This workshop encourages students to make personal connections with artists featured in the museum's collection as they divide and conquer self-doubt, perfectionism, and the need to imbue meaning through symbolism and representation. Sign up and build relationships with others who think like you.
Artistic maturity takes time and developing what Walt Disney called, imagineering within the gently guided boundaries of a teaching artist is what these one-day workshops are all about. Once young students begin to trust the process of transforming their ideas into something tangible, they can gradually be introduced to new raw materials and techniques, and navigate their own creative journey. If your young artist has an hour or so to spare, recharge and reset at the museum!
Engage your young child early on with cultural resources within their own community, instilling a lifelong love for art and self-expression. Early enrichment is all about two things: meaningful experiences and self-directed play. The pure (sometimes messy) joy that results from the process of experimentation with multisensory materials lays the foundation for critical problem-solving skills later in life. Plus, making art together with new friends is a great way to socialize. Please dress for the wonderful unexpected paint splatters and belly giggles.
Connect with history, cultural trends, and societal values through a visual thinking lens. Studying art history encourages critical thinking skills, artistic behavior, and holistic learning by incorporating other subject areas. Ages 10+ with an adult caretaker. Registration includes an object-based visual literacy lesson in the galleries and an art-making experience led by a teaching artist in the studio classroom.
