• Chris Johanson: Cityscape with House & Gray Energy, 2003; acrylic on wood; 99 x 97 in, 17 x 17 in.; BAMPFA, gift of Anne Hatch.

Family Event


Free for kids 18 & under and one accompanying adult. Each session is limited to 12 kids. Please arrive promptly to to sign up onsite beginning fifteen minutes before the session.


Building Cities and Towns

Ages 6 to 12 with accompanying adult

  • With artist Jill McLennan
    Jill McLennan

    Jill McLennan documents her constantly changing urban environment in paintings and mixed-media artworks that explore history, industry, and urban nature, imbued with a hopeful, futuristic vision. She is the director of JMAC: Jill McLennan Arts & Community and a member of the artist-run Mercury 20 Gallery in Oakland.

In a session inspired by Chris Johanson’s painting Cityscape with House & Gray Energy, families will explore the structure of built urban environments. Manipulate paper into a sculptural tool and create 3-D models in which each element relates to its neighbors, just like in a real city or town. Led by urban landscape painter Jill McLennan.

Family Fare connects art viewing with art making. First, participate in guided viewing and discussion in the galleries. Then explore related ideas with hands-on projects led by an experienced teaching artist.