In our most recent session of Art Academy for 6-10 year olds, we looked at artists and artwork inspired by comics and/or cartoons. For this project, we took our inspiration from contemporary textile artist, Hannah Epstein, who makes large scale hook rugs that are both whimsical and satirical, much like her favorite cartoon show, The Simpsons. Epstein's work also takes inspiration from folkloric tales of monsters and goblins. It is the intersections in Epstein's work that makes it so rich- between humor and fear, between high art and low art, and between the very old and the very new. 
Read more ...

Abstracting Landscapes, the Art of Doel Reed

Prairie Arts Center is excited to partner with the OSU Museum of Art for this year's Fall Break Camp. Camp will begin with a visit to the museum for an interactive tour of Sun Patterns, Dark Canyon, the Paintings and Aquatints of Doel Reed (1994-1985). Reed's moody, abstracted landscapes will serve as our inspiration as we create our own layered landscapes with pencil, paint, and ink. We will learn about perspective and depth of field and explore the concepts of mood and tone. Weather permitting, we will also do some painting en plein air!
Read more ...

This activity asks you to imagine yourself as a cartoon character. What would your hair look like? What type of clothes would you wear? Which one of your features might you exaggerate or change? What would your character be known for? In other words, what makes you YOU? Once you've got all that worked out, have fun creating a scene for your cartoon self. Where would your character like to go? Where are you most at home? What do you like to do? Let your shadow box selfie tell a story!
Read more ...

Make a new friend for life!  Design and make your very own Dino puppet and bring them to life while acquiring new skills. In this afternoon workshop, you will learn basic sewing techniques and stitches and get the chance to work with fabric, fiber, foam while having fun with new friends. Don’t miss out on this ROAR of a good time! It’s going to be Dino-Mite!
Read more ...

In this workshop, you will learn basic Special FX makeup techniques to create truly gruesome effects just in time for Halloween! You will learn how to paint black eyes and bruises and how to make an easy monster skin out of household gelation and food coloring. For a finishing touch, we will take our effects to the extreme with some fake blood. It's sure to be a frightfully good time! 
Read more ...

Just in time for Homecoming! Join us for a special two-day paper mache mask making workshop with OSU costume design professor, Jason Estala! On Tuesday, you will learn basic clay sculpting and paper layering techniques to create the base of your one of a kind parade mask. On Thursday, come back to paint and embellish your creation. On Saturday, October 30th, we invite you to show off your creation as we walk the OSU Homecoming parade together! 
Read more ...