Reflections: Art Workshops | 55+

Dive into the world of theater with our latest exhibition, "Alex Katz: Theater and Dance," and draw costume designs inspired by friends and loved ones and set designs inspired by a memorable place or somewhere that you have always wanted to visit.

Reflections is an art-making workshop series designed to serve adults 55 and older. In this new 4-week art series, consider what story you want to tell through your theater-inspired artwork and take inspiration from your own life to create. Imagine yourself, your friends, and your family, each depicted in the costume designs they would wear in a play about your lives, and design a set or backdrop where a scene from your life might play out.

Whether you're a beginner or experienced, these workshops offer a fun and supportive space to explore new creative possibilities! Each workshop will include an investigation of contemporary art-making techniques and materials. No prior art experience is required. Registration gives participants access to the full series (four workshops).

Session Dates

Session dates in this series are:

Friday, September 12 and Friday, September 19

Friday, October 3 and Friday, October 10

Daily Program

10 a.m.: Gallery Discussion

The conversations around the artworks in MCASD’s collection will offer stimulating input and prompts for participants as they think about creating their own artworks.

10:30 a.m.: Coffee and Mingle

Refreshments and time for social interaction will take place in Museum venues that take full advantage of the beautiful oceanside location and views.

11 a.m.: Art-Making Activity

The hands-on workshop will provide a forum for self-expression and developing new interpersonal connections.

Weekly Program

September 12 & 19: Costume Design Drawing

Drawing inspiration from Katz’s costume designs, create representations of yourself and your friends or family. Consider what type of clothes each member in your group might wear–what scene will you be depicting and what type of clothes make sense in it? Will it be everyday clothes or something for a special trip or occasion? You will create your own costume designs through a combination of drawing and tracing.

October 3 & 10: Set Design Drawing

Create a set design drawing for the theater production of your life inspired by Katz’s set designs. Imagine important or exciting moments in your life and how these might look in a play or reimagine the event happening in a location that you long to visit. Consider whether your set design drawing will be for an interior or exterior location. What would be included in this space? Perhaps a couch or a tree. You will design these, drawing and imagining your world as a stage where costumes and sets work together to bring your theater-inspired artworks to life.

Reflections is generously supported by the C.J. & Dot Stafford Memorial Trust, E. A. Michelson Philanthropy, and The Tippett Foundation.

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