The Blanden Memorial Art Museum is continuing art opportunities for families on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. Classes were developed to give families a chance to create something unique together in their own private art class.

“This class is like your own personal art bubble space. Each family is signed up for a time that works for them and we supply the fun. During the session, they are the only ones creating in the Art Education room per COVID restrictions. Masks will be worn at all times, but creativity will not be,” said Eric Anderson, director of the Blanden, “Each family member gets an ornament to paint glaze on Dec. 5 and 12. We will then take the painted ornaments and fire them in the kiln for a finished look that they can pick up later before Christmas.”

Previous classes were virtual art classes that were created and produced by the Blanden staff. So far, they have been quite successful from young artists participating at home to a group of Girl Scouts wanting to do the activity together but virtually. Some of the classes have leftover kits that parents have come to purchase after the event. The classes are stored on Facebook, www.blanden.org and YouTube.

This family art activity is inspired by Betty Woodman’s ceramic pieces, currently on display in the Blanden’s West Gallery as part of the Creating Unity exhibition.

Each registered participant will sign up at the Blanden or online at www.blanden.org. At each session the family members will receive a bag with materials to create the project and instructions on how to glaze their ornament. On the day of the class, they will be assisted by Blanden staff members in regards to how they can paint with the glaze colors as well as some tips/techniques too. This creates a great memory for each family who participates in a safe, clean environment during their session.