Session 1: Botanical Relief Sculptures
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Capture the beauty of nature by creating a botanical bas-relief sculpture. Like a coin or an ancient fossil, bas-relief, also known as “low-relief,” is a sculpting technique that creates a shallow, three dimensional image. Led by resident artists Alla and Milana Borovskaia, this workshop will show you a basic bas-relief technique using real flowers and plants, plaster, and clay. Recreate and preserve the delicate details and textures to make a unique piece of art.
Participants will be able to take home the finished project. This workshop is open to all levels of experience, ages 16+. A $10 materials fee is to be paid directly to the artist on the day of the program.
Mother and daughter team Alla and Milana Borovskaia are the newest artists-in-residence at Sandy Spring Museum. Their artistic practice includes large-scale installations, sculpture, painting, and collage. Throughout their work, Alla and Milana use a combination of innovative materials and techniques alongside traditional craftsmanship. Through continuous experimentation, their artworks emphasize extraordinary aesthetics created from ordinary materials. Alla and Milana have exhibited their works of art in various museums and galleries across the United States.

Session 2: Hands-On History of Animation
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Step back in time and discover the origins of animation. Explore the history, science, and creative possibilities of two-dimensional animation by creating three 19th-century optical toys: a thaumatrope, zoetrope strip, and flipbook. With guidance from artist Leila Cabib, you will learn the basic principles behind great animation, from metamorphosis, exaggeration, and color to the secrets of creating unique and magical animated cycles.
This workshop is open to all levels of experience, ages 50+. All supplies will be provided by the artist.
Leila Cabib is an animator, cartoonist, and illustrator whose work has been commissioned for magazines, books, and newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Cambridge University Press.  Additionally, she has written and illustrated two nationally syndicated comic strips. Leila has been an artist-in-residence in numerous schools from elementary to high school, leading programs in animation, graphic novel design, and cartooning. She has also designed and led classes specifically for older adults. Leila has a B.A. in English from Bard College and an M.A. in illustration from Syracuse University.
This activity is made possible by a grant provided by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in partnership with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy in addition to support from the Maryland State Arts Council.
For accommodation requests, please contact the museum via email or at 301-774-0022.