Programs + Events

Photograph of a male teacher in a hat and bright blue shirt around a group of young children. They are standing in a gallery space around four large paintings. The girl in the back center has her hand raised.  
Photograph of a group of people around two long galleries in an exhibition room. They are doing crafts.  
Photograph of a group of people seated in a rough circular shape in a hallway with art, facing two women to the bottom right.  
Below is a listing of the events we offer. Make sure to check out our Events Calendar for more info and dates!
Event Calendar

What We Offer

Artists Talks

From Sunday Spotlights with exhibiting artists to Community Connections with local artists, connections with local artists is vital to supporting and growing the artist communities in New England.  Our Artists Talks are opportunities for you to hear and learn from current exhibiting artists or artists active in the local community.

Photograph of a gallery with people seated in chairs, facing the far back wall. At the back wall is a woman standing to the left with large bright abstract paintings on easels behind her.

 

Sunday Spotlight – Our long-running Sunday Spotlight series is where exhibiting artists at the Danforth can discuss their work, their process, and their installation.  As they are focused on current exhibitions, attendees get to walk around with the artist to examine and learn about their work in detail.

Community Conversations – In this artist talk series, diverse artists are invited into the Museum to share selected pieces of their work with the audience as they talk about their art and process, and their involvement in their community. With time for questions at the end, guests will have the opportunity to have real conversations with the artists in an informal setting.

One-Day Workshops

Our children’s, teen or adult workshops offer students ether half-day or full day experiences focused on a specific medium, technique or subject. From beginner levels to more advanced, each workshop provides a comprehensive lesson and students come away with a finished project and a new or refined skill!

Photograph of a woman standing, talking to several women on yoga mats with paper in front of them.

 

Advanced registration is required for all workshops. Check out our Art School page to see what workshops are coming up!

Family + Children Programs

We strive to engage children in art, both in the art galleries and the art studios.  Stop by during one of our in gallery programs for a self-guided learning experience with an accompanying art activity, or sign up for one of our kids nights filled with art making, games, and snacks!

Photograph of a group of kids standing together holding clip boards above their heads, looking excited.

 

Drop into Art – This event is held on the second Sunday of the month (except for July and August) from 1-4 pm. Interactive tours, art projects, writing activities, and/or games help visitors of all ages explore art objects in special exhibitions and the permanent collection. Each month, the program explores a new subject or theme. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Free to all and no registration is required – just drop in!

Kids Night Out – Parents, take advantage of a chance to go shopping or get a bite to eat – it’s a night just for the kids with us at the Danforth. Children will enjoy an art project, and a scavenger hunt in the museum! Includes pizza, lemonade and a treat to take home.  This event takes place several times a year and is limited to 15 participants, Grades K-8. Registration is required and tickets are $30 per child.  Drop Off is between between 5:45-6 p.m. with pick up promptly at 9 p.m.

Adult Programs

Connect and learn about art, meet new people, and chat with the diverse artists community across Massachusetts and New England!  Our Adult Programs range from staff and artist lead lectures, art making activities, and social evenings.

Photograph of a group of people around two long galleries in an exhibition room. They are doing crafts.

 

Brunch at the Danforth – Enjoy light brunch treats, coffee, tea, and mocktails while discovering fascinating facts about various artwork topics, from artwork in the Danforth’s Permanent Collection, rotating exhibitions, or other specific art related topics!  Brunch at the Danforth happens twice a year and topics vary every event. Brunch takes place two times a year on Sunday between 11am to 1pm, with the events talk started at 12pm.  Advance registration is required and tickets are $25.00 for non-members and $15.00 for members.

Drinks at the Danforth – The Danforth invites you to spend a creative evening with us meeting new friends while enjoying a unique cocktail (or mocktail)!  Members receive discounts and special perks for this event.  Projects and cocktails will vary with inspiration found from the current exhibitions.  Event takes place two times a year on Friday from 6-9pm with admission $25 for non-members, $15 for members.  Cash bar available to those over 21 as well as an assortment of snacks and refreshments. Advanced registration is required as only a limited number of spaces are available.