Artful Adventures
Artful Adventures offers specially designed programs for groups of kids and teens. Taught by trained Museum educators, these customizable, interactive, and age-appropriate programs last 90 minutes and include close looking at objects from the collection in the galleries paired with a guided art-making activity. Artful Adventures groups are welcome to stay at the MFA after their program on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Tour Options
Animals in Art
Search for animals in artwork from the Museum’s collection. Learn some of the hidden meanings and symbols behind each while discovering how artists have used a variety of mediums, textures, and colors to create each one. Then make a real or imaginary animal sculpture of your own using clay, wire, and mixed media!
Objects of Power
Discover some of the symbolism and meaning behind objects in the Museum’s collections that are believed to have helpful qualities such as special powers or protection. Then create your own embossed metal object such as a pendant, bracelet, or plaque that has a special meaning to you.
Painting
Big and small, abstract and realistic—the MFA is filled with many different types of paintings from around the world and across time! Take a closer look at examples from the Museum’s collection, focusing on one of three categories during your program: portraits, abstract paintings, or landscapes. Then create your own painting on canvas using some of the same tools and techniques.
Portraits
Learn about portrait and self-portrait paintings while thinking about how facial expressions, clothing, and background can communicate the life and personality of a person or group. Then make a portrait adding clues and details of your own!
Abstract Paintings
What is abstract art? Does it remind you of anything you’ve seen before? Take a close look at art from the Museum’s collections with these questions in mind. Then make your own abstract painting using paint and other materials in different sizes and shapes.
Landscapes and the Natural World
Artists have been painting landscapes of real and imaginary places with colorful skies and scenic views for centuries. Explore some of the different techniques used to capture the beauty of the world around us, then paint your own!
Sponsors
Supported by the Michael D. Dingman Fund, the Pamela D. Adams Fund for Artful Adventures, the Richard W. and Marjorie S. Dammann Fund, the Mrs. Charles H. Taylor Fund, the William O. and Sally Taylor Fund, the Rieka, Samuel and Renée Rapaporte Fund for Educational Outreach for Youth and Families, the Kennedy P. and Susan M. Richardson Endowment Fund for Learning and Community Engagement, and the Bramhall Fund.