Second Street Gallery has been hosting a monthly Family Studio Day since December 2021 and each Family Studio Day invites the community to get inspired by our current exhibitions through some creative prompts.

Some past examples of family-friendly activities / prompts include:

• September 2023: Inspired by the current Teeny Tiny Trifecta 6 exhibition, guests created their own small-scale masterpieces.  Exhibiting artists were on hand to share their techniques and offer tips. September’s Family Studio Day was generously sponsored by Journey Group.

• October 2023: Along with Charlottesville-based artist Heather Owens, guests decorated pre-formed masks using fiber elements and a host of other embellishments. Just in time for costume season! October’s Family Studio Day was generously sponsored by Charlottesville Skin and Laser.

• November 2023: We drew upon exhibiting artist Mike Egan’s appreciation for stained glass to make our own colorful “windows” of tissue paper and tape.  Richmond artist and former teacher Ginny Krueger worked with guests to complete these simple yet cheerful sun catchers. A special round of thanks to Martin Horn, Inc. for sponsoring November’s Family Studio Day!

• December 2023: We played with a combination of seasonal stamps and mixed media materials to personalize holiday cards and gift packaging.  Artist Andrew Sherogan joined us for this decorating extravaganza, imparting creative techniques and good cheer. Special thanks to Daniel and Rosemary Chiacchia for sponsoring December’s Family Studio Day.

• January 2024: As a nod to exhibiting artist Akemi Ohira’s prints, guests arranged the colorful shapes and forms of fruits, vegetables, animals and flowers to fashion imaginative portraits. Artist Michelle Gagliano was present and shared a wonderful example for inspiration that helped guests tap into this unique approach. We are grateful to Harrison and Benjamin for sponsoring January’s Family Studio Day!

• February 2024: The Indigenous Art Takeover edition was coordinated in partnership with the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia. Laura Josephine Snyder (SSG exhibiting artist and Kluge-Ruhe staff) explained the traditions of using earth-based materials, like bark and ochre, as well as the presence of native flora and fauna that appear in Yolngu art.  A central focus was also the aboriginal Australian flag, which participants got to replicate while also learning what it represents.

• April 2024: Taking inspiration from the vibrant shades of blue seen in Jac Lahav’s exhibition, we played with line and color. Charlottesville-based artist Roberto Kamide brought examples and showed guests how to “doodle” intersecting lines and add color to discover unique patterns and blue-infused block designs.

• May 2024: We celebrated the season and our current exhibitions by crafting paper gardens and colorful imaginary spaces. Artist Susan Northington was in the gallery to offer tips and demonstrate how to fold and manipulate paper into the desired form.

• June 2024: With a wide array of materials and techniques to choose from, visitors explored the endless possibilities of collage! Special appreciation goes out to Cassie Guy and Andrew Sherogan (@asheroganart) for pulling double duty as exhibiting artists and guest hosts for the event!

• September 2024: Our first Family Studio Day of the season focused on the seventh annual Teeny Tiny Trifecta 7 exhibition on view. Not only could guests make their own mini masterpieces, but they were able to take home a coloring book featuring artwork from 12 of the exhibiting artists. Big thanks to other exhibiting artists Hannah Diomataris, Zofie King, Some Louis, and Chris Haske for being present and introducing everyone to some new techniques as well!