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  • Community Building,
  • Youth and Family,
  • Perception,
  • Access,
  • Reach,
  • Diversity,
  • Breadth

Mirror Me Art:
Making Self-Portraits at Millard Sheets Art Center

Located on the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, Millard Sheets Art Center transformed an unused space to capitalize on fair attendance by offering hands-on art activities like drawing and clay sculpting.
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Funding Categories

  • Supplies

  • Marketing & Outreach

partner

  • Millard Sheets Art Center

location

  • Pomona, CA

About

After visiting the "Before You Now" exhibition, people at the LA County Fair were invited to immerse themselves in a unique, hands-on art experience. A previously unused area in the museum was transformed into a creative space, where dedicated volunteers were available to guide and assist participants in a new activity each week. Visitors enjoyed a respite from the bustling fairgrounds while making portraits using a variety of materials.

Intended Outcome

Millard Sheets Art Center’s goal for this project was to increase attendance in the galleries by fairgoers. Museum staff hoped 11,000 people would participate in the Mirror Me Art activities.

Actual Outcome

Attendance far surpassed staff goals with 35,300 people participating in the art activities.

Advice Post Project

Consider incorporating hands-on activities into your museum programs, as they can significantly enhance visitor engagement. Guests are often more receptive to learning when they can interact directly with materials, and offering a take-home element adds value and deepens the connection to the experience. These activities not only support educational goals but also leave a lasting impression that encourages return visits and word-of-mouth promotion.

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  • Community Building,
  • Interdisciplinary,
  • Youth and Family,
  • Access,
  • Reach

Andy’s WildBirthday Bash

Andy’s Wild Birthday Bash attracted families with a variety of interactive and educational activities, enhancing community engagement and participation. 

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  • Interdisciplinary,
  • Innovative,
  • Youth and Family,
  • Perception

Portrait Projectat Demuth

Local photographers taught program participants to capture their lives on film, resulting in a compelling body of work that documented their personal stories.

Discover More

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  • Community Building,
  • Interdisciplinary,
  • Youth and Family,
  • Access,
  • Reach

Andy’s WildBirthday Bash

Andy’s Wild Birthday Bash attracted families with a variety of interactive and educational activities, enhancing community engagement and participation. 

image
  • Interdisciplinary,
  • Innovative,
  • Youth and Family,
  • Perception

Portrait Projectat Demuth

Local photographers taught program participants to capture their lives on film, resulting in a compelling body of work that documented their personal stories.

Learn MoreAbout This Activity

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Contact

  • education@artbridgesfoundation.org