Class Description:
Join the Butterfly Pavilion and the Denver Art Museum for a two-part artistic adventure! In part one, students will learn to draw butterflies by exploring their representation in artworks from the Denver Art Museum’s collections, while also discovering the fascinating anatomy of butterflies through the presentation of preserved specimens. In part two, students will be given a guided tour and immersed in the Butterfly Pavilion’s lush conservatory, surrounded by thousands of free-flying butterflies. They will continue to refine their drawing practice in this natural setting with the opportunity to nature journal and draw from live or preserved specimens. This two-part Workshop is perfect for artists and nature enthusiasts alike and does not require any prior technical knowledge.
What to Expect:
Students can expect to engage with butterfly specimens, both living and preserved, and examples of artistically represented butterflies in the collections of the Denver Art Museum. Instruction will cover both the art of illustrating butterflies and the science of their anatomy and coloration. Through the connection of art, science, and nature, students will develop skills in drawing the shapes, patterns, values, and colors of butterflies. They will gain a deeper understanding of nature and butterflies through the exploration of the Butterfly Pavilion and the Denver Art Museum’s collections.
Class Cancellation Policy:
If a class or workshop is cancelled due to inclement weather or teacher illness, a “make-up” day will be scheduled on a FRIDAY or SATURDAY as the educator’s schedule allows.
Materials:
All materials will be provided. Students are welcome to bring their own sketch books and preferred drawing materials, but it is not necessary.
Educators:
Anna Kaye was born in Detroit, Michigan and now lives in Denver where she works in her studio creating drawings, paintings, videos, and sculptures that are inspired by the natural world. Witnessing the urban decay from de-industrialization as a child enhanced her sense of empathy, compassion, love for diversity and justice, and reverence for the natural world. She earned her B.S. in geology and fine art at Skidmore College, NY. She continued her education at Yale in painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography. She earned her M.F.A. at Washington University in St. Louis where she was awarded the Laura and William Jens Scholarship and a teaching on record position. Anna Kaye’s artwork is a part of international, private, public, corporate, and museum collections. Kaye donates a percentage of all sales annually to environmental funds. She curates large-scale exhibitions that promote social action and connectivity. She currently teaches at the Denver Art Museum and Denver Botanic Gardens.
https://www.annakayeart.com/
Megan Schulz is the Adult Programs Coordinator at Butterfly Pavilion, where she develops engaging programs that connect adults with the natural world. With a background in environmental education, Megan has expanded the Pavilion’s offerings to include diverse workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities centered around invertebrates. She is passionate about building inclusive, interactive learning experiences. In her free time, Megan enjoys nature photography, reading, and spending time with her pets.
https://www.instagram.com/nature_by_megan6/?hl=en#
Additional Notes:
Please be aware that the May 17th class session will take place at the Denver Art Museum and the May 24th class session will take place at the Butterfly Pavilion. General admission on the day of the workshop is included in your registration fee.
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