Closed Today

get tickets

Advance tickets are now available for visits through September 1. Book now

Download print-friendly PDF

This activity was designed for kids and adults, ages 6 and up, but can be modified for younger kids with some adult assistance. Great for groups to work on together.

Inspired by the many portraits in the ICA’s collection, this activity asks you to create a set of dice that will invite a range of storytelling possibilities.

Art materials on brown kraft paper

You will need:

  • 3 printouts of the dice template or plain paper
  • Scissors
  • Ruler or measuring tool
  • Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
  • Pencil
  • Tape
     

1. Print out 3 copies of the dice template or use a pencil and ruler to draw your own.

2. Using scissors, cut along the solid lines of the 3 templates. If you made your own template, use scissors to cut it out. Using a pencil, trace your template onto 2 pieces of paper. Use scissors to cut along the traced lines.

A grip of four images displaying step-by-step a die template that is traced over two sheets of paper and cut out.

3. Make folds along the dotted lines. Unfold, and flip your papers so the dotted lines are facing down.

Dice cut-outs with folded flaps.

 

A die cut-out with colored pencil drawings of charcters.

4. Your first die (singular for “dice”) will be the CHARACTER die. Using the ICA’s collection or your imagination, choose 6 different characters. On one of your papers, use colored pencils, markers, or crayons to draw a different character in each square. We recommend using Julian Opie’s Suzanne Walking in Leather Skirt, Sanya Kantarovsky’s Violet, and Laylah Ali’s Untitled. Other ideas can be found here.

5. Your next die will be the SETTING die. Brainstorm six different settings (where a story takes place), and write one per square on one of your papers using a marker or other writing tool. Here are some possible settings: forest, mountain, beach, museum, school, farm. Instead of writing out the word, you might choose to draw the setting in each square.

Two cut-out dice with writings of genres and settings on each side.

6. Your final die will be the GENRE die. Brainstorm six different genres (type of story), and write one per square on one of your papers using a marker or other writing tool. Here are some possible genres: adventure, sci-fi, fairy tale, mystery, historical fiction, comedy. Instead of writing out the word, you might choose to draw a symbol for the genre in each square (for example, a magnifying glass to represent “mystery”).

7. Fold each paper into a cube, using tape to connect each side.

8. Roll the dice and tell a story! With family or friends, take turns rolling the dice and use your imagination to tell a story that:

  • is about the character the CHARACTER die lands on
  • takes place in the setting where the SETTING die lands on
  • is in the style of story that the GENRE die lands on

You might choose to tell the stories aloud to one another, to write or type your stories, and/or illustrate your stories.
 

Three dice: one with drawings of characters, and two with writing, on each side.

This activity was created by Amy Briggs Kemeza, Tour Programs Manager.

Lite by Tschabalala Self shows a figure standing in the middle of the canvas holding a can of lite beer while another figure is shown partially, exiting the painting on the right.

While I love the formal aspects of all the works in Self’s exhibition – the use of paint, fabric, printmaking, sewing as a means of drawing – it is the character of this male figure that draws me in. After 35 years in New York City, 27 of them in Brooklyn, this is a person I feel I know.

“Deli” in this context does not mean delicatessen, but bodega, or in Boston it would be the corner store. There were several in my Brooklyn neighborhood, really in all residential neighborhoods, and there is always a group of mostly men who stand outside all day, every day, drinking and smoking. The stores themselves were often fronts for gambling and had few items to sell other than beer, cigarettes, toilet paper, and milk.

In the painting the man’s pocket is turned inside out, an indication of his impoverished state; he is as stuck in his life as the chewing gum on the lower left sidewalk. The leg to me indicates life passing him by.

I came to know one of the men at my local deli by name – Raffi – but I had a chin-up nodding, “hey” relationship with them all.

A year or so after I left (was forced out of) Brooklyn, I ran into Raffi in Manhattan at around 7 AM. He was drunk. I offered him money, but he just walked away. I never saw him again.

Gregg Handorff joined the ICA as a Visitor Assistant in 2018.  He makes art in a variety of media whenever he can.

Friday Art Notes are personal reflections on works of art shown or in the permanent collection of the ICA, written by ICA staff, volunteers, and supporters. Read more 

 

A simple activity for all ages! Color this card and place it in your window to bring hope to your neighborhood. 

Download print-friendly PDF

Designed for kids and grown-ups to do together. Experiment with measuring, cooking, and color to create a vibrant result.

This activity involves the use of a hot stovetop.

We’re excited to welcome artist Merill Comeau as a guest contributor for this week’s Art Lab at Home! Merill is the mixed-media fiber artist behind the current Bank of America Art Lab installation Threads of Connection. We welcome you to try eco-dyeing: The process of adding color to fabrics using plant matter. This is a fun way to reuse and recycle supplies you have on hand, like old fabrics, leftover veggies and fruit, and even coffee grounds!

You will need:

A white button-shirt, light-colored fabric, and a white pillowcase.

  • Newspaper or plastic to protect your work surface from stains
  • Salt or white vinegar (which will be added to water to create your mordant)
  • A non-reactive pan such as an aluminum saucepan (If possible, dedicate a pan just for dyeing to be sure no substances are crossing over into your food preparation later. Merill used an old metal dog bowl!)
  • Tongs or wooden spoon
  •  Soaking bucket and/or bowls (you can also soak directly in your pan)
  • Plant sources for color: Old berries, yellow vegetable peelings, onion skins, turmeric, beets, purple cabbage, tea, or coffee — Experiment!
  • Pre-washed white or light-colored cotton fabric cut into squares approximately 8×8 inches. Possible sources include recycling old pillowcases, blouses or men’s shirts, hankies or napkins.

