Studio Sessions: Modern Art and Politics
Experience Mia’s special exhibition “Modern Art and Politics in Germany 1910–1945: Masterworks from the Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin” through the artist’s lens. In this five-part Studio Sessions series, Mia teaching artists will help you explore the major creative periods reflected in the exhibition. All experience levels are welcome in Studio Sessions classes, no prior experience required.
Note: You’ll need to register for each session individually. All sessions open for registration on February 13.
Questions? Email us.
Upcoming Sessions
March 14 | Expressionism: Exploring Color through Still Life in Oil Pastel
In the early 1900s, the Expressionist movement produced artwork that depicted emotional states and subjective takes on reality through new uses of color, materials, and more. In this class, we’ll discuss Expressionism, color relationships, and psychology through color. You’ll draw still life pieces with a focus on color to relay meaning. You can bring your own still life items to draw or select from options provided by Mia. At the end of the workshop, you’re invited to view the special exhibition.
April 11 | Drawing in the Galleries: A Close Look at Art through Sketching
Explore the masterworks from the Neue Nationalgalerie alongside works from Mia’s collection in this class all about drawing. We’ll start in Mia’s studio classrooms before heading into the exhibition to study a few selected pieces for drawing, guided by Mia teaching artist Michael Gaughan. You’ll share your sketches with classmates and discuss the works presented in the exhibition.
May 9 | New Objectivity: Portraiture in Paint
In the 1920s, artists reacted to Expressionism by creating art that was realistic, provocative, and often unsentimental. In this Studio Sessions class, try your hand at New Objectivity by working from a live model and a limited paint palette to create a portrait. Teaching artist Sophia Weisensel will discuss mixing and using a limited palette, capturing a portrait, and elements of composition. You’re invited to visit the special exhibition at the end of the workshop to view the portraits that inspired the class.
June 13 | Drawing in the Galleries: A Close Look at Art through Sketching
Explore the masterworks from the Neue Nationalgalerie alongside works from Mia’s collection in this class all about drawing. We’ll start with a presentation in Mia’s studio classrooms before heading into the exhibition study a few selected pieces for drawing, guided by Mia teaching artist Sophia Weisensel. You’ll share your sketches with classmates and discuss the works presented in the exhibition.
July 11 | Abstract Art: Paul Klee–Inspired Abstract Painting
The societal shifts after World War I contributed to artists seeing line, shape, and color as material for experimentation. Famous schools like the Bauhaus in Germany rose to prominence, engaging some of the most influential artists of the modern age. In this Studio Sessions class, teaching artist Akiko Ostlund will guide you through an exploration of abstract art, inspired by Paul Klee, a Swiss-German artist who was influenced by both art and music and produced paintings that redefined color theory during the early 1900s. We’ll discuss basic color theory and create rhythmic, emotional abstract paintings using grids, oil pastels, and watercolors. At the end of the workshop, you’re invited to view the special exhibition.