Programs for Adults

Check out our Virtual Museum page to explore the museum from home!

Be sure to check the calendar to see upcoming events at the museum!  

 

Adult Bug Camp
July 10-12. Online. (BIOL 040)Museum drawer of pinned butterfly specimens
Learn collection and processing methods needed to build an insect collection. Skills necessary to identify most groups to Order will be taught.  Students will create a collection which will be broken into three groups: specimens the student can take home, specimens for the University of Alaska Museum Insect Collection, and specimens for the Teaching Collection.

Instructor: Derek Sikes, UAMN Curator of Insects

Register via Summer Sessions.


Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Courses
(for adults 50+)

Spring 2020

Kyndall Hildebrandt stands in front of large silver freezers, holding a DNA sample tray.Introduction to Genetic Engineering
Session I: February 13-March 5 AND March 9-12
Thursdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm (February 13-March 5)
Monday through Thursday 12:15 - 1:30 pm (March 9-12)

We will extract our DNA from cheek cells, amplify it, and then sequence it. While we are waiting for our samples to run (there’s always downtime in lab work!), we will explore the differences between genotype (the sequence of the DNA) and phenotype (expressed DNA) along with why some genes are expressed, and others aren’t. In the add-on week, we will perform a hands-on CRISPR DNA recombination experiment using modern genetic engineering to intentionally alter the expression of a gene.

Instructors: Kyndall Hildebrandt, Joe Dart

The Science and Art Behind the “Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline” Exhibit
February 14 and 21
Fridays 1:00 -3:00 pmPatrick Druckenmiller shows fossils to a group of four students.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the science and art underlying the traveling exhibition “Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline,” on display at the UA Museum of the North. The exhibit highlights the paleontology and geology of Alaska and the West Coast and is based on a book by the same name by Alaskan artist Ray Troll and US National Museum of Natural History Director Kirk Johnson. Patrick Druckenmiller will discuss current research on Alaskan paleontology. Artist Ray Troll will join us for the second class and provide insight into his iconic art.

Instructor: Patrick Druckenmiller


ART WORKSHOPS at UAMN 

Explore the theme of your choice and experiment with color, texture and materials. Enjoy dessert and hot drinks, and create your own works of art with professional instruction. No previous experience necessary!    

Check back for information on upcoming workshops!


Past Art Workshops

 

Drawing of a pressed plant, next to several colored pencils.Botanical Illustration (October 2019)
 

Instructor: Karen Stomberg, local artist and educator

All skill levels are invited to draw from freshly dried local plant specimens. Participants will use professional materials to create a richly colored and detailed botanical illustration.
This workshop will take place over two sessions.

Image courtesy of Karen Stomberg.

 
Look Closer: Using a Microscope to Inspire Art (May 2019)Artwork: Lightness of Being 7 by Jennifer Moss
 

Instructor: Jennifer Moss, local artist

Use the elements and principles of art to inform contemporary compositions. Get inspired by looking at nature through the microscope and create your own work of art on wood panels.

Image: Lightness of Being 7, courtesy of Jennifer Moss.

Several colorful leaves, next to a painting of the same leaves.
 
Painting from Observation: Still Life Panels (April 2019)
 

Instructor: Gail Priday, local artist and educator

Discover the value of observational painting. We will cover the basics of color, composition, light, and more. No experience is needed for this hands-on workshop. Painters of all levels are welcome.

Image courtesy of Gail Priday.

Two colorful mixed-media artworks.
 
Mixed-Media Panels (April 2018)
 

Instructor: Madara Mason, local artist

No experience is needed for this hands-on workshop. Learn to layer paint, paper, wood, found objects, and a careful selection of colors to create dynamic mixed media pieces. Instructions and materials will be provided.

Image courtesy of Madara Mason.

 
Fused Glass (December 2016)
 

Six fused glass plates with various designs.Instructor: Margaret Donat, local artist and art educator

No experience is needed for this hands-on glass fusing workshop. You will learn the basics of creating glass objects in a kiln, and create a fused glass plate and a small pendant or ornament.

Image courtesy of Margaret Donat.

 
Encaustic Painting (September 2016)
 

Instructor: Katlian Stark, Artist and Gallery Assistant at Well Street

This hands-on encaustics workshop will examine approaches to using photographs, drawings, papers, and other objects that can be embedded into wax. We will address heating, fusing, and manipulating wax, as well as discuss colors, brushes, and where to find materials. Be inspired by museum objects as you experiment and create.