Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney - selected events and programs

Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney

February 6, 2010 - May 16, 2010

Selected events and programs

Opening Day

Dinotopia Family Day

Saturday, February 6, 2010. | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free with admission.

Kids and their families had an opportunity to explore the extraordinary world of Dinotopia with family-friendly tours of the exhibition and create hands-on art activities inspired by James Gurney's popular series. Gurney gave a public lecture at 1:00 p.m. followed by a book signing where visitors had a chance to meet the artist.

Fact & Fantasy: The Making of Dinotopia (Artist Lecture and Book Signing)

Saturday, February 6, 2010. 1:00 p.m. Free with admission.

During this lively, illustrated talk, artist James Gurney explained how he created Dinotopia from its origins in 1988 to the most recent book, Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara. Gurney provided information on his creative process and shared how he uses scientific information to both educate and expand the world of the imagination. The lecture concluded with a book signing in the Museum's East Court.

Studio Programs

Dinotopia Workshop with James Gurney: Water-Soluble Colored Pencils

Sunday, February 7, 2010. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fee.

Those in attendance explored a fantastic new medium with James Gurney, who guided students through a presentation on water-soluble colored pencils, followed by a painting/drawing demonstration. Students then created their own drawings from life while experimenting with the medium. (For teens and adults.)

Dino Design-O

Poster templates now available. Open to all ages.

What would your Dinotopia look like? Participate in Dino Design-O and create your own world where dinosaurs and humans co-exist. Poster templates are available at the Museum's Front Desk for people to design their posters. Once finished, return your poster to the Education Department and it will go on display in the Museum's Bank of America Education Wing. Posters will be on view from February 6, 2010, to April 6, 2010.

Camp Dinosaur: Spring Break Art Camp

March 22, 2010 - March 26, 2010. (5 days) 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fee.

Campers will draw inspiration from the exhibition Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney and create dinosaur-inspired art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more! Camp will include visits to the Museum's galleries, sketching in the Sculpture Garden, and a unique outreach experience with the Delaware Museum of Natural History. Don't miss this year's exciting camp experience! Visit http://www.delart.org to register (registrations not taken by phone). Scholarships are available through the Red Apple Fund.

Family Programs

Make & Take Saturdays

First Saturdays, March 6, 2010; April 3, 2010; May 1, 2010. 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Free with admission.

Museum Staff will lead family-friendly tours of Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney and host a different art activity each month. March 6: Sculpt-a-Saurus. April 3: Dino Maps & Tracks. May 1: Dinosaur Game Boards.

Fact and Fantasy (A Homeschool Program)

Wednesdays, February 10, 2010 - March 3, 2010 (4 weeks). 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Fee.

(Ages 3 - 18): In conjunction with the Museum's exhibition Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney, this session will combine art, fantasy, and natural history. Included with the program is a special presentation on dinosaurs by the Delaware Museum of Natural History.

Adult Programs

Art on the Town Gallery Chats

Fridays, March 5, 2010 & May 7, 2010. 6:00 p.m. Free.

The Delaware Art Museum joins other cultural institutions in offering extended hours and free admission during the first Friday of the month as part of Wilmington's Art on the Town program. March 5: "The Art and Science of Dinotopia." Join Courtney Waring, Director of Education at the Delaware Art Museum, and Paula Holloway, Director of Education at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, on a fun tour exploring the art and science behind James Gurney's Dinotopia. May 7: Dr. Mary F. Holahan, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Delaware Art Museum, will lead a tour of Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney and answer questions.

School & Teacher Programs

Artist-in-Residency: James Gurney

A unique program in conjunction with this exhibition is a week-long artist-in-residency program with James Gurney. Area schools will visit the Delaware Art Museum for a special presentation and demonstration with the artist, followed by a guided tour of Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney. Gurney will be the Museum's artist-in-residence from Saturday, February 6, 2010 through Friday, February 12, 2010. Space is limited-interested educators should contact Courtney Waring, Director of Education at the Delaware Art Museum, at 302-351-8509 or cwaring@delart.org.

School Tour Package with Delaware Museum of Natural History

The Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Museum of Natural History are joining forces to present a new K-6 field trip program. The Dynamic Dinosaur Duo offers a day of exciting activities touring the Delaware Museum of Natural History's thrilling Dinosaur Gallery and the Delaware Art Museum's special exhibition Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney.

Tours for 10 - 60 students are available Wednesday through Friday from February 2010 through May 2010. The program time of 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. includes travel time between museums and a lunch break. Fee. Some scholarships available. Please check each museum's website for scholarship information and deadlines. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact: Cynthia Smith at 302-351-8514 or csmith@delart.org, or Julie Steinhauer at 302-658-9111 ext. 305 or jsteinhauer@delmnh.org.

Teacher Workshop-Fact & Fantasy: The Making of Dinotopia

Saturday, February 6, 2010. 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

During this workshop, teachers will receive a guided tour of the exhibition Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney and attend an illustrated talk by the artist himself. Gurney will provide information on his creative process and share how he uses scientific information to both educate and expand the world of the imagination. The lecture will conclude with a book signing.

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