Programs

Youth and Family


        <h1> Youth and Family </h1>
      

<p>Activities and videos inspired by Mia&#8217;s Family Day to enjoy with your family, wherever you are.</p>
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<p>Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting at Mini Mia. This free program, for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers, takes place on the first Wednesday of every month.</p>
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<p>Art Play! is your chance to experiment—a different medium each month. Go on a scavenger hunt to find works in that medium in Mia’s collection, then make your own artwork in our studios! No prompts, no rules, just play.</p>
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<p>Studio Sessions are Mia’s monthly art classes. These classes offer experienced artmakers and curious novices alike the opportunity to create projects inspired by Mia’s collection and special exhibitions.</p>
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<p>With a variety of art-making ideas, fun activities, and learning resources, you can engage with Mia from wherever you are.</p>
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<p>Mia’s Family Center is a drop-in space for families to enjoy kid-friendly books and toys or just let out a little energy. A private restroom and nursing room are available. Open daily during museum hours.</p>
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<h1>Youth and Family</h1>
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<h2 class="h2-large-alt">Make memories every month at Family Day, get creative in studio programs, and play and learn with your toddler in the <a href="https://new.artsmia.org/programs/youth-and-family/family-center/">Family Center</a>.</h2>
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Studio Sessions

Art Play!

<p>Move over Van Gogh, there’s a new artist in town! Engage your creative side during Mia Studio Sessions.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Registration required. Registration opens one month in advance.</p>
<p>We offer a limited number of scholarships to welcome all learners to Studio Sessions; please <a href="mailto:studioprograms@artsmia.org">email us</a> for scholarship information.</p>
<p>Questions? Email <a href="mailto:studioprograms@artsmia.org">studioprograms@artsmia.org</a>.</p>
<h3 class="border-top-3" style="margin-bottom: 20px">Upcoming Studio Sessions Themes</h3>
<p><strong>May 8</strong> Tufting with NeekaSoDope<br />
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.</p>
<p>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.<br />
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.</p>
<p><strong>This class has reached capacity.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>May 11</strong> Still-Life Paintings<br />
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.</p>
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<p><strong>May 22</strong> Zines with BakiBakiBaki<br />
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!</p>
<p><a style="color: black" href="https://tickets.artsmia.org/events/019658c6-b033-e04f-eab4-0766a15449bb"><button class="background-black">Purchase Tickets</button></a></p>
<p><strong>June 7</strong> Printmaking<br />
More details coming soon.<br />
Tickets on sale May 7.</p>
<p><strong>June 12</strong> Botanical Watercolor<br />
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 .”<br />
Tickets on sale May 12.</p>
<p><strong>June 21</strong> Summer Solstice Watercolor<br />
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.<br />
Tickets on sale May  21.</p>
<p><strong>July 13</strong> Plein Air Drawing<br />
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.<br />
Tickets on sale June 13.</p>
<p><strong>July 19</strong> Printmaking<br />
More details coming soon.<br />
Tickets on sale June 19.</p>
<p><strong>July 24</strong> Criticism as Dialogue<br />
Works of art have always existed alongside critical language and conversations of appreciation. This workshop, led by museum educator and independent art curator William &#8220;Billy&#8221; 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.<br />
Tickets on sale June 24. </p>
<p><strong>August 10</strong> Drawing from the Collection<br />
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.<br />
Tickets on sale July 10.</p>
<p><strong>August 14</strong> Criticism as Dialogue<br />
Works of art have always existed alongside critical language and conversations of appreciation. This workshop, led by museum educator and independent art curator William &#8220;Billy&#8221; 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.<br />
Tickets on sale July 14. </p>
<p><strong>September 6</strong> Cyanotype<br />
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.<br />
Tickets on sale August 6.</p>


photo of an artist painting. One hand is holding a paint brush over a canvas of yellow, blue, and green hues, and the other hand is holding a plate with paints on it.

"Vitality Arts: Horizon Line Intro to Mural Painting" workshop at Mia.

<p>Art Play! is your chance to experiment—a different medium each month—on the first and third Saturday of the month. Go on a scavenger hunt to find works in that medium in Mia&#8217;s collection, then make your own artwork in our studios. No prompts, no rules, just play.</p>
<p>Art Play! is free for everyone and open to all ages and abilities.</p>
<p><strong>Upcoming events</strong><br />
May 3 and 17: Additive Sculpture<br />
A sculpture is a three-dimensional work made using additive and subtractive techniques. We&#8217;ll try two types of additive sculpture: wire sculpture and paper mâché.</p>
<p>June 7 and 21: Ink<br />
Drawing inks are liquid inks used for drawing or writing. This includes everything from sharpies to quill pens; we&#8217;ll have both of those and more!</p>


Upcoming Family Programs

<h2 class="border-top-3">Youth and Family Programs</h2>


Youth and Family

Youth and Family

Make memories every month at Family Day, get creative in studio programs, and play and learn with your toddler in the Family Center.

Family Day

Mini Mia

Art Play!

Studio Sessions

Art From Home

Family Center