Art Connects Us

Create a fluffy creature as a pet, worry monster, or fuzzy pal using simple hand sewing techniques.

Fluffy, furry creatures encourage comforting cuddles. In this hands-on workshop, learn to hand sew a simple stuffed animal that some may call a "Furbel," a "Worry Pet," or a "Tribble" for classic Star Trek fans. These fuzzy friends can become your students' companions. Create your own new pal from synthetic fur, craft felt, fiberfill, and embellishments. Then take your sample and some extra materials back to your classroom or studio. Teaching materials and connections to state and national standards will be shared along with student rubrics and optional lesson extensions. This fur-flying workshop is sew much fun!

How do we get students of all ages excited about abstraction while learning about composition, movement, and color? Is there a way to encourage artists with 'fail-free' layered projects in your classroom, community center, or museum education department? Come experience the layers and colors of an OMA project while creating a layered, non-objective work of art!

Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program designed for people living with dementia. It was developed at Scripps Gerontology Center, an Ohio Center of Excellence at Miami University, in 2007.

Siobhan McDonald received her OMA Facilitator Certification in 2022 and has implemented the program with great success in Swampscott, MA

Come and explore how to introduce coding to your students. Discover how coding enhances creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative learning. Learn to unlock the potential of coding as a tool for innovation and expression in the k-6 art room.