Islamic Arts Family Experience
Damascus (Ottoman), Tile with Shahada, 16th century, stonepaste; polychrome painted under a transparent glaze, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by the 2013 Art of the Islamic Worlds Gala.
Indian, Jali, 1605–27, sandstone, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by Rania and Jamal Daniel.
Turkish, Tondino, first half of 16th century, stonepaste, polychrome painted under transparent glaze, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Ismaili Community of Houston, The Levant Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Akbar Ladjevardian, The Francis L. Lederer Foundation, courtesy of Sharon Lederer; Marathon Oil Company, Mr. and Mrs. Omar Rehmatulla, Strategic Real Estate Advisors, London, Monsour Taghdisi, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Suhaim Al Thani, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the 2007 Art of the Islamic Worlds Gala, the Brown Foundation Accessions Endowment Fund, and the Alice Pratt Brown Museum Fund.
Islamic Arts Society
Islamic Arts Family Experience
The MFAH and the Islamic Arts Society team up to showcase modern and traditional Islamic arts. This interactive event invites families to make their own art, watch artists’ demonstrations, and explore the Art of the Islamic Worlds galleries.
Masks are recommended. Free materials are provided to use in the galleries and at home.
Download the Gallery Guides
• Explore Calligraphy
• Explore Ceramics
SCHEDULE
- 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
◊ Geometric Art Making | Create your own geometric patterns inspired by the Islamic art at the MFAH and the art techniques being demonstrated today.
◊ Exploring Islamic Art Together | Pick up a gallery guide and gather your group to explore the Islamic art in the Museum. Each guide is inspired by the art techniques being demonstrated today. - 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Ebru Paper-Marbling Demonstration | Popular in Turkey and Central Asia, Ebru paintings are produced using dyes, a water-based solution, and unique tools. Watch as artists create intricate patterns and designs using this mesmerizing paper-marbling process. - 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Arabic Calligraphy Demonstration | Artists demonstrate the art of Arabic calligraphy and offer complimentary name writing in various forms of the calligraphy being shown. - 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Ceramic Painting Demonstration with Ottoman Patterns and Arabesques | Iznik pottery is a decorated ceramic known for its white and cobalt-blue designs and its artistic decoration of scrolling and interlacing foliage, vines, or plain lines.
Plan Your Visit
Admission to Cullen Sculpure Garden is free. Entry to the Art of the Islamic Worlds galleries is included with general admission, which is free for ages 12 & younger, and free for MFAH members.
Safety Guidelines A risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public setting, and masks are required indoors. In the interest of your personal safety and community health, please observe all precautions set forth by the MFAH—learn more here.
Family Programs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, receive generous support from the Junior League of Houston, Inc.
Learning and Interpretation programs receive generous funding from the Jerold B. Katz Foundation; H-E-B; MD Anderson Cancer Center; Institute of Museum and Library Services; The Brown Foundation, Inc.; Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; Sterling-Turner Foundation; Susan Vaughan Foundation; and additional generous donors.