Family Day: Art Makers workshop—Ankara Accessories!

BUY TICKETS Adults: $10 Kids 12 - 3: $5, 2 and under: FREE

This month’s family day will give young artists the chance to work with the same materials that Yinka Shonibare CBE uses in his artwork. The program includes a guided art lesson that allows the whole family to create a wearable work of art, inspired by beautiful sculptures in our current exhibition A Tale of Today: Yinka Shonibare CBE. Participants will learn more about the textiles and then use Dutch Wax fabric to create a necklace, pin, bracelet or key chain. 

Waxcloth fabric developed in the 1700’s from traditional Indonesian batik techniques, became popular in West Africa in the late 1800’s during a wave of trading and colonization with the Dutch. For almost 150 years, African families all over the world have loved this sturdy fabric’s bright colors and vibrant patterns, wearing it for everything from daily life to the most important celebrations, and it has become a symbol of worldwide African pride. Nigerian-British visual artist Yinka Shonibare CBE employs waxcloth in his work to discuss Africa’s relationship with the world, using it to make everything from clothing to furniture to decorations. 

Celebrate this multicultural history and craft your own masterpiece by making a one-of-a-kind waxcloth project to wear or gift. This workshop will give you the foundations to make a necklace, key chain, bracelet, or pin. Materials provided, no experience necessary and suitable for all ages 3 & up.

Kpoene’ Kofi-Bruce has taught textile workshops via her popular monthly mobile crafting workshop, Craft Bar, since 2009. A recent transplant to Chicago, her work as the Creative Director for Mignonette Bridal has been featured in Martha Stewart, Chicago Magazine, and Crains, and she received an Individual Artists Grant from the City of Chicago.