Join us for a relaxing evening of creativity and exploration at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History creating collages inspired by items in our collection! The evening will be hosted by Brenna Frasier, Senior Curator of Zoology and Lisa Bower, Curator of Cultural History.
The objects selected for this program demonstrate how artists of the nineteenth century combined textile techniques, drawing, and natural materials to create richly layered images of the world around them. Cross-stitch samplers, embroidered pictures, and a Victorian crazy quilt reveal how threads, fabrics, and found materials were used to record memory, skill, and personal expression.
Alongside these textile works, a mixed-media birchbark and watercolour view of Halifax’s Little Dutch Church, highlights the creative use of materials drawn directly from the natural environment. Together, these objects illustrate how makers historically blended art, craft, and elements of the natural world—plants, fibres, dyes, and landscape imagery—to produce works that are both artistic and material records of their surroundings.
In the setting of the Natural History Museum, they offer inspiration for participants to explore how natural materials, textures, and imagery can be combined in their own mixed-media collages.
We'll provide all the necessary materials, however, feel free to bring your own materials, if you have any specific ideas in mind. For example, if you have a favorite pair of scissors, fabrics or threads that inspire you, or collage papers that you want to include, please bring them.
Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, this event is the perfect chance to explore a unique medium.
Please note that this event is geared toward adult attendees.
*Limited registration spots, reserve early!
*Proceeds for this event go directly towards the NSM Natural History Collections
*We strive to make this event accessible, if cost is a barrier for you please reach out to us.