Camp Mingei: Craft Camp for Grown-Ups is a three-day experience designed for those who carry a lifelong curiosity for the handmade. Moving beyond the nostalgia of the traditional summer camp, this retreat offers an exploration of craft, utility, and artistry behind the Museum’s exhibitions.
Participants will engage in hands-on workshops led by three distinguished local artists, bridging the gap between historical tradition and contemporary practice. It is an invitation to slow down, honor the integrity of materials, and rediscover the profound joy of making.
Registration includes a daily light breakfast and coffee, an intimate curator-led tour, and all the specialized materials and instruction needed for each workshop.
Day 1 - Beaded Suncatcher with Aidelen Montoya Day 2 - Woven Spatula with India Thompson Day 3 - Gyotaku Fish Rubbing with Dwight Hwang
Day 2 Schedule 10-10:30am - Welcome, coffee, light breakfast 10:30-11:30am - Curator-led tour by Ariana Torres, followed by sketching in the Gallery 11:30am-1:30pm - Hands-on Weaving and Instruction with India Thompson
Woven Spatula Workshop How do the everyday objects in our kitchens define our sense of "home"? Join us for a hands-on workshop led by multidisciplinary artist India Thompson, whose exhibition Looks Like Home explores the emotional attachment and precarious nature of domestic life through the lens of traditional craft.
In this workshop, India will guide you through the sculptural art of reed weaving, inspired by the familiar form of the kitchen spatula. Rather than using the tool itself as a frame, participants will study the silhouette, balance, and history of their own kitchen utensils to create a unique, woven sculptural "twin." This process invites you to slow down and consider the "art of the people" (Mingei) hidden in your own kitchen drawers.