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 us.
Upcoming Sessions
July 12 | Zines
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 you’ve been waiting to share, there are no limits to what zines can be. Join teaching artist BakiBakiBaki and be limitless!
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.
July 19 | Printmaking
Bring a photo or drawing of a favorite place as inspiration—at home, from travels, or a destination you dream of. Turn it into a small edition of 4″ x 6″ block prints with guidance from artist Laura Brown. These are perfect for displaying or sending in the mail. You’ll leave class with your own prints and hand-carved blocks, as well as resources for continued printing at home.
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.
August 7 | Block Printing Inspired by Andy Warhol
Whether it was cans of soup or flowers, cleaning supplies, or bananas, Andy Warhol turned everyday objects into art. Inspired by this, we’ll make block prints in bright colors and tiled patterns with guidance from artist Laura Brown. Bring an everyday object to use as inspiration (a photo will do), and experience the power of printmaking: repetition! After carving a block, experiment with printing it in a tiled pattern–just like a Warhol print. You’ll leave class with your very own prints and hand-carved blocks, as well as resources for continued printing at home.
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.