Art & Science Workshops

Do you enjoy art? Are you inspired by science? Take advantage Butterfly Pavilion Art & Science Workshops and create a unique and beautiful art project while learning all about the science behind the art!  From cochineal dye to pollinators, enjoy science-inspired artistic adventures throughout the year. Workshops include breakfast to get your “artistic juices” flowing, investigation and development of various art techniques and time in our tropical conservatory or outdoors for inspiration.  Select from six offerings in 2010.  Please use the registration form to enroll today!

Gourd Baskets and Pollinators

April 25 
8:00 am-12:00 pm
Cost: $45

Hardshell gourds are a popular crafter’s medium. But what role do insects play? Learn more about pollinators as you transform a hardshell gourd into a lovely art object! Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own beads, feathers, pine needles, or other natural objects to personalize your own designs.

Papermaking and Paper Wasps

April 25 
1:00 pm -5:00 pm
Cost: $30 

According to French lore, paper was invented after a nobleman observed paper wasps creating their hive. Learn a simple method of recycling paper to create handmade paper for stationery, scrapbooking and cards.

Scientific Illustration & Plants

June 24
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost:  $30

Historic scientific illustrators like Maria Sibylla Merian and Meriwether Lewis revolutionized the scientific discovery and classification of plant and insect species with observational methods still in practice today. Participants will learn to identify, observe and draw simple versions of a variety of plants.
 

Printmaking & Aquatic Invertebrates

June 24
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost:  $40

What is an aquatic invertebrate? Discover some of the numerous species that live in our world's oceans and other bodies of water and make prints from latex models of several aquatic invertebrates.
 

Batik & Insects

November 7 
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $40

Discover the roles of insects used in an ancient form of fabric decoration, batik. Find out how bees make wax, how silk moths are used to create silk and how cochineal scale insects can be turned into a spectacular scarlet dye! You will use our beautiful gardens and conservatory for design inspiration to create a one-of-a-kind silk batik scarf with these insect products.
 

Dreamcatchers and Arachnids

November 7 
1:00 pm -5:00 pm
Cost: $40

Explore the importance of arachnids in nature as well as in Native American culture. Discover the myth behind the dreamcatcher in Native American tales as you weave your own personal dreamcatcher! Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own beads, feathers and other personal objects to personalize your dreamcatcher if you wish.
 

For more information or to register:

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required, as space is limited to 15 adults per workshop.
Contact Amanda Morrison at 720-974-1869 or amorrison@butterflies.org.
 

Teachers:

Take any two of these classes for a 1/2 recertification credit (add $35 to cost) through the Colorado School of Mines, or take 4 for a full credit ($50). Course number CT-0921-10S. Use the Course Application Form.