Smithsonian Studio Arts

08/25/2021

Join us this Saturday for a fabric printing workshop! Spend a day with Sue Fierston, a printmaker, painter, and muralist with a studio at Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville, Maryland experimenting with hand-printing on fabrics using seasonal natural materials.

Registration closes this Friday at 3 p.m. ET.

Learn more: https://s.si.edu/Fabric_Printing

Image: Student's work

Join us this Saturday for a fabric printing workshop! Spend a day with Sue Fierston, a printmaker, painter, and muralist with a studio at Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville, Maryland experimenting with hand-printing on fabrics using seasonal natural materials.

Registration closes this Friday at 3 p.m. ET.

Learn more: https://s.si.edu/Fabric_Printing

Image: Student's work

08/18/2021

Introducing weekly instructor spotlights! First up, meet Sue Fierston! Sue is a printmaker, painter, and muralist with a studio at Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville, Maryland. In June 2019, she taught for the third time as an artist-in-residence at Yosemite National Park and she teaches regularly at the annual conference of the Nature Printing Society.

Her paintings and prints are currently on view at SR/A Interior Architecture + Design and La Collection and La Collection gallery in Chevy Chase, Maryland and Happy Isles Nature Center in Yosemite National Park. She has also taught at Brookside Gardens and the U.S. Botanic Garden, and her work has been on exhibit there as well at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.

For more information visit: https://s.si.edu/SmithsonianInstructors

Introducing weekly instructor spotlights! First up, meet Sue Fierston! Sue is a printmaker, painter, and muralist with a studio at Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville, Maryland. In June 2019, she taught for the third time as an artist-in-residence at Yosemite National Park and she teaches regularly at the annual conference of the Nature Printing Society.

Her paintings and prints are currently on view at SR/A Interior Architecture + Design and La Collection and La Collection gallery in Chevy Chase, Maryland and Happy Isles Nature Center in Yosemite National Park. She has also taught at Brookside Gardens and the U.S. Botanic Garden, and her work has been on exhibit there as well at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.

For more information visit: https://s.si.edu/SmithsonianInstructors

08/16/2021

Orchids Gone Native

In their native environments, most common orchids grow above the soil attached to trees or rocks. Discover the unique attributes of orchids that allow them to grow this way with Barb Schmidt on August 28! The afternoon will conclude with a step-by-step guide to free your orchid from the confines of its pot and mount it on a piece of bark. 🌿

Register here: https://s.si.edu/OrchidsGoneNative

In their native environments, most common orchids grow above the soil attached to trees or rocks. Discover the unique attributes of orchids that allow them to grow this way.

08/12/2021

Palestinian Embroidery 101: The Tatreez Sampler Series

For generations, Palestinian women have gathered with their daughters to work collectively on embroidery projects, bonding with one another over a cup of tea.

On Friday, Aug. 20, we’re thrilled to welcome back Wafa Ghnaim, who began her training in embroidery with her mother at age two. In an afternoon session Ghnaim will help you develop your stitching skills, introduce you to new patterns throughout the region’s history, as well as learn more about textiles produced in the Holy Land throughout the centuries.

For generations, Palestinian women have gathered with their daughters to work collectively on embroidery projects, bonding with one another over a cup of tea. Guided by Wafa Ghnaim, who began her training in embroidery with her mother at age 2, learn the basic Palestinian cross-stitch and how to cre...

08/05/2021

Build Your Photographic Portfolio

Go beyond taking random photographs and develop a cohesive body of work that is uniquely yours in a 3-session course beginning Thursday, Aug. 12!

Review contemporary photographers’ work and define the characteristics that are incorporated into their portfolios. Then evaluate your best photos and identify the attributes that define your own photographic vision. 📸

Register here: https://s.si.edu/Photographic_Portfolio

Go beyond taking random photographs and develop a cohesive body of work that is uniquely yours. Review some contemporary photographers’ work and define the characteristics that are incorporated into their portfolios.

08/05/2021

Our birthday is coming up, and it's kind of a big one. Leading up to our 175th on Aug. 10, we’re sharing some of your favorite Smithsonian social media posts from over the years.

These stunning saucer magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana) bloom each year in our Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle, cared for by the team at Smithsonian Gardens. The space is a rooftop garden, sitting on top of the underground museum complex that includes the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art. #Smithsonian175

08/03/2021

Our August guide is here—with over 200 streaming programs!
Featured on the cover is the new orchid x Brassolaeliocattleya Smithsonian Sunburst 175th. The Smithsonian Gardens golden orchid honors the institution’s anniversary this month echoing the familiar sunburst symbol in its vibrance. Get an inside look at the creation of “The 175 list” of people, collections, and historical moments that reflect how the Smithsonian has built on James Smithson’s long-ago gift to America on page 20.

