The popular “Make it with MoFA” series at Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) returns this spring with “Makeup with MoFA,” a virtual event that explores makeup’s ability to empower and transform.
“Makeup with MoFA” is inspired by “Trust and Transformation: 75 Years of Flying High,” a special exhibition celebrating the 75th anniversary of FSU’s Flying High Circus. Participants will be guided by local hair artist Jordan Rae who will discuss a brief history of circus makeup and guide participants through a simple “clown look” using easily accessible products.
The virtual event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10. Participants can register at makeupwithmofa.eventbrite.com.
“Participants will learn makeup’s ability to transform you both physically and mentally,” said Annie Booth, MoFA’s program coordinator. “The history of circus makeup is fascinating, and what better way to learn than through play.”
“Make it at MoFA” began in 2018 with the goal of creating opportunities for visitors to explore the process of artmaking. When possible, the program uses artwork shown in the exhibitions to cultivate meaningful conversations about the medium and artistic process.
“Museums are typically thought of as places where it is OK to look, but not to touch,” said Preston McLane, MoFA’s director. “Making something with your hands leads to a better understanding of the real work that artists do, and it has the added benefit of being a lot of fun.”
Past events have covered a variety of mediums and artists, like teaching visitors the screen-printing process in connection with the MoFA exhibition “A Shared Body” or needle felting to better understand the wool sculptures in the exhibition “Elemental Iceland.”
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to transform ‘Make it at MoFA’ into ‘Make it with MoFA’ providing a virtual option, creating space for artmaking at home,” Booth said. “Now we are able to provide both virtual and in-person programming, catering to all of our audiences’ needs.”
In addition to “Makeup with MoFA,” the Museum will host a variety of events, including “Circus Night,” a free, in-person event held from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 24 to further celebrate FSU’s Flying High Circus.
For more information, visit https://mofa.fsu.edu/news/upcomingevents/.
Photo caption: Needle felting during “Make it with MoFA’ during the exhibit, “Elemental Iceland.”