HELEN SMITH FREE WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS

The Delaplaine offers free workshops that explore various artists and art techniques throughout history. These workshops are a part of our Community Outreach Initiative and are made possible through donations from the Helen L. Smith Scholarship Fund for Children and the Arts at the Community Foundation of Frederick County. Helen Smith Free Workshops for Kids are held on most first Saturdays, 1–3 pm.

See current COVID guidance and masking requirements here.

 

 

Preregistration is required. The registration request form is available below, beginning at noon on Tuesday two weeks prior to each workshop. Submitting a registration request form is not a guarantee of enrollment; you will receive email confirmation (or regrets) based on availability. Preference is given to first-time participants.

  • Helen Smith Workshops are geared for children.
  • No unauthorized visitors are permitted.
  • Parents are welcome to visit the galleries while the workshops are in session.
  • Submitting a registration request form is not a guarantee of enrollment.
  • You will receive email confirmation (or regrets) based on availability. 
  • Preference is given to first-time participants.

 

 

Saturday, September 6 • 1–3 pm

Registration request form will open by August 26. See above for more information.

Watercolor Exploration and Zines (Ages 6 to 8)

David Modler
Create your own magazine (zine) by learning a fun folding technique! Use watercolor to splash the zine with color and continue to add to it creatively while learning a variety of techniques.

Polymer Clay Eats and Treats (Ages 9 to 12)

Elizabeth Hinton
Explore working with polymer clay to sculpt your own mini food creations! Practice a variety of techniques, and leave with deliciously detailed works of art.

Saturday, October 4 • 1–3 pm

Registration request form will open by September 23. See above for more information.

Peek-a-Boo Pumpkin (Ages 6 to 8)

Theresa Steele
Use a variety of materials like papers, paint, and paint sticks to create a black cat peeking out from inside a pumpkin!

Monster Faces (Ages 9 to 12)

David Modler
Get your printmaking on! Carve into foam and print your own spooky monster inspired by North Carolina Printmaker Bill Fick.

Saturday, November 1 • 1–3 pm • on the Road at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E Moser Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Registration request form will open by October 21. See above for more information.

Mixed Media Self-Portrait Exploration (Ages 6 to 8)

Elizabeth Hinton
Self-portraits can be so much fun! Using a variety of mediums, including pencil, oil pastels, watercolor paints, and more, artists will leave this workshop with their very own artwork featuring…themselves!

Splotch Monsters (Ages 9 to 12)

David Modler
Explore the Splotch Monster images of Virginia-based artist Steve Loya and take a nod from the century-old parlor games of the Surrealists to invent an array of characters. Processes will include collage, experimenting with watercolor, and embellishments in ink.

Saturday, December 6 • 1–3 pm

Registration request form will open by November 25. See above for more information.

Snow Day Dachshund (Ages 6 to 8)

Theresa Steele
Design a dachshund pup playing in the snow using paint techniques and paper collage!

Collaborative Drawing Games (Ages 9 to 12)

David Modler
Play a variety of collaborative drawing games with other students to create unpredictable works of art! The Surrealists en Masse and Lynda Barry will be some cultural exemplars discussed while we have fun in this camp focused on process, experimentation, and collaboration.