Programs

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

Tony Foster and Jane Woodward in Conversation

Reflections on the artist's and museum founder's long historY

Thursday, September 17

SOLD OUT

6:00 pm Doors open
6:30 - 7:30 pm Program
8:00 pm Museum closes

Join artist Tony Foster and museum founder Jane Woodward as they reflect on their nearly 40-year history together. What began as Jane's chance encounter with Tony's John Muir's High Sierra Journey at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., has led to the founding of Foster Art & Wilderness Foundation and the opening of The Foster Museum, fulfilling a mission to hold Tony's significant Art Journeys together as one and share them with a broad audience. Expect a whirlwind, entertaining talk with slides as these two luminaries look back on their years together and think about the exciting years ahead.

Fee: $5 non-refundable

Autumn in California: A Watercolor Workshop with The Joy of Drawing 

Saturday, September 26 1:00-4:00pm

Instructor: Agnes Wong

Fee: $100
Use discount code 20OFF for a 20% discount through Sept 20.

This workshop provides step-by-step instruction and guidance through the process of building a watercolor painting of Half Dome with the orange and golden fall colors of Yosemite National Park. Enjoy tea and biscuits in the museum as you study Tony Foster’s landscape watercolors before class.

Nature Journaling: Explore, Express, Connect!

NEW SEASONAL SERies LED BY KATE RUTTER

Fall Series: Sep 27
Winter Series: Nov 15, Dec 13

The focus of this series 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.

Chocolate Tasting at The Foster Museum

Thursday, October 22
2:00-3:45 pm
FEE: $25 per person

Recommended for ages 16 and up. Limited class size.

Join chocolate expert Corinne DeBra at The Foster Museum as she provides a delicious chocolate tasting that delves into the science behind chocolate's health and feel-good benefits. You'll be guided to smell and taste notable distinctions between chocolates from different origins, and you'll also learn where cacao grows and the whole chocolate-making process from bean to bar.

*Cancellation Policy: Full refund (less processing fees) with a 7-day advanced notice, no refund thereafter

Storytime with Anna!

SELECT SUNDAYS EVERY month
10:30 - 11:30am
Free admission

Upcoming Dates:
Sundays: Oct 4, 18, 25, Nov 8, 22, Dec 6, 20

Join us for an hour adventure led by Anna! We'll start with arts-and-crafts activity and imaginative play, then review the museum rules. Enjoy some movement and song, explore the galleries, and settle in for a short nature-themed story. Wrap up with a scavenger hunt or creative time at our art tables.

We’re excited to welcome families to Storytime at The Foster Museum. While this program is open to all, it’s especially designed for little ones aged six and under.

Art Making at The Foster Museum

SELECT SaturdayS EVERY MONTH
1:00 - 4:00pm
Free admission, tea service provided

Upcoming Dates:
Saturdays: Sep 26, Oct 10, Oct 24, Nov 14, Dec 12

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 masterpieces and making your own! Tables, seating, and tea service are provided.

Advance registration is suggested; walk-ins are welcome.