Programming

The Foster Museum holds a variety of programs at 940 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA.
Advanced registration for most programs is required; see details below.

Sargent in Spain

The Watercolors of John Singer Sargent

Slide show and talk by Jim Caldwell

Tuesday, May 21
4:30pm: Doors open
5 - 6:00pm: Talk
6:30pm: Museum closes
Fee: $10

Light refreshments provided

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) went to Madrid when he was 23 to study Velasquez first hand. He soon fell in love with everything Spanish, returning 6 more times, and visiting 26 Spanish cities. He loved Flamenco, the Roma (gypsy) people, the Moorish castle of the Alhambra, and the spirituality of the Spaniards. When Sargent was 51 he announced that he was closing his portrait studio and would spend the rest of his life painting watercolors.

This slide show is about Sargent’s time in Spain, and features over 60 stunning images of his watercolors from that period. Jim Caldwell, artist, architect, teacher and art historian, will show why he believes that Sargent would have admired fellow plein air watercolorist Tony Foster’s art and his process. Caldwell has presented over 100 talks about his favorite artists, and we welcome him to The Foster Museum.

Nature Journaling: Explore, Express, Connect

June 4, 11, and 18
All sessions 12:00 - 4:00pm
Fee: $60 per session or $160 for the series

Celebrate the beauty and wonder of nature through journaling, a magical blend of art and science that deepens our connection with nature.

The focus of this series led by Kate Rutter is on visually expressing curiosity about what we observe, rather than creating polished botanical art. In all sessions, Kate will be available for questions and individual instruction during field journaling time. All skill levels are welcome; "art" is in the experience itself.

Storytime with Anna!

One Sunday per month - 11:30am - 12:00pm
One Wednesday per month - 10:00 - 10:30am
Free admission

Upcoming dates:
May 12, 15 - Owl Babies by Marten Waddell
June 9, 12 - Water is Water by Miranda Paul
July 12, 15 - Steve the Dung Beetle: On a Roll by Susan R. Stolz

Join us at The Foster Museum for a 30-minute exploration led by Anna! Our young guests will have a 10-minute warm-up with our arts and crafts activity or imaginative play before we gather to discuss museum rules. Next, we'll get our "wiggles" out with some movement and song before embarking on an adventure through the museum galleries. Along the way, we'll find a cozy spot to sit and enjoy a specially selected short story about nature and our environment. After storytime, all are welcome to participate in a scavenger hunt and spend some time at our art tables for a wonderful respite in our "oasis in a hectic world."

Advance registration is suggested; walk-ins are welcome.
Guests may stay and tour the museum exhibitions once the program is completed.

Art Making at The Foster Museum

Once per month
May 16, Jun 13, Jul 18
1:00 - 4:00pm
Free admission, tea service provided

All skill levels are welcome to find inspiration from Tony Foster's watercolor wilderness Journeys within the galleries. Bring your own art supplies such as graphite pencils or watercolor sets, nature journals or sketch pads, or borrow our colored pencil provisions. Spend time in our meditative galleries looking closely at Foster's artwork masterpieces, and making your own!

Tables, seating, and tea service provided!

Advance registration is suggested; walk-ins are welcome.