This Learning Lab Collection shares artworks and learning materials from a hands-on, art preservation workshop. We encourage you to extend your learning and participate in activities in your free time.

About this program:

Moths, beetles, termites, oh my! Learn how bugs can be used to make artwork by looking at examples in the Smithsonian’s collections in this virtual family workshop. Discover the ways conservators prevent bugs from munching on precious works of art. Then identify different types of bugs as you paint your own creepy crawlers.

This hands-on, art-making preservation workshop is designed for children ages three to eight and their caretakers. The program is cohosted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.