Be sure to check our Happenings Page to see upcoming events at the museum!

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Courses
(for adults 50+)

Spring 2020

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

Registration required. Register via OLLI. 

The Science and Art Behind the “Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline” Exhibit

February 14 and 21
Fridays 1:00 -3:00 pm

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the science and art underlying the traveling exhibition “Cruis’n 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

 Registration required. Register via OLLI.

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 soon for information on upcoming workshops!

Past Workshops

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)

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.

Instructor: Margaret Donat, local artist and art educator

Image courtesy of Margaret Donat.

Encaustic Painting
(September 2016)

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.

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