Art Night Out: Beyond the Letter

Explore the intersection of language and texture in this hands-on multimedia workshop. The experience begins with a presentation by our teaching artist, Mike McLain, who will share insights into his creative process and how he navigates the relationship between narrative and form in his own professional work. Guests will get to contribute to The People's Archive of Real Feels in Interesting Times, by documenting their thoughts on a fabric square that will later be turned into a quilt by the artist. Using a variety of materials—including paper, fabric, paint, and markers—guests will then craft a custom collage that bridges the gap between visual art and the written word to take home. Each piece will center on brief, personal messages reflecting your perspective on the world today, allowing you to leave with a finished work of art that captures a moment in time through your own unique voice.

All materials and refreshments included. This is a 21+ event.

Mike McLain earned his BFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2008,

where he specialized in sculpture and drawing, minored in art history, and was a

recipient of the Rickert Ziebold Trust Award. He followed with an MFA from Claremont

Graduate University in 2010. Along with showing his work throughout California, McLain

is an experienced curator of projects including the LANCV contemporary art survey

series at the Coachella Valley Art Center in Indio. He currently is based in Morongo

Valley CA, where he divides his time between the studio and, along with his life

partners, refurbishing a historic Jackrabbit Homestead. He plans to use the site to host

art events when the renovation is complete.

Find his work on Instagram @jmikemclain

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Host or Publisher Claremont Lewis Museum of Art