Public Art Studio
Public Art UHS hosts virtual and in-person family-friendly art-making activities inspired by works in our permanent collection, exhibitions, and temporary public art projects. This interactive studio series is a fun and exciting program where artists of all ages can explore their own unique creative abilities and learn more about the public art on view throughout the University of Houston System. Debra Barrera, a local artist and Public Art’s teaching artist, facilitates the sessions. Activities suitable for artists of all ages.
Studio Session | Collage inspired by Frank Stella
Create a collage inspired by Frank Stella’s Euphonia (1997) on view at University of Houston Main Campus at the Moores Opera House. Find out how music can influence how you create in the moment and collaborate with one of the world’s most famous painters!
Studio Session | Flower Vessels inspired by James Surls
Sculpt your own clay vessel using outdoor materials inspired by James Surls “Flower Woman” (1977) on view at University of Houston Main Campus in the Wortham Theater Lobby. Get outside and see how the natural world can help you sculpt something unique and beautiful inspired by the natural world.
Studio Workshops | Observational Drawing
October 2022 | Join Debra Barrera in three studio art workshops where you will learn to draw and refine your observational drawing skills. Each session will focus on a different drawing technique and artwork from our collection.
Bayou Village | Studio Session
This activity is inspired by Dr. John Biggers’ Salt Marsh (1997), on view at University of Houston-Downtown. Design your own row home or bayou building using familiar pantry items as the base for your creations.
Thaumatrope | Color Field Studio Session
This activity is inspired by Spencer Finch’s Back to Kansas (2015), one of the works that was on view at the University of Houston as part of the temporary exhibition Color Field.
Chimes | Color Field Studio Session
This activity is inspired by Sam Falls’ Untitled (Chimes) (2014), one of the works that was on view at the University of Houston as part of the temporary exhibition Color Field.
Playscapes | Color Field Studio Session
This activity is inspired by TYPOE’s Forms from Life (2019), one of the works that was on view at the University of Houston as part of the temporary exhibition Color Field. Much like TYPOE’s work, this activity inspires you to play with simples forms.
Flags | Color Field Studio Session
This activity is inspired by Odili Donald Odita’s Negative Space (2019), a work that was originally part of the temporary exhibition Color Field but remains on long-term view at the University of Houston.
Transformation Portals | Color Field Studio Session
Transformation Portals are inspired by Sarah Braman’s Here (2019), a work that was originally part of the temporary exhibition Color Field but remains on long-term view at the University of Houston. Much like Braman’s work, this activity inspires you to think about the concept of transformation.
Flying Bunnies | Color Field Studio Session
This activity is inspired by Jeffie Brewer’s Bunny (2019), one of the works that was on view at the University of Houston as part of the temporary exhibition Color Field. Much like Brewer’s whimsical works, the Flying Bunnies craft piques your imagination. Create colorful paper bunnies and watch them take flight in the sky.
Fans | Studio Session
This fun and colorful personal fan project mimics John Scott’s Prayer Meeting (1997), on view at the University of Houston-Downtown. The craft is made of simple household materials but the end result resembles stained glass or a precious metal.
Teleidoscope Binoculars | Studio Session
Teleidoscopes are just like kaleidoscopes but they are open ended allowing the viewer to see the world in a fantastic array of patterns and shapes. Inspired by Marta Chilindron’s Mobius Houston (2019), this activity encourages you to check out your world with new eyes.
Mobile | Studio Session
Learn about color theory, geometry, and spatial awareness with your family. This Foldable Mobile activity draws inspiration from Jacob Hashimoto’s Cloud Deck (2010, UHD) and Remembering Next Summer (2015, UH) by Aaron Parazette. Give yourself some time to create a beautiful piece of art you can hang in any room.
Chromo Color Spinners | Studio Session
Learn about color theory, additive color and Carlos Cruz-Diez with your family. Inspired by his Double Physichromie (2009), on view at the University of Houston, these Chromo Color Spinners are a great project for all ages.