Storytime Studio: Totally You!

Get your New Year’s fresh start with art! This week, we’ll express what makes us special, taking inspiration from artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. We’ll explore symbols, look closely at Basquiat’s artwork, read stories, and make artful accessories that celebrate ourselves. 

Featured Book: Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt

Program Schedule: 

Meet in the Art School on the Lower Level.


Do this at home! What makes you who you are? Grab some paper, small objects, and scissors—and get ready to explore identity and create a collage self-portrait! Instructions here.

Three collaged self portraits with black and white photographs and colorful additions on pieces of paper laying beside each other on a wooden surface.


ABOUT STORYTIME STUDIO 

Join us at the Hirshhorn Art School for Storytime Studio—a captivating blend of play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration designed for kids from birth to age 8 as well as their caregivers. Every Wednesday morning, step into our studio where art comes alive, and enjoy a special Storytime adventure that is a free, flexible, drop-in experience. Stop in anytime to experiment with play and artmaking, immerse yourself in interactive read-alouds, or join a gallery tour to explore art on view!

No reservations or tickets required. Nursing caregivers are welcome. Stroller parking is available in the Hirshhorn Lobby and on the Lower Level.

If there are access services or accommodations that can make your experience more inclusive (e.g., ASL interpretation, live captioning, etc.), please contact hmsgeducation@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required.

Art Cart: Build a Butterfly

Explore nature’s beauty inspired by artist Jessica Diamond and her work Butterfly Incantation (Polygonia Comma, Polygonia Interrogationis, Plebejus Melissa Samuelis). Artists will look closely at Diamond’s work on view and create their own nature-inspired works of art! 

Find the Art Cart on the Second Level to pick up your butterfly materials. 


Do this at home! If you could be anything from nature, what would you be? Inspired by artist Thierry de Cordier, create a self-portrait using natural items. Instructions here. 

Sections of bark, moss and plants lie on a white surface.


ABOUT THE ART CART

Want to make art inspired by your favorite Hirshhorn works on view? The Art Cart offers young artists a hands-on maker experience during their visit to the Hirshhorn. Each week’s Art Cart offers a fresh and fun theme featuring an artwork on view, an artmaking activity to do at the Museum, and kids projects to extend the fun at home! 

The Art Cart is free; no registration required. Drop in any Saturday between 10 am and 1 pm.  

Nursing caregivers are welcome. Stroller parking is available in the Hirshhorn Lobby. If there are access services or accommodations that can make your experience more inclusive (e.g., ASL interpretation, live captioning, etc.), please contact hmsgeducation@si.edu. 1-2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required.