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, April 6 (Offsite: Brunswick Branch Library, 915 North Maple Ave, Brunswick, MD)

To request registration for the April workshops at Brunswick Library, fill out the form that will appear below on Tuesday, March 26, at noon.

Fiber Fundamentals: No Sew Superhero Capes (Ages 6-8) 1:00-2:30pm

Jessica Halpin

This fun and frustration-free workshop is designed to help children build basic skills in fiber art and sewing. Learn to use a template to measure out and mark a pattern, cut along the markings, and weave in a ribbon to tie your cape. From there, draw and cut basic shapes to decorate it to learn the basic principles of appliqué. Finally, sew on a button, if desired.

Fiber Fundamentals: Embroidered Magnets (Ages 9-12) 3:00-4:30pm

Jessica Halpin

You will learn one the most basic embroidery stitches, the backstitch, to create imagery or colorful patterns onto precut aida shapes. These will be finished with a felt backing and magnets to create a piece of functional art.

 

Saturday, May 4 • 1–3 pm 

To request registration for the May workshops, fill out the form that will appear below on Tuesday, April 23, at noon.

Van Gogh Sunflowers and Vase (Ages 6-8)

Terri Steele

Use warm and cool colors to create a compelling artwork of vivid sunflowers in a patterned vase, using oil pastels, paints and papers!

Air-Dry Clay Critters (Ages 9-12)

Elizabeth Jenkins

Learn to make adorable animals using air-dry model magic clay! We will use a variety of clay techniques to add texture and details, as well as exploring different clay tools and processes.

 

Saturday, June 1 • 1–3 pm 

To request registration for the June workshops, fill out the form that will appear below on Tuesday, May 21, at noon.

Patchwork Placemats (Ages 6-8)

Jessica Halpin

Create a personal placemat using vintage hand crank sewing machines! This functional project will introduce you to a technique called “quilt as you go” and demonstrate a pillow case finish for a quilt. No sewing experience is required!

Watercolor Mixed Media Explorations (Ages 9-12)

David Modler

Explore a realm of image making possibilities while experimenting with a wide variety of watercolor painting techniques and collage processes.