The Joy of Gesture: An Abstract Art Making Workshop

This art making workshop is inspired by two exhibitions, Willem de Kooning Drawing and Beyond Form: Abstraction at Midcentury , both on view at the Art Institute in Summer 2026. These exhibitions feature artists around the globe who, at midcentury (1940-1970s), in the aftermath of World War II and other life-altering historical and political events, turned to the experience and transformative power of abstraction to grapple with their new realities. After a brief introduction to abstract art, we'll make some art of our own! We will provide the materials and walk you through some fun and relaxi.