Let’s make something beautiful and functional! Engage in art-making activities with local artists, explore the galleries, and connect with others.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
10 A.M.–5 P.M.: Read & Relax space for families in the Lower Ground Floor. Unwind and re-center within this space with some fun family-friendly books.
10 A.M.–12:30 P.M.: Join Christina Bechstein from Love Lab Studio for collaborative art-making inspired by the power of nature.
11–11:45 A.M.: Walk around the +collection exhibition with educator Heather Livingstone for a kid-centered, interactive tour.
12:30–3 P.M.: Design and build model magic pottery with Teaching Artist Jose Gouveia.
1–3 P.M. Film: Head on down to the auditorium to watch the 1991 animated Disney film Beauty and the Beast.
Meet the Artists and Educators:
Christina Bechstein is the Lead Director of Love Lab Studio, a children’s art studio located in the West End of Portland. She has a background in textiles, sculpture and public art from studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art, Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture and Weimar Jena Akademie and has experience with collaborative leadership work as a facilitator, consultant and supporter of folks in the fields of creativity, teaching and service/public engagement.
José Gouveia is an artist and educator living in Portland, Maine. As of late, ceramic materials have been his medium of choice. The bulk of his work starts with the potter’s wheel and grows from there depending on what the work needs. His work starts from the small details in his day to day, childhood memories, and capturing moments in time through atmospheric firing. His love for clay has pushed him to extend his teaching to a broader audience. He works and teaches in and outside of Portland and has experience teaching all ages from early childhood to adults. He also runs a small business selling functional and decorative pottery both in person and online, but the face-to-face interaction with the Portland locals drives him to continue sharing my work.
Heather Livingstone is an artist and educator with 20 years experience teaching art in Maine public schools, most recently at Presumpscot Elementary in Portland. She has conducted research in the field, including an MFA study dealing with themes of gender, curriculum engagement, and student motivation, and has presented her work at the national level. Heather is passionate about making art education accessible for all students by making relevant connections to their lived experience, diverse backgrounds, and personal interests.