April Free First Saturday Features Drawing Portraits, Collage Making, and In-Gallery Workshop
Free First Saturday: Portrait Party
Saturday, April 6, 10am–3pm
Walker Art Center
Have you ever painted a picture of yourself, a pet, or a friend? This month, learn about portraits by Alice Neel and Kehinde Wiley in the exhibition Five Ways In, then meet local artist Leslie Barlow, who will teach you the tricks of the trade.
Free First Saturdays feature free gallery admission on the first Saturday of every month, plus performances, games, art-making, and kids’ films from 10 am to 3 pm. Family friendly food options are available or bring something from home to snack on in the museum’s public spaces.
Schedule
Art-Making Activity: Picture Hunt
10 am–3 pm
You’re on a mission to recreate a portrait from Five Ways In in this collaborative project. Teaching artist Galen Fletcher will send you into the galleries with a goal: take a picture of an ear, a nose, a hand, any part you like. Then come back, print out your photograph, and add it to the giant, visitor-created collage.
Art-Making Activity: Portrait Party
10 am–3 pm
Artist and educator Leslie Barlow knows a thing or two about portraiture—and she’s here to show you her best techniques. Join us for a portrait party!
In-Gallery Workshop
10 am–3 pm
Spend time in the Walker’s new show Five Ways In. Freelance educators will be on hand to chat with you about your favorite artwork.
Participating Artists:
Leslie Barlow is a Minneapolis-based visual artist who has exhibited locally and nationally. Recently she has presented solo exhibitions at Public Functionary in Minneapolis and the Catherine G. Murphy Gallery at St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul. In addition to her studio practice, she also teaches at the University of Minnesota, Metro State University, and Juxtaposition Arts, serves on Made Here’s artist advisory panel, and helps run the newly founded organization MidWest Mixed. She has a BFA in studio art (University of Wisconsin-Stout, 2011) and a MFA in drawing and painting (MCAD, 2016).
Galen Fletcher is a Minneapolis-based documentary and freelance photographer. He has self-published two books and has worked with clients such as the New York Times, Olson Ad Agency, and the Walker Art Center
Sensory Friendly Sunday
Sunday, April 14, 8am–11am
Walker Art Center, Free
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment with accommodations such as quiet spaces, noise-canceling headphones, and sunglasses available. Experience the Walker’s exhibitions, participate in a new art-making activity, or watch a short film.
While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage you to reserve your space ahead of time. Registration is available below.
To prepare for your visit, check out the Social Narrative. For more information, email access@walkerart.org or call 612-375-7610. This program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program.
New! Family Drop-In Programs
Saturday, April 20, 11am
Walker Art Center, free with gallery admission
Do you ever feel like a month in between Free First Saturdays is just too long? Well, we have good news: on the third Saturday of every month, join us for drop-in activities in the galleries for children ages 5 and up. No need to register; included with gallery admission