Making Art Together

Chromatic Stamping Display

July 23rd, 2019

This spring, when delivering outreach programs inspired by Eric Carle’s process, I was reminded of the magic of stamping on Folia transparent paper. Students marvel at the paper colors, how they can stamp on them to create densely textured collage papers, and how the papers can be cut or torn easily to make a collage. Something that I didn’t get to explore with them is how the paper plays with light, creating shining vibrant colors that mix when layered. I thought about this when planning a Materials Play program for our youngest visitors and their caregivers, thinking about how they could stamp the papers, and we could turn those papers into a display for all guests to enjoy. READ MORE

Paper Marbling with Adults

March 28th, 2019

In our Art Studio space, we strive to be a place for people of all ages to participate in creative art-making. In our most recent evening adult workshop, we explored paper marbling. The workshops are designed with experimentation and introductory levels in mind, allowing people to create their own artwork surrounding a theme. This winter, participants explored three different marbling techniques using materials found around the home, combined with art materials readily accessible in art supply stores. READ MORE

Exploring Project Cycles through Materials Play

December 21st, 2018

In the Art Studio, we like to think about project cycles or how one experience can lead into the next. For one of the Materials Play programs this fall (a quarterly program series focused on the interests of toddlers and their caregivers), I considered how we could involve participants in the life-cycle of a painted paper display. READ MORE

Collage Collaborations

October 10th, 2018

In celebration of the exhibition A Marriage of Artistry: Leo and Diane Dillon, we explored collaboration through collage in the Art Studio. We were inspired by the collaboration not only between Leo and Diane Dillon to create their artwork, but also the intricate frames that their son, Lee, made for some of the works featured in the exhibition. READ MORE

Oil Pastel Scratch Pads

September 10th, 2018

Thanks to the generous support of the Highland Street Foundation, we have looked forward to participating in Free Fun Friday for the past five years. This year, we had over 1400 guests visit! With the high volume of visitors and excitement on a busy day, we wanted to facilitate a project that was special and yet manageable, and after a lot of experimentation and testing, we decided that oil pastel scratch pads would provide a great balance of both. With our team’s invaluable help, we were able to provide ready-made scratch pads as well as all the tools and materials for them to make their own custom designs. READ MORE