Program Calendar

Having been at the forefront of U.S. – Irish relations for almost 3 decades, Congressman Richard E. Neal brings a unique perspective to the events of April 1916, including a great deal of historical knowledge about Springfield’s Irish population during this time period. The talk is free and open to the public. Related Exhibit Easter…

Register by April 11 This introductory course is designed to offer beginners the skills needed to explore personal expression in both drawing and painting. Students will practice basic skills in perspective, composition, color theory and step-by-step techniques in either acrylic or oil paint. Supply list will be provided. Instructor: Doug Gillette Six classes - April…

Register by April 26 Instruction will include how to create three dimensional effects, balance and unify painting composition, strengthen brush handling and color mixing skills. Subject matter includes still life, drapery, flowers and landscape. Supply list will be provided. Instructor: Doug Gillette Six classes - April 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Register Now

Register by April 26 Study the basic principles of human anatomy using a variety of traditional drawing techniques. Complete drawings with volume, depth and realistic anatomical proportions and a creative point of view of the figure. We will work primarily from casts and classical life-sized statues. Supply list will be provided. Instructor: Donald Smith Five…

Register by April 13 Become acquainted with a variety of oil painting materials as you explore basic color theory and the effects of light. Working from direct observation, examine different approaches to painting and learn to develop a personal response to subject matter while gaining confidence with the brush and palette knife. This class provides…

Register by April 13 Both the novice and serious writer will find a comfortable spot in this group. Participants work with memoir, personal essay, poetry, short stories, novels, or just a creative exploration with words. We’ll write in response to prompts and have the option of sharing with others. Lots of writing, guaranteed! Coffee and…

Register by April 27 Would you like some meaningful and constructive feedback on your writing so you can send it out for publication? This manuscript critiquing workshop welcomes all levels of writers. A professional writing coach and editor, Jan Sadler will guide the group in a streamlined process for feedback. Bring a copy of your…

Register by April 13 All the fundamentals of oil painting will be covered--from canvas preparation to composition, color mixing and paint application. Supply list will be provided. Instructor: Maureen Cotti Six classes - April 13, 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25Register Now

Register by April 14 For those who have taken basic drawing classes or have some experience and want to learn new ideas and work on more involved exercises. Instructor: Brian Kiernan Seven classes - April 14, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2 Register Now

Register by April 14 Learn to draw from observation and translate the 3D to the 2D. Explore and challenge the way we see to further our visual awareness. Using the formal elements of line, shape, texture, composition and value, we will experience and discuss the process of building a drawing. A diversity of art historical…

Register by April 14 Explore the challenges and opportunities of rendering the world around us in pencil and other drawing media. We’ll tackle subjects including trees and foliage, water and reflections, windows, doors and other architectural details and some atmospheric effects like fog and clouds. Some drawing experience is recommended. Supply list will be provided.…

Following the Museums a la Carte lecture with Elizabeth Thwing, join docents Dennis and Nancy Swartwout for further discussion in the emu exhibit in the Science Museum. Museum members only.

Explore all the tools and materials, skills and painting approaches in watercolor without the investment. The pace and scope of the class will be adjusted depending on the skill level of participants. Experience painting techniques such as graded washes, wet-in-wet, drybrush, spatter, scraping, masking, etc. Composition, draftsmanship and color theory will also be discussed. Bring…

We're headed to the Rhone Valley, Provence and the Riveria! Learn about about the trip to France planned for October 2016. Experience first-hand the azure skies, fragrant fields, and windswept landscapes that inspired artists like Cézanne and Van Gogh. Enjoy cultural treasures, food and wines of Lyon, Avignon, Arles and Aix-en-Provence. In Nice, visit Saint…

Join the Science Museum’s 25th annual clean-up of Springfield parks and public spaces, in cooperation with Keep Springfield Beautiful and the Great American Cleanup. For information or to volunteer, call 413.263.6800, ext. 404.

Discover the living museum of plants under glass and surrounding Lyman Plant House at Smith College. Indoors you will be treated to a tour of the various rooms displaying desert subtropical and tropical plants including many orchids in bloom at this time of year. Outdoors you will learn about the new flowering plant collection (revised…

Explore the depths of your individual artistry and uncover your creative signature in a fast, fun, playful, nurturing and supportive environment where there are no mistakes. Using non-traditional and innovative approaches, experimentations and “art games,” discover the magic of mark making, connect with your intuitive individuality and ignite your imagination. Supply list will be provided.…

A versatile medium for beginners, pastels emit an intensity of color unchallenged by any other medium. Students will be guided from start to finish, establishing proportion and shape, then volume and surface through color and value. For all levels. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Supply list provided. Instructor: Jeff KernRegister Now

Can you identify the major classes of rock? Learn the specific types and formation of fossils, and how to organize them in your own collection. We will use the Science Museum's hands-on resources, make replicas of fossils and rocks, and learn how they were formed. Instructor: Kevin Kopchynski Ages: 8-11Register Now

Free and open to the public! Dave Robison has been working on his own family genealogy since 1969, and is now working full-time as a genealogist. He also teaches genealogy classes at the Museum School. This introductory overview will cover the basics of how to conduct genealogical research, become a genealogy detective, explore genealogy websites…