Find inspiration in art and the experiences of your life in this course designed to engage your skills in decoding (reading) and encoding (creating) visual meaning. Each week, explore a selected work of art from the Smithsonian and other collections connected to universal themes—such as childhood, family, work, play, and celebrations—that reflect significant moments and milestones on your life’s journey.

The artworks are the basis for exercises in a variety of artistic media and techniques such as drawing, painting, and mixed media. Keep a visual-thinking journal as you learn to see like an artist and create personally meaningful works of art in terms of form, theme, and context. In a culminating project, use text, images, and newly developed visual-thinking skills to create a “memoir museum”—a handmade map that traces where you’ve been in your life and where you have yet to explore.

No art experience necessary. Open to all levels.

Special Program Information

• The instructor is Renee Sandell.
• This program includes 6 sessions, 2.5 hours each.
• Class will not be held on October 30.

General Information

• This studio arts program is a Zoom Meeting to allow for patron and instructor interaction online.
• All Studio Arts programs require an online ticket for each participant so that the instructor can provide individual attention to every student registered for the online program.
• This program will be recorded. Please see our FAQ for recording terms and conditions.
• Please refer to the "Materials for this program" section for any applicable supply list information and/or special documents for this program.
• View Common FAQs and Policies about our Online Programs on Zoom.