Steps:

1. Prepare your fabric. You will need to treat your fabric with a mordant to help the dye to adhere to your fabric. To create and use your mordant:

  • If you are using berries, combine ¼ cup of salt with four cups cold water.
  • For other plant materials, Combine 1 cup vinegar with four cups cold water.
  • Soak your fabric in mordant for one hour.
  • Remove and rinse your fabric with cold water. You don’t need to dry it as you can dye it damp!
     

2. Prepare your dye. Generally, you’ll want to add 1 cup of plant material to 2 cups of water in your non-reactive pan. Feel free to experiment depending on what you have on hand! Bring your concoction to a slow simmer on your stove top. If your kitchen has a vent fan, use it to remove steam. You will see the water becoming colorful in just 20-30 minutes.

Plants and fruits in a saucepan filled with water.

3. Add the fabric to the dye. You can either strain and discard the plant materials and then add your fabric to the remaining dye solution or add your fabric directly to the simmering pot (Merill likes to add her fabric to the pot believing the heat helps set the stain).

Three panels of images depicting a step-by-step guide of dyeing fabric from a plant-based solution.

Two pieces of beautifully-colored fabric in yellow and purple.

4. Soak your fabric. Remove your fabric after one hour or keep it soaking overnight as the dye sets and cools. Experiment with soaking times and see if your results differ!

5. Rinse your fabric with cold water and let it air dry. If you’d like, you may iron your fabric on the cotton heat setting. 

6. Are you ready to make something with your unique eco-dyed fabric? Check out this site for simple hand sewing instructions and ideas for things to make can be found here.  Or create a fabric collage for the Threads of Connections digital quilt!

At first glance, Sterling Ruby’s ACTS/WS ROLLIN is gritty, imposing, solid yet precarious. The surface of the base is reminiscent of city streets, complete with graffiti. The off-balanced resin block shot through with red is, from afar, a bit unnerving.

After approaching the piece for the first time, however, my perspective shifted as I inspected the details more closely. The ink droplets now appeared less threatening as they formed beautiful, delicate curls seemingly frozen in time. At a closer distance each vein is more distinguishable in its own trail, and every detail is striking and unique. The suspended liquid arrests your attention and refuses to let go.

Reflecting on the current situation and my own state of mind, I can’t help but recall my first reaction to Ruby’s piece. As I write this, working from home, I am reminded of my initial anxiety when confronted with this imposing sculpture. Life is often unnerving, uncertain, and precarious—somewhat like this lopsided stack of blocks. However, within the overwhelming chaos, moments of beauty can be found.

In the past few weeks, I have had some time to appreciate not only what obstacles life throws at you, but also the treasures it holds. I have recently had more time with my husband, making me appreciate his compassion, patience, and humor. I have witnessed countless acts of neighborly support in my community and city. I have also made more of an effort in self-care, and have taken time to focus on my own mental, emotional, and physical health. I am starting to notice that, like in Ruby’s sculpture, beauty can be found in life’s details, and after noticing that beauty, it will be hard to forget.
 

Brittany Eckstrom has been with the ICA since 2017 and holds the position of Assistant Manager of Visitor Services. In her spare time she enjoys practicing yoga and lives on a boat in Boston Harbor with her husband and their cat.

Friday Art Notes are personal reflections on works of art shown or in the permanent collection of the ICA, written by ICA staff, volunteers, and supporters. Read more 

 

Download print-friendly PDF

This activity is ideal for ages 6+ and great for children and adults to work on together.

Inspired by Roni Horn’s artwork, Key and Cue, No. 288, we’re celebrating National Poetry Month and are inviting you to write an ode to someone you care about! An ode is a poem that praises someone and is one of the oldest types of poems that exist. Reflect on the person you choose, answer the questions, fill in the blanks, and deliver your completed poem to make your special person smile!

You will need:

  • A writing utensil
  • Paper or print out a copy of our template
     

Steps

1

Decide who you will write your ode to. Choose someone you love or care about, someone to cheer up today!

ART-LAB_SLOWARTDAY_Step_04.png

Icon of frame with question mark in it

2

Answer the questions below. Add your answers into the template to complete your ode.

3

Share your ode with your special person!  Take a photo to share it or read it aloud. You’re bound to make them smile!

Smiley face icon

 

Questions to help write your ode:

  1. What is the name of the person you have chosen to write your ode about? (Nicknames are okay too!)
  2. What makes this person stand out in a crowd? Be specific.
  3. What is a phrase they always say?
  4. Write down a favorite moment shared with this person. “A time when we…”
  5. What is this person’s best quality? Think beyond physical traits, and focus on personality qualities. This should be a noun, like “kindness”, “excitement”, or “patience”.
  6. If you could go anywhere together, where would you go? Be specific.
  7. If you could do anything together, what would you do? This should be a verb, like “sunbathe” or “walk”.

Fill out your ode

ICAartlab_ODE_template.png

This activity was created by Flolynda Jean, Education Assistant, and Brooke Scibelli, Family and Art Lab Programs Coordinator.

While the ICA is temporarily closed, stay creative and connected with us. 

Find a collaborator. Write a short film with two characters. Following social distancing guidelines, shoot your character’s scenes and have your collaborator do the same. Edit them into a single film.

To share, email them to teens@icaboston.org and/or tag us @icateens on Instagram.

Examples: