We’re open today from 11 AM - 7 PM
MCASD La Jolla, Prebys Education Center
10AM – 12:30PM
Full Series (8 days): $200 for Members / $250 for General
The four elements inspire. Which element makes you want to create, and in what place are you most creative?
Reflections is an art-making workshop series designed to serve adults 55 and older. In this new 8-week art series, explore how the four elements–earth, air, fire, and water–are present in and influence contemporary art.
Drawing inspiration from Land and Sea: Selections from the Collection, as well as other artworks from our permanent collection, consider how the four elements connect to themes present in artists' work and reflect on how the elements influence artistic expression.
Then, create art inspired by the elements and reflect on how place influences what we create and how we create it.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced, these workshops offer a fun and supportive space to explore new creative possibilities! Each workshop will include an investigation of contemporary art-making techniques and materials. No prior art experience is required. Registration gives participants access to the full series (eight workshops).
Session dates in this series are:
10AM: Gallery Discussion
The conversations around the artworks in MCASD’s collection will offer stimulating input and prompts for participants as they think about creating their own artworks.
10:30AM: Coffee and Mingle
Refreshments and time for social interaction will take place in Museum venues that take full advantage of the beautiful oceanside location and views.
11AM: Art-Making Activity
The hands-on workshop will provide a forum for self-expression and developing new interpersonal connections.
May 23 & May 30: Fire
During this session, join us as we explore the transforming qualities of fire. Drawing inspiration from Ernest R. Silva’s Burning Trees (1983), and Perry Vasquez’s Hello Mr. Soul (Palm Tree Series, #2) (2016), participants will learn about the characteristics of charcoal and its connection to fire while exploring drawing techniques with the medium. They will experiment with the intersection of sculpture and drawing as they transform their drawings into three-dimensional shadowboxes that reflect on the energy and change that fire brings.
June 6 & June 13: Water
In this session, we dive into water and reflect on depth, fluidity, and contemplation. Exploring Andrea Chung’s Filthy water cannot be washed (2016-2017), Margaret Noble’s Horizon (2024), and Diedrick Brackens’ ark (indigo) (2021) participants will experiment with cyanotypes using light to create prints. They will create colorful papers in dye baths, which will be woven together as they make wall hangings inspired by our connections to water.
June 20 & June 27: Air
For this session, we examine different interpretations of the theme of air, from a bird’s flight to space travel. Drawing inspiration from Gail Werner’s Passage (2006), Robert Rauschenberg’s Sky Garden from Stoned Moon Series (1969), and Bryan Hunt’s Sea of Nectar (2013), participants will create one–of – a kind monoprints. Using watercolors to create intriguing backgrounds and layering, participants will learn and experiment with monoprint techniques while reflecting on the nature of air and flight.
July 11 & July 18: Earth
In our final session, we turn our attention to the element of Earth and the many ways artists represent it through systems and data. We will explore Maya Lin’s Around the World (2013), and Jennifer Bartlett’s Continental Drift (1974). We’ll also consider Joyce Kozloff’s map-based works, where cartography is layered with childhood drawings and personal narrative. Inspired by these approaches, participants will use maps as a foundation to design multimedia artworks that reflect their own interpretations of Earth through invented systems.
Reflections is generously supported by the C.J. & Dot Stafford Memorial Trust, E. A. Michelson Philanthropy, and The Tippett Foundation.