Look at art, express yourself, and make new friends!
Middle School Makers is a free art program at the Wellin Museum of Art for middle school students. Each session will introduce an original work of art and related studio art project that challenges participants to engage in artistic problem-solving and imagination. Participants will be encouraged to work collaboratively, reflect on challenges, and contribute to a supportive art environment.
Middle School Makers programs are led by Wellin Museum docents in collaboration with the education staff.
Program Dates and Topics
All sessions take place at the Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College, located at 206 College Hill Rd., Clinton, NY 13323.
Middle School Makers Artmaking Intensive: February 18–20, 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | Kool-Aid Colors
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | Mask Making Day 1
Friday, February 20, 2026 | Mask Making Day 2
The Middle School Makers: Artmaking Intensive is a free three-session program from February 18–20 at the Wellin Museum of Art for students in 6th – 8th grades. During these sessions, students will be encouraged to explore unconventional materials through experimentation. On Wednesday, February 18, students will learn about the bold paintings of Akili Ron Anderson in the exhibition EXODUS. Inspired by Anderson’s involvement with the art movement AfriCOBRA and its “Kool-Aid colors,” students will take on a literal interpretation of the concept and trial watercolor designs with the famous beverage.
On Thursday, February 19, students will look at multicultural masks from different time periods in the Wellin's collection, including Yashua Klos’s contemporary Mbolo Ancestor Portrait Welding Mask and the 19th-century Death Mask of Napoleon by Dr. Francesco Antommarchi. Participants will then have the opportunity to construct their own three-dimensional masks using unconventional and recycled materials. For the final session on Friday, students will dedicate their time to decorating the masks.
Middle School Makers April Afternoons: Thursdays, 2:45 - 4:15 pm
April 2, 2026 | Printed Perfection
During this session, students will learn about the process of printmaking and take a close look at various prints from the Wellin’s collection. Students will then carve their own original design onto a rubber block and make prints to share with their peers.
April 9, 2026 | Porcelain Plate Palooza
During this session, students will take a closer look at Dessert Plates (Set of Six) by Flora Winegar Brigham and learn about the historical importance of art made within the home. Students will then have the chance to express their own inspired designs for decorative plates.
April 16, 2026 | Beaded Tapestries
During this session, students will learn to make images using pixelation to be transformed into a beaded tapestry inspired by King David of Harlem by Felandus Thames, on view in the EXODUS exhibition.
Registration
Participants must pre-register for each session. Space is limited. Parents/guardians must also fill out a permission form in advance of the first session that the participant plans to attend. Permission forms will be emailed to the parent/guardian after their child's online registration is received. Permission forms can be returned to the museum via email or in person.
Register online using this link.
Cancellation
If a participant needs to cancel their registration for a particular date, please email mlhurley@hamilton.edu.
