Drop in to explore art and make a creative project as a family! Wellin Kids is a hands-on art program for families and children organized by the Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College. Wellin Kids activities draw inspiration from original works of art and provide an opportunity for children to learn about an artist, look closely at art, and make an art project.
Admission is free. This interactive program is intended for children and parents or caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Wellin Kids activities are led by Wellin Museum docents in collaboration with the museum's education staff. Wellin docents are Hamilton College students trained to provide educational guidance 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 inform the Greeter Desk when you arrive, and we would be happy to honor your request.
Wellin Kids Schedule
Tuesday, September 1, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Wellin Kids: Ice Cream and Chalk Party
Celebrate back-to-school at the Wellin Museum with our Ice Cream and Chalk Party! Drop in as a family to explore art and make a creative chalk drawing on the Wellin's outdoor terrace. Use painter's tape, stencils, and your imagination to take your chalk drawings to the next level. Each participant can enjoy one free gelato from The Cremeria as part of this event!
In the case of inclement weather, an indoor artmaking activity will be offered. Admission is free. Wellin Kids is an interactive program intended for children and parents/caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Friday, October 9, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Wellin Kids: Curiosity Mini Sculptures
Drop in as a family to make a creative project inspired by The House of Chance and Mischief, a multimedia sculpture in the Wellin's collection by Rene?e Stout. Guided by Wellin docents, participants will look closely to decode and discuss the sculpture. Taking inspiration from the carnivalesque elements included in the artwork, such as game pieces and playing cards, each participant will have a chance to construct their own mini sculpture with a personalized theme using cardboard boxes, paint sticks, handmade clay ornaments, and other craft materials.
The Wellin will open early for this community event. Admission is free. Wellin Kids is an interactive program intended for children and parents/caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Wednesday, November 11, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Wellin Kids: Personalized Trading Cards
Drop in as a family to make a creative project inspired by Mike Mandel's Baseball-Photographer Trading Cards featured in the exhibition Storytelling. During this program, participants will look closely at Mandel's artist baseball cards and pose as ballplayers in front of our stadium backdrop. Participants can create their own trading cards based on a favorite sports team, favorite artist, or favorite character, using one of our templates or a design of their own.
The Wellin will open early for this community event. Admission is free. Wellin Kids is an interactive program intended for children and parents/caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Wednesday, February 17, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Wellin Kids: Make Your Own Magazine
Drop in as a family to look at art, explore art materials, and make a creative magazine all about you! With the help of Wellin docents, participants will learn about publication design through the magazines and photobooks on display in the Storytelling exhibition, then produce their own zines using collage and illustration. Young artists can have their photo taken using the museum's instant camera for inclusion in their publication, if desired.
The Wellin will open early for this community event. Admission is free. Wellin Kids is an interactive program intended for children and parents/caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Friday, March 26, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Wellin Kids: Clay Nature Treasures
Drop in as a family to look at art, explore art materials, and make a creative project. Guided by Wellin docents, participants will draw inspiration from the intricately crafted sculpture Flamboyant Jumper for Dino by Ozioma Onuzulike, which is made up of thousands of clay palm kernels woven together on copper wire. Young artists will mold and sculpt their favorite natural treasures—be they acorns, leaves, gemstones, stars, or shells—out of clay.
The Wellin will open early for this community event. Admission is free. Wellin Kids is an interactive program intended for children and parents/caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Tuesday, April 20, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Wellin Kids: Collage Your Own City
Drop in as a family to look at art, explore art materials, and make a creative project. Guided by Wellin docents, participants will explore photographs by Danny Lyon, Garry Winogrand, and other photographers featured in the exhibition Storytelling, which depict everyday life in cities. Using these photographs to spark their imaginations, participants will create their own city landscapes with a three-dimensional standing collage.
The Wellin will open early for this community event. Admission is free. This interactive program is intended for children and parents/caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Photo by Janelle Rodriguez