Student illustration courtesy of Charis Fleshner.
Illustration: Wild Mythologies
In this 4-week class, students will be introduced to the art game Exquisite Corpse, popular among the Surrealist artists. Students will relate Surrealism and the creative creatures that emerge from the drawing game to the exhibition Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak. Drawing on this inspiration, students will create their own original illustrations and learn how story can help influence and mold an artwork's inception. Students will intertwine their illustrations and stories they construct for their creatures—connecting image and text through playful interactions of art viewing, sensory details, collaboration, and creation.
What to Expect: We will be going into the galleries and making during class time. Exercises each class will build up to creating a final illustration at the end. Beginners welcome! The aim of this class is to jump start your creative thinking and make illustrating accessible and fun instead of intimidating for students.
Creative Classes are taught in a studio art environment and offer an opportunity to learn from professional creatives through traditional and experimental approaches. Each class is uniquely designed by a creative educator for an adult audience, designed to help you learn a new skill or expand your own creative practice. Explore the Winter/Spring 2025 class schedule.
Photo by Andrew Moline
About the Educator
Charis Lillene Fleshner is a conceptual mixed media artist who completed her MFA in studio art at the University of New Mexico. Fleshner currently teaches art at Aims Community College and shows work nationally. Before starting graduate studies, Charis Lillene Fleshner used her bachelor's of fine arts in art education from University of North Texas to teach junior high and elementary art for seven years. Her studio practice currently focuses on painting, soft sculpture, Craftivism, and the intersections of Feminism and art.
To request a sign language interpreter or any other accessibility service, email access@denverartmuseum.org at least ten (10) business days in advance of the program. We will make every effort to provide accommodation for requests made outside of that window of time.
Class Cancellation Policy: If a class or workshop needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather or teacher illness, a “make-up” day will be scheduled on a Friday or Saturday as the educator’s schedule allows.
