Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

We're thrilled to offer an 8-week format of Reflections this Fall!

Join us for a series inspired by MCASD's permanent collection and our new exhibition, Visiones Nocturnas: Queer Nightlife in Contemporary Art! In these 8 weeks of artmaking, we will consider identity, community, and changing landscapes over time. 

Using pen and ink, create mixed-media projects that examine the changing landscapes that have shaped our own identities and communities. We will also use tracing, drawing techniques, and other media to create 3-4 compositions.

Reflections is an art-making workshop series designed to serve adults 55 and older. 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:

• Friday, September 4
• Friday, September 11
• Friday, September 18
• Friday, October 2
• Friday, October 9
• Friday, October 16
• Friday, October 23
• Friday, October 30

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.

Weeks 1 – 3: September 4, 11, 18

We will tour and discuss Sergio Miguel’s Maria Jose (2025) and Ester Hernandez’s La Ofrenda (1988). Taking inspiration from these artworks, draw or trace in pencil something that represents your identity (this could be symbols, an animal, or a tattoo design). Using a nib pen, we will practice pen control, working towards making strokes consistent.  

In the second week, continue to work on your drawing and begin to add ink.

In the third week, complete your ink composition. As you improve and practice your nib pen control, we will also be working on the value scale.   

Weeks 4 – 6: October 2, 9, 16

We will tour and discuss Juan Arango Palacios’ Selfie Amontonado (2024) and Joey Terrill’s Jef, Victor, Luis, & George (1992-1993). Taking inspiration from these artworks, draw or trace a place that is important to your community (this could be someplace like a park, a community center, or a beach). We will work on value shading as we continue improving our nib pen control. 

The following week, we will begin to add ink to the drawing and practice pen control, working on the basic strokes with a Micron pen. Optional: begin your collage composition.  

Finally, complete your ink composition and work on the value scale with a Micron pen.  

Week 7: October 23

We will tour and discuss Teresa Margolles’ Nancy, Pista de baile del club 'Arthur's' [Nancy, dance floor from the club 'Arthur's'] (2016) and Andres Payan Estrada’s Visiones Nocturnas (El Viajero) (2024). Bring a picture of a building that has changed in your lifetime. Trace or draw it. Then, modify it to how you remember it or modify it to how you think it will look in the future. We will continue using a Micron pen while working on value shading.   

Week 8: October 30

Finish all projects. If you have already finished them, draw or trace an imagined landscape with ten different textures. If time permits, we will have a brief discussion about the completed work.