Family Programs

The museum galleries have re-opened, and in-person events have resumed although with safety adaptations such as limited group sizes and required masks. Virtual programs are also being offered.

The Albany Institute is a place where people of all ages can learn and have fun. Our family programs provide enriching educational experiences about art and history in an atmosphere that is diverse, compelling, and entertaining. From weekend programs to family festivals, from school-vacation art programs to pre-school programming, the Albany Institute offers a wide variety of activities that will appeal to your family.

For programs that require a fee, payment is required at the time of registration.

For more information, or to register for a program, please contact our Education Coordinator, Mallory Schultz at 518-463-4478, ext. 404, or schultzm@albanyinstitute.org. 

Sign up to join our family program email list to hear more about our children's programming: Family Program Email Sign Up

Artful Mornings 2022 Summer Art Program

Summer Art Programs for Ages 6-12

Looking to be creative this summer? Sign up for some fun, hands-on activities led by our art instructors and learn new things, experiment with new ideas, connect with new people, and make beautiful works of art. Summer class techniques will include drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage as we explore topics like nature, Ancient Egypt, storytelling, and more. Topics are divided by week and the three-day-long sessions are offered Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Projects are inspired by the museum's exhibitions and permanent collections.

Tuesdays—Thursdays from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Sessions start July 12, 2022

Cost per three-day session: Tuition includes materials, instruction, and museum admission.  More questions? email clowes@albanyinstitute.org.

  • $80 non-members (Become a member and save! Visit our membership page by clicking here: Membership)
  • $65 members (use Promo Code Member22 to receive your member discount)

Artful Mornings Summer Program sessions will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:00 AM —12:00 PM and will take place in the museum's large multi-purpose room to allow for ample space to spread out, and be creative. 

Registration for each session will be closed at 4:00 the day before the program for administrative purposes.

Weekly Sessions:

Maps! July 12-14

Come along with us as we navigate our sense of place in the world through the exploration of maps! Pairing with the exhibition, "Mapping Our World - You Are Here" we will blend historic and scientific modes of wayfinding and mapmaking with contemporary artmaking. Prepare to consider how we map our world with a wide variety of materials!

 

Looking Closely: Drawing Your World July 19 – 21

Throughout history, artists have looked closely and documented the world around them! In this class, we will explore the different drawing techniques used by the artists of the Hudson River School. The program will include time spent drawing “en plein air” (outdoors) and creating nature-inspired art, all while putting time-held drawing techniques into practice!

 

Super Storytellers! July 26-28

Join us as we explore stories from two of our favorite children’s authors, Jan Brett and Liz Zunon! We’ll dive into the colorful, animal-filled stories featured in our exhibition of Jan Brett’s books and get inspired by Liz Zunon’s bright collage work. Each day will feature a new story and connected art project.

 

Stamp! Blot! Print! Aug 2- 4 

Stamp, press, blot, and print as you discover the world of printmaking with us this summer!  Participants will have the opportunity to explore a variety of printmaking techniques.  We’ll create our own relief printing plates that will be used to create multiple editions of prints, and print with found objects, and monotypes as we put our own impression on things!

 

Book it! Aug 9- 11

Explore the field of book art as you create our own art book.  We’ll draw inspiration from the illustrations on view in the exhibition of the work of Jan Brett and produce our own masterwork of an art portfolio book.  Young artists will use drawing, paint, and mixed media materials throughout this class.

 

Reimagined! Altered and Transferred Images Aug 16-Aug 18

Join us to use image transfer techniques to complete projects like decorating ceramics, textiles such as t-shirts, and collage/multi-media pieces.  We’ll draw our inspiration from artist Paul Scott who uses traditional ceramic patterning in his work while adding unusual contemporary images to classic blue and white china ware.

 

Ancient Egyptian Inspirations Aug 23-Aug 25

Discover the beauty of ancient Egyptian art and culture! This class will tour our ancient Egypt galleries and have a blast in the studio creating art inspired by what we’ve learned.  We’ll discover exciting myths and create our own versions of artifacts such as amulets.

F.A.Q.s

  • The doors to the museum will open approximately 10 minutes before the program's start time.

  • At this time we are still requiring face coverings to be worn for indoor group programming.
  • All required materials are included with the registration fee.
  • Please dress for mess!  Smocks/aprons are available, and you're welcome to provide your own if desired.
  • A snack break will be offered (outdoors when the weather is amenable).

REGISTRATION DEADLINES

  • If at least 3 registrations have not been received 2 weeks beforehand a session will be canceled.
  • Registration for each session will be closed the day before the program for administrative purposes.