Spring Exhibition Workshops at Selby Gardens

If you’re enjoying this year’s Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith: Flowers, Poetry, and Light, you may also appreciate one of our upcoming workshops that complement the show. These classes have been curated specifically to help participants dive deeper into the themes of the exhibition.

Tripod Tuesdays

Special early-hours access to Selby Gardens’ Tropical Conservatory during the spring exhibition! A unique opportunity for photographers to use tripods to capture images of rare orchids and other endangered tropical plants. Open to all ages/skill levels. Early registration recommended as space fills up fast. Drop-ins are encouraged, but limited to first-come, first-served. $20 drop-in fee.

The Abstract Art of Album Covers

Learn contemporary abstraction from the music that moved you! Bring a favorite album and be guided through the process of creating an original abstract painting with the themes, shapes, and concepts of your favorite music. In-depth discussion of contemporary abstraction and the significance of the music/art connection in history. Open to all ages/skill levels. All supplies included (excluding album).

The Abstract Art of Robert Mapplethorpe

Take inspiration from Mapplethorpe’s floral photography to create abstract botanical art using papers hand-dyed with natural materials, learn linework techniques, mixed-media paintings and designs. Other art materials will be employed to create a three-dimensional texture to enhance these dynamic expressions of still-life florals. Open to all ages/skill levels. All supplies included.

Introduction to Still Life Photography

A behind-the-scenes look at Selby Gardens’ Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition! Explore the works of this still life master to learn compositional and technical skills. Focus on creating compelling still life photographs using any camera, lighting, and subject(s), while highlighting key components of subject, light, and color. Students may use any photographic equipment they choose. Open to all ages/skill levels.

Robert Mapplethorpe’s Light-Activated Art

For artists, chemists, fashionistas, and plant lovers – this workshop invites guests to imagine what photosynthesis would look like as an image source instead of an energy source. Using specialty dyes and photo-activated chemicals, we will make t-shirts printed with negative imagery and fueled by the power of the sun. Open to all ages/skill levels. All supplies included. Great for kids!

Abstract Photography and Creative Techniques

Learn to think outside the box to fine-tune your photography skills! Abstract photographers reject the notion that compelling photography must be something recognizable or literal. Instead, they focus on color, shape, and texture. This class will explore powerful techniques and subjects using Selby Gardens as a backdrop, following an entertaining lecture. Open to all ages/skill levels.

Patti Smith’s Sheet Music as Art

This music-inspired collage class combines the use of lyrical sheet music and three-dimensional texturing as a basis for mixed-media art. Explore paints, mark-making tools, creative collage, acrylics, watercolors, and more while learning the basics of design and composition. Open to all ages/skill levels. All supplies included.

Patti Smith’s Poetic Painting

Patti Smith’s poetry is commanding, connected to history and her audience. Connect moments in art history where the presence of language allowed artists to further explore their medium and connect with their audience directly. Generate and use creative writing as the basis for painting, compose artwork in conjunction with writing, and dive into color/language relationships. All ages/skill levels.