Welcome (back) to Art School! It’s time to refresh and activate your creativity through this series of technique-building classes utilizing Carnegie Museum of Art’s collection and exhibitions as source material. Each artist-led class includes close looking and visual thinking in the galleries, in-depth exploration of techniques and materials connected to artwork on view, and thoughtful conversations to expand your imagination. All materials are included.
| When: | Thurs., June 12–Aug. 7, 6–8 p.m. |
| (no session July 3) | |
| Where: | Carnegie Museum of Art galleries |
| Tickets: | $12 ($10 Carnegie Museums members; $8 Mindful Museum members) |
| Bundle: | $80 ($70 Carnegie Museums members; $60 Mindful Museum members) |
Carnegie Museum of Art’s galleries want to be your studio away from home! Grab the drawing pencils, paper, drawing board, and stool provided by us and venture off into the galleries to experience slow looking and honing your skills in front of works of art. Written prompts, art historical information, and limited guidance will be available to help you navigate your ideas. Limited outside art materials are permitted in the galleries, but personal sketchbooks, pencils, and colored pencils are welcome. Charcoal, wet media, and drawing boards, pads, easels, or sketchbooks larger than 18” x 24” are not permitted in the galleries.
Class participants receive $5 parking rate. Museum admission included with registration. Perfect for all levels of experience and ages 13+.
| When: | June 10–Aug. 22 |
| Tues.–Fri., noon–3 p.m. | |
| Where: | Ceramics Studio, Yellow Studio, and Galleries |
| Tickets: | $150 ($125 Carnegie Museums members; $100 Mindful Museum members) |
It’s summer camp…for adults. Yes, you! Immerse yourself in creativity and learning alongside artworks from across time and around the globe. Each artist-led 4-day intensive workshop includes close looking and visual thinking in the galleries, in-depth exploration of techniques and materials connected to artwork on view and your own interests and skills, and thoughtful conversation to expand your imagination. The summer camp iteration of Art School for Life! is designed for all levels of art experience—we meet you where you are. All materials provided and class participants receive $5 parking rate.
Sample three different methods of printmaking—monoprinting, lino cutting, and drypoint etching—to better understand the spectrum of possibilities of this art form. This is the perfect introduction for artists exploring printmaking for the first time. Focus on your favorite in a subsequent class.
This printmaking technique, which dates back to the 15th century, produces a highly detailed image of soft, velvety lines. Learn how to incise into the printing plate, apply ink to the plate, print using a printing press, and create print editions. A private viewing of an etching in the collection will take place during class.
Express yourself with this printmaking technique that embraces spontaneity, color, and a painterly approach unique to this versatile process. Learn how to create both singular and limited-edition prints. Experiment with various effects produced by hand-pressing, using the printing press, and drawing directly on your prints.
Zoom in on bead and pendant making to learn some macro ceramic skills on a micro level! Utilize clay hand building and texturing techniques such as slip and score to form and decorate your beads. Experiment with color and surface design to add “ready to wear” flair.
Dive into the design possibilities of lino cutting, a technique akin to woodblock carving which produces bold lines. Learn how to carve lines and shapes into a linoleum block, apply ink, and print using both hand and press methods. Explore creating multi-color prints and print editions with striking contrast.
Learn how to create surface designs using ceramic glaze and underglaze as your painting medium. Create soft designs with underglaze watercolors and bold hatching patterns with sgraffito on a pre-fired. This class is perfect for the 2D artist who is ready to expand their skill set.
Learn how to create surface designs using ceramic glaze and underglaze as your painting medium. Create soft designs with underglaze watercolors and bold hatching patterns with sgraffito on a pre-fired. This class is perfect for the 2D artist who is ready to expand their skill set.
Experiment with tile forms to create a low relief work of art in clay designed to hang on the wall. Consider combining multiple pieces into one composition. Add dimensional elements to your work using slip and score techniques. Play with a range of underglazes to achieve surface effects in color.
Location: Ceramics Studio
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Rachel Cooper
Price: $150 ($125 Carnegie Museums members; $100 Mindful Museum members)
Learn the basics of tile making, including forming a slab, carving, and adding touches in relief to the surface. Basic glazing techniques will be covered. Visits to the galleries will help to inspire your designs. Maximum number of tiles and size are limited to 4 tiles, 6 x 6 in., or a combination of smaller tile.
Location: Yellow Studio
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Joka Slagle
Price: $150 ($125 Carnegie Museums members; $100 Mindful Museum members)
Focus in on the artist’s dream subjects and small paintings in the exhibition Gertrude Abercrombie: The Whole World Is a Mystery. Explore symbols, objects, colors, and motifs that are meaningful to you. Then translate your dream imagery onto a series of small canvases (and one to wear as a brooch!) using acrylic painting techniques. Learn small brush handling and color mixing.
Location: Yellow Studio
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Abby Michalowski
Price: $150 ($125 Carnegie Museums members; $100 Mindful Museum members)
Embrace the delicacy of the natural world, which has long been a favorite subject for artists. Explore the symbolism behind floral motifs in works of art in the galleries. Using preserved flowers, focus in on flower morphology and learn how to create the textures and lushness of each element. Develop your drawing skills using graphite drawing pencils and colored pencils on artist-grade paper. Includes a visit to Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Herbarium.
Location: Art Studio
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Autumn Mitlo
Price: $150 ($125 Carnegie Museums members; $100 Mindful Museum members)
Learn this basic stencil printing technique once embraced by artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Experiment with shape, line, and color to create the signature graphic qualities of the medium. Short sketching excursions in the galleries provide inspiration for your individual creative voice.
Location: Classroom Studio
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Jeanne Perrier
Price: $150 ($125 Carnegie Museums members; $100 Mindful Museum members)
Deepen your knowledge of plant morphology while enhancing your drawing skills. Learn how to render plants from buds to root systems with detailed accuracy. Heighten your ability to capture realistic textures. Preserved flowers, plants, natural materials, and artist-grade drawing and colored pencils and paper will be provided. Includes a visit to Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Herbarium.
Location: Yellow Studio
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Abby Michalowski
Price: $150 ($125 Carnegie Museums members; $100 Mindful Museum members)
The human figure offers endless inspiration for artists and is the perfect place to begin or continue your art journey. Strengthen your observation skills by looking closely at works of art in the collection with figural foci. Learn how to break down the human form into shapes and lines to better understand figural proportions. Experiment with line, gesture, value, and shading to add more accuracy to your drawings. One class will include a draped live model.