By Kenzie Willaert, Integrated Marketing Intern

Explore the magic of fabric arts this summer in The Studio in the Target Gallery, the museum’s maker space on the 4th floor. The clay that’s been in the studio since December has been put away and replaced with fiber materials, fabric glue, buttons, ribbon, thread and needles and more.

In this new experience, visitors build confidence and collaborate with each other while participating in fabric-focused activities such as:

• Weaving – kids leave behind weaving projects that will be contributed to over time.
• Hand sewing – visitors create unique art pieces using embroidery hoops, needles and thread.
• Fabric stamping – participants use stamps and ink pads to make patterns on white muslin.

Visitors can also check out the Curiosity Cabinet, where they’ll discover and explore different types of textile fibers.

Looking for a STEM challenge? Just ask a staff member! Older kids have the opportunity to construct light-up sewn circuits using special conductive thread. Thanks to the generosity of The Donaldson Foundation for making this circuit experience possible.

Changes in The Studio reflect the museum’s commitment to creating fresh experiences in the new permanent exhibits that opened with the expanded museum in June 2017.

In The Studio, real tools are put in the hands of real kids. This gives them the opportunity to discover abilities and make constructive mistakes working with materials they come across on a daily basis.