Workshops and Seminars

Every year MCAC provides a variety of workshops and seminars designed for beginners and professionals alike.  Programs include exhibition-specific workshops, collaborations and artist training.  Our exhibition-specific workshops encourage participants to explore aspects of shows currently installed in our galleries and create art inspired by what they find.  Collaborations include programs co-organized with one or more of our community partners, such as the McLean County Museum of History.  Lastly, our artist training seminars, offer practicing artists a chance to further develop their personal practice. 

Take a look at what we have to offer.  Our workshops and seminars are divided by age:  

Children

High School

Adults

with Julia Goos-Pence

Children are invited to make prints like those on display at the McLean County Museum of History’s exhibition: Gifts to the Prairie: The Work of Pioneer Nurseymen and the Art of the Prestele Family.  Designed to introduce students to an array of printmaking techniques, young artists will explore how to create prints of natural objects using foam board and water-based inks.   

Both children’s workshops take place at the McLean County Museum of History. MCAC is a partner in this event.

Registrations taken by the McLean County Museum of History http://www.mchistory.org/mcmh_exhibit_GiftstoPrairie.html

9:30-12pm Grades 3-5

1-3:30pm Grades 6-8

FREE Children’s Workshop

Saturday, July 19

with Chris Wille & Tony Preston-Schreck

Responding to the exhibition, Sacred / Cosmic Architectures: Panoramic Photographs by James Mai held at MCAC from May 9-June 17, students will create their own temporary architectural structures using natural materials.  The structures will be installed outdoors and webcast on a live internet video feed and documented with time-lapse imaging technology.  Following the workshop, the participants are encouraged to monitor their structures on-line as they change with time. All materials, expertise and technology provided. 

$10.00/8.00 Members

Saturday, June 7 from 1-4pm                        

with Benjamin Gardner

Do you find it difficult to negotiate the current art market?  The Business of Art is designed to assist practicing artists in their professional development.  Focusing upon the basics of marketing yourself as an artist, this seminar will introduce you to different venues and exhibition opportunities.  Lead by professional artist and instructor Benjamin Gardner. 

$30.00/20.00 Members

Saturday, June 21  from 9:30-12:30      

with Jan Holder

 Blossoms and Blooms is a collaboration between the McLean County Museum of History and MCAC.  The watercolor workshop draws from the horticultural motifs found in the exhibition, Gifts to the Prairie: The Work of Pioneer Nurseymen and the Art of the Prestele Family, on display at the McLean County Museum of History from April 13-November 3, 2008.  During the workshop, participants will visit the exhibition and then make their own naturalistic watercolor paintings.  The event will begin at McLean County Museum of History and then travel to MCAC to begin painting. 

Registrations taken by the McLean County Museum of History.  Find more information at their website:http://www.mchistory.org/mcmh_exhibit_GiftstoPrairie.html

 FREE Watercolor Workshop

Saturday, June 14  from 11:00-4:00pm    

with Doug Johnson

This seminar is designed for all levels of artists to explore watercolor painting in their personal style.  Investigations explore the medium’s directness and fluidity.  This 2-day program delves into a wide range of watercolor techniques including washes, brushwork and drawing with watercolor pencils.  No previous painting experience necessary.  Repeats welcome.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own images as the basis for individual experimentation.

$75.00/65.00 Members + $38.00 Material fee

Saturdays, July 19 & 26 from 10am-3pm