View the guide: https://s.si.edu/August2021

Our August guide is here—with over 200 streaming programs!
Featured on the cover is the new orchid x Brassolaeliocattleya Smithsonian Sunburst 175th. The Smithsonian Gardens golden orchid honors the institution’s anniversary this month echoing the familiar sunburst symbol in its vibrance. Get an inside look at the creation of “The 175 list” of people, collections, and historical moments that reflect how the Smithsonian has built on James Smithson’s long-ago gift to America on page 20.

View the guide: https://s.si.edu/August2021

07/27/2021

Mindful Stitching

Center yourself through the calm flow of the rhythmic motion of hand stitching. Create a therapeutic textile panel using a hand needle and materials you have at home in a 4-session introductory class beginning August 7 led by instructor Lauren Kingsland Quilts / Custom Quilts Studio.

Learn more: https://s.si.edu/MindfulStitching

Center yourself through the calm flow of the rhythmic motion of hand stitching. Create a therapeutic textile panel using a hand needle and materials you have at home, which can include vintage family textiles such as table napkins to add a connection to warm personal memories.

07/23/2021

Natural Dye Workshop: A Beginners Studio

Explore the wide range of colors that nature can yield in a 3-session weekend course! In this workshop, learn how to establish a dye studio at home, dive into various dyestuffs and colors and walk through the process of dyeing fiber with natural materials.

Learn more: https://s.si.edu/NaturalDyeWorkshop

Explore the wide range of colors that nature can yield. In this workshop, learn how to establish a dye studio at home, dive into various dyestuffs and colors, and walk through the process of dyeing fiber with natural materials.

07/19/2021

Painting is for Everyone

There’s no reason to fear a blank canvas. If you’ve ever wanted to paint, here’s a class that offers the perfect introduction to the art—and will have you ready to pick up your brush with confidence. This six-session afternoon course kicks off July 28!

🎟 : https://s.si.edu/Painting-is-for-Everyone

There’s no reason to fear a blank canvas. If you’ve ever wanted to paint, here’s a class that offers the perfect introduction to the art—and will have you ready to pick up your brush with confidence.

07/16/2021

Visiting the Smithsonian

Visiting the Smithsonian

Learn about visiting our museums and zoo.

07/14/2021

The most sculptural of all printmaking techniques, woodblock printing and linocut printing are ideal for creating bold images composed of patterns and textures.

A 6-session course beginning July 19, led by instructor Max-Karl Winkler (whose work is pictured below), will introduce the relief print, from techniques of design and transfer through cutting and printing the block.

🎟: https://s.si.edu/ReliefPrinting

The most sculptural of all printmaking techniques, woodblock printing and linocut printing are ideal for creating bold images composed of patterns and textures.

A 6-session course beginning July 19, led by instructor Max-Karl Winkler (whose work is pictured below), will introduce the relief print, from techniques of design and transfer through cutting and printing the block.

🎟: https://s.si.edu/ReliefPrinting

07/13/2021

Palestinian Embroidery 101: The Tatreez Sampler Series

A few spaces are still available for our Palestinian Embroidery 101: Tatreez Sampler Series on Friday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Open to students of all skill levels, this class will develop your stitching skills, introduce you to new patterns throughout the region’s history, as well as learn more about textiles produced in the Holy Land throughout the centuries. No experience is required.

Register here: https://s.si.edu/Palestinian-Embroidery-101

For generations, Palestinian women have gathered with their daughters to work collectively on embroidery projects, bonding with one another over a cup of tea. Guided by Wafa Ghnaim, who began her training in embroidery with her mother at age 2, learn the basic Palestinian cross-stitch and how to cre...

07/12/2021

Artful Mind, Tranquil Mind

In an artist-led series designed to provide a tranquil mid-day break, create small but satisfying works of art as a way to hit “pause” and incorporate a bit of creativity into your routine.

This 6-session course begins July 19 at noon ET. No experience with art making is necessary; just bring an open mind and a curious heart. Join us!

Register: https://s.si.edu/ArtfulMindTranquilMind

In an artist-led series designed to provide a tranquil mid-day break, create small but satisfying works of art as a way to hit “pause” and incorporate a bit of creativity into your at-home routines.

07/07/2021

Tomorrow at noon ET! Join floral artist Arrin Sutliff to explore the spectrum of floral design. Sourcing (with a focus on sustainability), making the most of seasonal flowers, creating centerpieces, wiring techniques, bouquet-making, and photographing your work are all among the practical areas covered in this 6-session course.

Register: https://s.si.edu/Art_of_Floral_Design

Tomorrow at noon ET! Join floral artist Arrin Sutliff to explore the spectrum of floral design. Sourcing (with a focus on sustainability), making the most of seasonal flowers, creating centerpieces, wiring techniques, bouquet-making, and photographing your work are all among the practical areas covered in this 6-session course.

Register: https://s.si.edu/Art_of_Floral_Design

07/06/2021

The View from Here: A Reflective Writing Workshop

The View from Here: A Reflective Writing Workshop

Spend a summer morning discovering the joy and power of reflective writing inspired by visual art, guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface.

