[photo credit: The Huntington]
When the crowds thin at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, a different cultural experience begins.
The prestigious San Marino institution opens its doors for “Drawing from the Gallery,” an after-hours program that transforms passive museum spaces into active art studios.
The program takes place directly within galleries housing the museum’s renowned 18th and 19th century European art and 17th to mid-20th century American art collections.
Professional teaching artists guide participants through drawing exercises inspired by the surrounding masterworks.
“Join a special after-hours art lesson inspired by our permanent collections, where teaching artists will lead participants in exploring different drawing techniques,” according to The Huntington’s official event description.
The program welcomes all skill levels, with the event page noting it is “Open to all skill levels.”
All materials are provided, removing economic barriers that often prevent community participation in quality art education.
Gallery stools accommodate different physical needs during the session.
The evening timing deliberately targets working professionals who cannot attend daytime cultural programming.
The program takes place after the museum closes to general visitors, creating an exclusive learning environment.
The initiative aligns with The Huntington’s mission “to support research and education in the humanities, encourage engagement with the arts and humanities, and enrich lives through knowledge and beauty.”
By converting spaces typically reserved for quiet observation into collaborative learning environments, the program challenges conventional museum experiences while making prestigious collections accessible for hands-on creative exploration.
“Drawing from the Gallery” will run on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. For more call (626) 405-2100 or visit https://www.huntington.org/event/drawing-the-gallery. Tickets: $45 public, $35 members.
