Wellin Kids is a hands-on art program for families and children organized by the Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College. Wellin Kids programs draw inspiration from original works of art and provide an opportunity to experiment. In each program, children will learn about an artist, practice thinking and talking about art, and create an art project.

Admission is free. This interactive program is intended for children with their parents/caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

Wellin Kids programs are led by Wellin Museum docents in collaboration with the museum's education staff. The Wellin's docents are Hamilton College students with an interest in art and teaching who act as educational guides through the museum's exhibitions and collections. 

Wellin Kids events may be photographed for archival and promotional purposes. If you and/or your child would prefer not to be photographed, please visit the Greeter Desk when you arrive, and we will be sure to honor your request.

Wellin Kids Schedule

2:00–3:00 and 3:30–4:30 P.M.
The first hour (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) is recommended for children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade and the second hour (3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) is recommended for children in 3rd through 5th grade. Visitors must sign in and leave the museum between sessions to allow us to reset the program. Due to limited space, children may only attend one session per date. For families with children in both age ranges, feel free to choose the time frame that works best for your family.

Saturday, February 15: Fuzzy Frogs and Reptiles
This week, we will create three-dimensional frogs and reptiles using chenille stems,  inspired by Ancient Egyptian Scarab Beetles and Craig Zammiello’s Hercules.

Saturday, March 8: Wild Style Clothing Design 
This week, we will design our own fashions, inspired by animals in clothing as seen in an Imperial Robe and in Asad Faulwell's painting Artifice, both on view in the exhibition Menagerie.

Saturday, April 12: Paper Bag Puppetry
This week, we will create our own puppets, inspired by a print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in the exhibition Menagerie.

Saturday, May 3: Gyotaku Fish Prints
This week, we will create our own gyotaku fish print scenes, inspired by Alexa Hatanaka's sculpture Koinobori (eggs in the belly).

Photo by Janelle Rodriguez