“This is the only real concern of the artist, to recreate out of the disorder of life that order which is art.
James Baldwin
How can visual art inspire writing? How can writing enhance or change the way we see? In this multi-session course, we’ll investigate these and other questions through a series of close-looking and generative writing exercises.
Each week, we’ll spend time with a different area of the museum’s collection to explore how artworks of various types, subjects, cultures, and eras can serve as entry points to crafting original writing. All skill levels are welcome.
Sessions will begin in Ryan Learning Center, Studio A before moving into the galleries. Stools will be provided. Please bring your own pencil and paper.
about the teaching artists
Molly Bryson is an exhibition interpretation specialist at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work focuses on developing inclusive and engaging exhibition narratives, gallery texts, and other creative tools for learning and engagement. She writes fiction and nonfiction, often about or inspired by art. Molly received her BA in art history and creative writing from Oberlin College.
Sam Ramos is the director of Gallery Activation at the Art Institute of Chicago. He teaches across the galleries on a variety of topics including nature, history, healthcare, justice, race, colonialism, and, of course, art. He is a practicing writer who has published fiction, art criticism, and essays in a number of places, though his first loves are short stories and novels. Most recently, his novel, Ghost Box, was longlisted for the 2023 Dzanc Fiction Prize. He received his BFA in art history and studio art, as well as his MFA in creative writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
what to expect
The group will meet in Ryan Learning Center, Studio A, which can be most easily accessed from the Modern Wing entrance. The workshop will take place mostly in the galleries. Participants should expect to visit several galleries during each session. Gallery stools will be provided. Elevator assistance will be available if needed.
ASL interpretation and/or assisted listening devices are available upon request at museum_interpretation@artic.edu. Assisted listening devices are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.
