The National Portrait Gallery is proud to host some of its many public programs online with these digital workshops ranging from story time readings for young children to art-making workshops for all ages. Register for a virtual program via Eventbrite or tune in to the museum's social media channels to experience these workshops firsthand.
Participate@Home
Art AfterWords: A Book Discussion
Select Tuesdays, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Join staff from the National Portrait Gallery and the DC Public Library for a monthly discussion of portraits and prose. Each month, a Portrait Gallery educator will discuss a portrait from the collection. Following the portrait exploration, a DCPL librarian will lead a discussion of a book related to the work.
Free —Registration required.
Drawn to Figures
Select Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.
Online via Zoom
Discover your inner artist in this virtual drawing workshop. Facilitated by artist Jill Galloway, the workshop will include guided instruction on the techniques and challenges of figure drawing. Each program will highlight a Portrait Gallery exhibition or portrait from the collection. Open to all skill levels, ages 18 and up. Suggested materials will be listed on the Eventbrite program page.
Free —Registration required.
Interested in learning more? Check out these videos.
Our Struggle for Justice
Our Struggle for Justice is a digital collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery and Capital One that explores activism and social justice through biography. Through our Twitter and Instagram, we will delve into the museum’s collection to contextualize the pursuit of freedom and activism in the United States, sparking conversation and inspiring action.
Find out how you can get involved here: https://npg.si.edu/visit-home/digital-engagement
Check out the Our Struggle for Justice Learning Lab Collection
Virtual Writing Hour
Select Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Join us for a virtual, creative writing hour at the National Portrait Gallery! We've set up a virtual space where writers can create, connect, and draw inspiration from the Portrait Gallery's collection. We will provide writing prompts and write for about 30 minutes. Each session will end with a chance to share your writing.
Free —Registration required.
Wind Down Wednesday
Select Wednesdays, 5:00–5:30 p.m.
Online via Instagram Live
Wind down with a virtual program to bring out your creativity and mindfulness. In partnership with independent mixologists, crafters, artists, and experts in a variety of fields, Wind Down Wednesday offers an optimistic approach to the middle of the week.
Young Portrait Explorers
Select Wednesdays, 11–11:30 a.m.
Online via Zoom
Join our virtual workshop for children ages 3-6 and their adult companions as we learn about art, history, and more! Portrait Gallery educators will lead a 30-minute activity that incorporates close looking at portraiture, movement and artmaking. Adults must remain with children throughout the program.
Free —Registration required
