ColorLab
BCM’s Family Art Studio
ColorLab is BCM’s art-making space where artists of all ages can explore, make, and celebrate art. ColorLab programs are rooted in the creative works and cultures of Black artists. Each month our projects are inspired by a muse artist’s work and practice. Families have the opportunity to explore print-making, collage and sculpture projects inspired by artists such as Chakaia Booker, Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold and Kehinde Wiley, among others.
ColorLab is open Wednesday through Friday afternoons from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, and weekends from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. Entry to ColorLab is included in general admission.
Projects
This Month
March: Water Portraits
How does water change the way things look? This March in ColorLab, we’re exploring water-based portraits inspired by Khari Turner, who uses water from oceans and rivers to create paintings that tell stories of identity and connection.
Create a portrait in BCM’s art studio using oil pastels, watercolors, and sea salt. Draw with oil pastels and watch what happens as you paint over them with watercolors, then sprinkle salt to add texture and see how the water reacts. Takeaways: You’ll take home your unique portrait and learn the artistic skill of mixed-media layering!
Up Next
April: Earth Homes
What colors and textures remind you of home? This month in ColorLab, we’re exploring sculptural storytelling inspired by artist Beverly Buchanan, who created small house sculptures and environmental art that told stories about home, history, and the land around us.
Create an Earth Home sculpture in BCM’s art studio using clay, sticks, rocks, and other natural materials. Mold your clay structure and add texture with natural elements, then personalize it with details like doors, windows, or a yard. Takeaways: You’ll take home your unique sculpture and learn the artistic skill of sculpture as storytelling!
May: Tactile Portraits
How do different textures make you feel? This month in ColorLab, we’re exploring textured portraits inspired by artist Qualeasha Wood, who uses tufting and stitching techniques to tell stories about identity and her relationship to digital and physical spaces.
Create a textured portrait in BCM’s art studio using felt squares, paper, and googly eyes. Arrange soft felt pieces to make a colorful background, cut out and add your silhouette shape on top, then customize your portrait with googly eyes. Takeaways: You’ll take home your unique portrait and learn the artistic skill of working with textured collage!
Art programs at Brooklyn Children’s Museum are made possible by The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, the Einhorn-Lasky Family, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.