Virtual Workshops with Snow City Arts

Explore our virtual workshops below! Each workshop package includes:

  • Instructional Video: An engaging instructional video in which a Snow City Arts teaching artist guides you step-by-step through an art-making workshop.

  • Instruction Guide: A comprehensive guide accompanying the workshop that includes learning objectives, materials, resources, methods for differentiated instruction, and alignments to Common Core and Illinois Arts Learning Standards. 

  • Audio Transcript: A transcript of the audio. Note that each video also contains English and Spanish subtitles.

JOY HARJO PRAISE POEM

Learn how to write a praise poem inspired by the work of poet Joy Harjo of the Muscogee (Creek) Tribe and by the praise poetry of Western Africa.

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EXQUISITE CORPSE

Learn a drawing game inspired by the Surrealist art movement, and explore artworks created by Tarsila do Amaral, Kendario La’Pierre, Frida Kahlo and Remedios Varo.

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LEARN A SING-A-LONG SONG

Learn how to create rhythmic patterns and sing a call-and-response song using your voice, body, or an instrument. You will also learn the history of Funga Alafia and be introduced to artists Pearl Primus and LaRocque Bey.

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MINIMORPHS (ABSTRACT ANIMATIONS)

Learn how to navigate the online app Brush Ninja to create abstract animations. You will digitally illustrate simple shapes and learn to animate using shape, color, scale, and texture.

 

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COLLAGE BASICS

Explore the medium of collage while learning paper-tearing and composition techniques. You will also be introduced to artists Mickalene Thomas, Deborah Roberts, Hannah Höch, and Jaune Quick-To-See Smith.

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CREATURE CREATIONS

Learn how to use the SculptGL application to create an original creature sculpture. You will also think about how your creature’s aesthetic features relate to its environment.

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DRUMBIT

Learn how to use Drumbit, a browser-based virtual drum machine, to create your own rhythm. You will also be introduced to Ikutaro Kakehashi’s TR-808 drum machine and its influence on pop & hip hop music.

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ERASURE POETRY (ANALOG)

Learn about erasure poetry and the different techniques that can be used to create an erasure poem. You will also learn about poets who use these techniques in their art, and will draw inspiration from them to create your own erasure poetry.

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ERASURE POETRY (DIGITAL)

Learn about erasure poetry and the different techniques that can be used to create an erasure poem. You will also learn about poets who use these techniques in their art, and will draw inspiration from them to create your own erasure poetry in a digital format.

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IF I WERE A BIRD…

Learn how to sculpt a 3D clay bird with paper wings that incorporates global flags. You will also learn about bird migration and female aviators Bessie Coleman and Amelia Earhart.

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INTRODUCTION TO ARTIST PENCILS

Learn how to use various artists’ pencils, and how different pencils are used for mark-making. You will also be introduced to artist Armando Veve.

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INTRODUCTION TO THE UKULELE

Learn the parts of the ukulele and how to play a C chord, as well as the significance of the instrument in Hawaiian culture. You will also be introduced to the musical compositions of Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last queen of Hawaii.

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LEGO® TRIPOD FOUNDATIONS

Learn how to make a camera tripod using LEGO®. You will also be introduced to the photographer Nikki S. Lee.

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MY FAVORITE COLOR IN FIVE SENSES

Learn how to compose a short poem inspired by your favorite color and five senses using similes and synesthesia. You will also be introduced to artist Nick Cave and poet Arthur Rimbaud.

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MY FEELING IS AN ANIMAL

Learn how to use metaphor, stanzas, and line breaks to create an original poem inspired by colorful, emotional animals. You will also learn how cultural differences shape the way humans demonstrate emotion.

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THAUMATROPES (SIMPLE ANIMATION MACHINES)

Learn the history and processes behind animation and pre-film animation machines and how animation works alongside its concepts, such as persistence of vision. You will then construct a thaumatrope.

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One-on-One Remote Instruction For Children & Youth Ages 5-24

Snow City Arts’ Teaching Artists are available for personalized one-on-one remote workshops! If you are interested in participating in a remote workshop, please email programs@snowcityarts.org.

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