Select Programming
Summer Drop-in Tours: Meet the Museum
This summer, there are plenty of opportunities to drop in and get to know the new Palmer Museum of Art. Explore the new building with a Palmer guide and enjoy an introduction to the newly reinstalled permanent collection, along with a brief introduction to two special exhibitions, “MADE IN PA” and “MADE IN PA on Paper.” More than a dozen dates are available between June 5 and Aug. 15.
Gallery Talks
Enjoy in-depth engagement with select exhibitions or specific areas of the permanent collection. Talks are led by museum curators, educators or invited specialists.
- June 23, 2 p.m. — “MADE IN PA on Paper” with Patrick McGrady, Charles V. Hallman senior curator.
- July 11, 6 p.m. — “MADE IN PA on Paper” with Patrick McGrady, Charles V. Hallman senior curator.
- July 14, 2 p.m. — “MADE IN PA” with Erin Coe, Palmer Museum director, and Joyce Robinson, assistant director.
- Thursday, Aug. 1, 6 p.m. — “The Art of Teaching: Medical Education and the Integrated Curriculum” with Dr. Mike Flanagan and Dr. Mark Stephens, Penn State medical school.
Creative Self-Care Studio Sessions
June 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Aug. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Get creative, connect with others, move your hands, learn about self-care art techniques and take time to relax and rejuvenate through art-making processes at our free, drop-in self-care studio sessions. Hosted by Erin E. Carter, assistant teaching professor of creative arts therapies, these sessions will focus on therapeutic art practices for self-care as well as provide a time and place to build community with other creative people.
Family Day: Pop-inspired Prints
June 29, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pop in for some relief – relief printmaking! Participate in inking and pressing prepared images, inspired by Pop Art in “MADE IN PA,” and learn to create your own relief print with a simple process and common materials. Drop in and discover the joy of making inky impressions. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Generous support for this project provided by Art Bridges.
Adult Workshop: Sneaker Painting
July 13, 1-5 p.m.
Bring your own clean canvas sneakers and let art inspire your design! Take a brief journey through the galleries to gather creative ideas, then get painting in the Palmer’s studio classroom. Instructor and educator Brandi Breslin will provide gentle guidance, paint, brushes and other supplies to help you create one-of-a-kind shoe masterpieces. Open to adults 18+ for a fee of $35. Advance registration is required, and information will be provided soon.
2024 Kids’ Summer Camp
Summer Camp at the Palmer Museum of Art is devoted to artistic adventures. Campers aged 9–12 will enjoy exploring the galleries, creating art and participating in a variety of art-inspired activities and games. Each week-long camp offers a specialized focus and is led by highly skilled and experienced art instructors. Sessions also include age-appropriate rest times, creative play, opportunities for socializing and group walks through the Arboretum (weather permitting). Campers will pack their own lunches and snacks.
Educator Open House
Aug. 8, 3-6 p.m.
K-12 Educators are invited to drop in and browse school resources, learn about innovative gallery teaching strategies for class visits and explore current exhibitions. Take away an educational poster featuring an artist from “MADE IN PA.” Generous support for this project provided by Art Bridges Foundation.
Art After Hours: Pop + Politics: Fight for Your Rights pARTy
Aug. 29, 5-8 p.m.
Kick off election season at the first Art After Hours of the fall semester! Exercise your civic rights and register to vote before catching a gallery talk of the special exhibition “MADE IN PA” to explore art and social commentary in the Keystone State. Soak up some inspiration from a pop-up exhibition on art and activism before designing your own button that combines text and image for a cause. Music, performances and light refreshments will be provided. Generous support for this project provided by Art Bridges Foundation.
Quiet Hours
While many people seek out a solitary museum experience, filled with beauty and contemplation, “quiet” is not necessarily a defining feature of many art museums, including the Palmer. Between gallery programs, group tours and enthusiastic art lovers interested in discussions and discoveries, the Palmer is often hopping with activity. During established Quiet Hours, we promise to avoid scheduling programs in the galleries and alert drop-in visitors to the hushed environment.
If visitors anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about physical access to the Palmer Museum of Art, please contact Rebecca Simpson, visitor experience manager, at 814-863-9068 or rad194@psu.edu in advance. Visit the Palmer Museum of Art website for more information.