Studio Sessions
Move over Van Gogh, there’s a new artist in town! Engage your creative side during Mia Studio Sessions.
Studio Sessions are Mia’s art classes and workshops that offer experienced artmakers and curious novices alike the opportunity to create projects inspired by Mia’s collection and special exhibitions. Each Studio Sessions class features a different subject or medium to explore, and you’ll walk away with expanded knowledge and skills, plus a personal work of art. The only prerequisites for this class are curiosity and an open mind.
Registration required. Registration opens one month in advance.
We offer a limited number of scholarships to welcome all learners to Studio Sessions; please email us for scholarship information.
Questions? Email studioprograms@artsmia.org.
Upcoming Studio Sessions Themes
May 8 Tufting with NeekaSoDope
Learn the art and history of tufting, a modern medium that’s taking the world of textiles by storm! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own 2-square-foot textured masterpiece—perfect as a gift, a keepsake, or something special for yourself.
You can choose from various templates or create your own design. Discover how tufting can convey emotions, stories, and personal memories. Learn how to thread your tufting gun, set up your fabric frame, and experiment with different tufting methods. Experiment with professional techniques to trim, cut, and finish your tufted artwork so it’s ready for display.
All tufting materials are included. Due to the equipment required, participants must be at least 14 years old. Anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This class has reached capacity.
May 11 Still-Life Paintings
Spring is in the air! In this floral-themed workshop, Mia Teaching Artist Laura Wennstrom leads you through creating your own still-life paintings of flower arrangements. Whether your style leans realistic or abstract, you’ll explore composition, observation, and color mixing. This class is a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day and the spring flowers in bloom.
May 22 Zines with BakiBakiBaki
Zines are self published magazines with a long history of being community oriented. They empower collectives and individuals to share their hopes, dreams, and special interests. Using collages, drawings, and the poems one has been waiting to share, there are no limits to what zines can be. Join us and be limitless!
June 7 Printmaking
More details coming soon.
Tickets on sale May 7.
June 12 Botanical Watercolor
Explore watercolor in a festive, vibrant, and welcoming environment. Receive structured guidance from teaching artist Michael Gaughan as you practice techniques to express yourself. Create your own botanical watercolor work inspired by the floral prints and paintings in Mia’s exhibition “Hokusai | Monet .”
Tickets on sale May 12.
June 21 Summer Solstice Watercolor
Summer has arrived! Join fellow artists and explore watercolor in a breezy and peaceful environment. Teaching artist Michael Gaughan will guide you through techniques to express yourself and create your own summer solstice-themed watercolor.
Tickets on sale May 21.
July 13 Plein Air Drawing
Summertime flora is the inspiration for this workshop! Venture into Mia’s Target Park and Courtyard to try plein air drawing. Teaching artist Sophia Weisensel will guide you through techniques focusing on drawing guided by movement, the art of sketching, and observing the shapes and shades of the world around you.
Tickets on sale June 13.
July 19 Printmaking
More details coming soon.
Tickets on sale June 19.
July 24 Criticism as Dialogue
Works of art have always existed alongside critical language and conversations of appreciation. This workshop, led by museum educator and independent art curator William “Billy” Gustavo Franklin Torres, offers you an opportunity to have an open dialogue with fellow classmates, engage in constructive criticism, and handle complex conversations about art. Learn guidelines and principles of art criticism, and then practice applying them to famous artworks from Mia’s collection.
Tickets on sale June 24.
August 10 Drawing from the Collection
Practice your hand at drawing, inspired by works from Mia’s expressionist and impressionist galleries. Teaching artist Sophia Weisensel will lead you through the foundations of drawing to create your own piece of artwork with an emphasis on color choice, layering, and blending technique. Visit the galleries to sketch your artwork and spend time in Mia’s studio experimenting with pastels to bring your work to life.
Tickets on sale July 10.
August 14 Criticism as Dialogue
Works of art have always existed alongside critical language and conversations of appreciation. This workshop, led by museum educator and independent art curator William “Billy” Gustavo Franklin Torres, offers you an opportunity to have an open dialogue with fellow classmates, engage in constructive criticism, and handle complex conversations about art. Learn guidelines and principles of art criticism, and then practice applying them to famous artworks from Mia’s collection.
Tickets on sale July 14.
September 6 Cyanotype
Explore the vibrant photographic process of cyanotypes with teaching artist Janae Alyse! This historic technique uses UV light to create detailed prints on surfaces. First, learn the basics of making cyanotypes by creating a test strip and transferring a print to paper. Then experiment with multiple objects, exposure times, and techniques to create a custom set of four greeting cards. The result of cyanotype printmaking is magical and one of a kind. Note: Wear clothing you don’t mind being exposed to cyanotype chemicals.
Tickets on sale August 6.