Design Practice | DRAWING STUDIO
Build your design toolkit! Design Practice is a series of free, drop-in workshops for high school students exploring techniques, strategies, and careers in design. No prior experience required—just bring yourself and a creative mindset. This month, join us for a drawing open studio inspired by the exhibition An Atlas of Es Devlin. Come enjoy snacks, a DJ, an exhibition tour, and plenty of drawing supplies! Each participant will receive a Cooper Hewitt sketchbook.
Es Devlin’s wide-ranging practice, which began in small-scale theater, has been experienced by millions in some of the world’s most prominent museums, galleries, opera houses, arena and stadia. Her sculptures for Olympic Ceremonies, NFL Super Bowl halftime shows, and stadium tours for Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and U2 frame narratives that feel personal at a monumental scale. For Devlin, every project starts with a drawing. Sketches and small cardboard models form the seeds of her large-scale architectures. Participants are free to draw on their own or pull inspiration from the exhibition.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Program Length: 2 hours. Please join us any time between 4:30-5:15 so you have enough time to enjoy the event!
Interactivity Level: High. This is an open drawing studio with snacks, music, and an exhibition tour.
Intended Audience: High school students ages 13-18.
Design Practice is developed for teens only, no adults are permitted.
Accessibility
Location: This program will take place in person in the Lecture Room at Cooper Hewitt (2 East 91st Street, New York, NY). The Lecture Room is on the ground floor of the museum and fully wheelchair accessible. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.
What to Expect: This in-person program will be a hands-on design drop-in workshop and tour (stay for as little or as much time as you like). No drawing experience is required.
Accommodations: For general questions, or if we can provide additional accessibility services or accommodations to support your participation in this program, please email us at CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when registering. Please make your accommodation request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least one week before the program date when possible.
SPECIAL THANKS
Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by The Pinkerton Foundation, The Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation, The Hirsch Family Foundation, PwC Charitable Foundation, The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, internal Smithsonian Institution funds from the Youth Access Grants for Youth Innovation in Rural America, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Discover more programs in the An Atlas of Es Devlin: A Creative Curriculum, which features activities to shake up your creative practice.