07/06/2021

Back-to-Basics Boot Camp for Knitters

Whether you used to knit but now feel rusty or are confident in your beginning knitting skills but want to make sure you’re ready for an intermediate class or project, this workshop is for you. Join us Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18 for Knitting Boot Camp!

🎟 : https://s.si.edu/Back-to-Basics-Boot-Camp

Whether you know how to knit a scarf but not much more, used to knit but now feel rusty, or are confident in your beginning knitting skills but want to make sure you’re ready for an intermediate class or project, this workshop is for you.

07/05/2021

The Joy of Photography

Our 4-session evening course "The Joy of Photography" starts tomorrow! Join instructor Marty Kaplan in this fun class that teaches you how to take great photos using manual mode.

🎟 : https://s.si.edu/Joy-of-Photography

Designed for beginners who want to learn how to use their digital or mirrorless camera as a creative tool, students will gain skill in technical aspects of photography so that they can concentrate on composing beautiful images.

07/02/2021

The beautiful decorations of religious and secular manuscripts are centuries-old Islamic traditions. Guided by a graduate of the Turquoise Mountain Institute in Kabul, Afghanistan, explore the elements of gold-leaf manuscript illumination in the Afghan tradition in a 6-session weekend course beginning Sunday, July 11 at 9 a.m. ET.

🎟 : https://s.si.edu/Afghan_Manuscript_Illumination

The beautiful decorations of religious and secular manuscripts are centuries-old Islamic traditions. Guided by a graduate of the Turquoise Mountain Institute in Kabul, Afghanistan, explore the elements of gold-leaf manuscript illumination in the Afghan tradition in a 6-session weekend course beginning Sunday, July 11 at 9 a.m. ET.

🎟 : https://s.si.edu/Afghan_Manuscript_Illumination

07/01/2021

Local Event: Art Quilts by Lauren Kingsland

Smithsonian Studio Arts instructor Lauren Kingsland's Kolam quilts will be on display at the The McLean Textile Gallery through July 16!

Come learn from Lauren! She'll be teaching Today's Quilts by Hand (beginning July 7), Mindful Stitching (beginning Aug. 7), Flash Quilt (Sept. 11), and Edge Finishing Techniques in Quilt Making (beginning Sept. 18).

Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/studio-arts/

Check out the latest community post from one of your neighbors. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.)

07/01/2021

Check out Smithsonian Associates July program guide! Choose from 63 new studio arts offerings (see page 44).

Our July guide is here—with 175 new programs! Featured on the cover is our program with National Museum of American History curator Kenneth Cohen. On Aug. 5 he’ll join us for a tour of the Smithsonian’s Olympic collections and look at how curators will approach the Tokyo games this year and beyond. See page 12 for details.

View the guide: https://s.si.edu/July2021

06/30/2021

Henna tattoos reflect an ancient and beautiful practice of body art. Explore the form’s history in a weekend workshop on Sunday, July 11 at 1 p.m. ET.

Learn to apply simple traditional Indian henna designs and receive instruction in making henna paste from scratch, rolling a cone applicator, the science behind getting a perfect stain, and how to create stunning designs from traditional motifs. All levels welcome, including teens and tweens!

🎟: https://s.si.edu/Henna_Tattoos

Henna tattoos reflect an ancient and beautiful practice of body art. Explore the form’s history in a weekend workshop on Sunday, July 11 at 1 p.m. ET.

Learn to apply simple traditional Indian henna designs and receive instruction in making henna paste from scratch, rolling a cone applicator, the science behind getting a perfect stain, and how to create stunning designs from traditional motifs. All levels welcome, including teens and tweens!

🎟: https://s.si.edu/Henna_Tattoos

06/29/2021

Mastering Exposure

Do you love photography? Explore a myriad of your digital camera’s exposure options and features in this 5-session evening course designed for intermediate photographers beginning July 8.

Students learn how to correctly assess a scene and override what the camera recommends to consistently take accurately exposed photographs. Skills are honed by completing specifically designed assignments and through in-class review of work produced.

🎟 : https://s.si.edu/Mastering--Exposure

Take your skills beyond auto mode as you explore a myriad of your digital camera’s exposure options and features in this course designed for intermediate photographers.

06/28/2021

Today’s Quilts by Hand

Join instructor Lauren Kingsland Quilts / Custom Quilts Studio beginning Wednesday, July 7, at 1:30 p.m. ET as she dives into the art of hand stitching! This 4-session afternoon course is a great way to reduce stress, and the portability of handwork projects makes them ideal take-alongs to fit into your day.

Learn the basics of hand-stitched quilt-making by creating an 18-by-24 inch piece as a doll quilt or a wall hanging. Learn the same piecing, applique, quilting, and finishing techniques used in larger quilts as you work on your small-scale project during this multi-session class.

🎟: https://s.si.edu/Todays-Quilts-by-Hand

Hand stitching is a great way to reduce stress, and the portability of handwork projects makes them ideal take-alongs to fit into your day. Learn the basics of hand-stitched quilt-making by creating an 18-by-24 inch piece as a doll quilt or a wall hanging.