Observe and Create hands-on workshops introduce participants to PAFA's special exhibitions and permanent collection in new and creative ways. View selected works for inspiration on the day's lesson and then create a one-of-a-kind project to take home. No experienced required!
June
Observe and Create: The Artist’s Journal
$60/General Admission; $45/Members
Wednesdays, June 8 through July 20, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Historic Landmark Building
This 7-week class introduces participants to the practice of keeping an Art Journal and offers practical tips on how to transfer creative ideas to paper. With the theme of Things Remembered, participants will draw inspiration from their own personal lives and loves while learning fundamental art techniques and exploring various media including watercolor and collage. Instructor Dressler Smith will prompt students each week to explore new ideas relating to Things Remembered and PAFA’s Permanent Collection and to develop a selection of favorite inspirations and reflections that highlight how they might wish to be thought of if their journal were presented as a self-portrait. Journal and materials provided.
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Observe and Create: Waterscapes
$35/General Admission; $20/Members
Saturday, June 18, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Historic Landmark Building
Participants will use historic waterscape paintings from PAFA's permanent collection and their lush depictions of oceans, rivers and waterways as points of departure for creating their own original waterscapes. A great way to capture the colors and patterns of summer life, participants will learn the techniques of applying acrylic paint to an unusual canvas – sea shells collected from the nearby New Jersey coastline. Bring your own lunch or enjoy our café during a mid-class break. All materials provided.
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July
Observe and Create: Silhouettes
$35/General Admission; $20/Members
Saturday, July 16, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Historic Landmark Building
Black cut out paper portraits and landscapes called silhouettes were popular before the invention of the camera. Inspired by the summer exhibition Happiness, Liberty, Life?, attendees will use the art of the silhouette from the past to create the present. Participants will learn to produce their own self-portrait as well as work in pairs to create a second profile or explore techniques for creating a mixed media work in the silhouette style. Bring your own lunch or enjoy our café during a mid-class break. Materials provided.
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August
Observe and Create: Wearable Art
$50/General Admission; $35/Members
Saturday, August 20, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Historic Landmark Building
Using the Seachange exhibition as inspiration for how to use colors and shapes in abstract compositions, participants will learn techniques to craft their own contemporary jewelry. After an introductory lesson in basic sculpting with self-drying clay, participants will explore texture and shape as they craft an original pendant, brooch or cufflinks and embellish them with manmade sea glass and other mixed media. Clay and materials provided but registrants are encouraged to bring their own “found treasures” to personalize their designs. Bring your own lunch or enjoy our café during a mid-class break.
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