Wellin Kids is a hands-on art program for families and children organized by the Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College. Wellin Kids programs draw inspiration from original works of art and provide an opportunity to experiment. In each program, children will learn about an artist, practice thinking and talking about art, and create an art project.
Admission is free. This interactive program is intended for children with their parents/caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Wellin Kids programs are led by Wellin Museum docents in collaboration with the museum's education staff. The Wellin's docents are Hamilton College students with an interest in art and teaching who act as educational guides through the museum's exhibitions and collections.
Wellin Kids events may be photographed for archival and promotional purposes. If you and/or your child would prefer not to be photographed, please visit the Greeter Desk when you arrive, and we will be sure to honor your request.
Wellin Kids Schedule
2:00–3:00 and 3:30–4:30 P.M.
The first hour (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) is recommended for children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade and the second hour (3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) is recommended for children in 3rd through 5th grade. Visitors must sign in and leave the museum between sessions to allow us to reset the program. Due to limited space, children may only attend one session per date. For families with children in both age ranges, feel free to choose the time frame that works best for your family.
Saturday, September 6 | Ice Cream and Chalk Party
Celebrate back-to-school at the Wellin with our Ice Cream and Chalk Party! Drop in to explore art and make a creative chalk drawing as a family. This event will take place outdoors. In the case of inclement weather, an alternate activity will be offered indoors.
Saturday, October 4 | Fantastic Figurines
This week, we will use collage techniques to adorn and personalize figurines of serpents, unicorns, and dragons, inspired by the fantastical characters envisioned by artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards.
Saturday, October 25 | Layered Rainbow Scratch Art
*Special Morning Session for All Ages: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.*
This week, we will make our own scratch art using tempera paint sticks and acrylic paint, inspired by the multilayered paintings of artist Wesley Clark in the current exhibition EXODUS. Please note that no afternoon session will be held on this date.
Saturday, November 15 | Creative Crowns, Caps, and Headbands
This week, we will draw inspiration from the crowns, hats, hoods, and headbands worn by the figures depicted in the exhibition Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Another World and Yet the Same, folding, crumpling, and curling whimsical papers to construct amazing hat sculptures. Add paper snakes, rhinestones, and folded fans to create a personalized crown!
Saturday, December 6 | Bedazzled Photographs
This week, we will draw inspiration from the shining silhouettes in the large-scale artworks made by artist Larry Cook, on view in the exhibition EXODUS, and create our own rhinestone-encrusted photo collages.
Photo by Janelle Rodriguez