Studio Programs

The Dream Studio, open during regular museum hours on level 1 of the Hamilton Building, invites visitors to delve into ways artists engage their imaginations to breathe life into their dreams, birth new creations, envision futures, and conjure fantastic worlds.

One of an artist’s most admired skills is the ability to turn big dreams into reality. From an artist’s imagination, the everyday can become the fantastic. The heart of the space are three artmaking activities surrounded by the mesmerizing installation by featured artist Gaby Oshiro, whose fanciful origami and paper artwork adorn the studio with inspiring texture and color:

• In the Folded Flora activity, visitors can make their own origami flowers, fish, and frogs. Creations can be taken home or added to a community sculpture that will grow and change over time.
• In Sound Study, the focus is on slowing down. While listening to selected soundscapes, visitors will put pen to paper. Mindful drawing allows us to tap into our own creativity and be present in the moment.
• Finally, The Imaginarium is an activity that explores digital painting with artwork projected on the wall. Technology melds with the mind for a unique opportunity of creative expression.

Visit the Ellen Bruss Design Studio on level 2 of the Martin Building to get a behind-the-scenes look at how designers bring their ideas to life. Explore materials, process, and create your own unique designs inspired by DAM's exhibitions and collections.

This interactive space for visitors of all ages was created with the idea that design is everywhere. Building design awareness, the studio explores design as both a process and an outcome. Visitors connect with designers and cultivate their own design thinking and skills.

Fascinated by fabrics? Explore the Thread Studio on level 6 of the Martin Building to try your hand at textile-based activities inspired by the DAM's exhibitions and collections.