Embark on a creative adventure with your loved ones at our Family Day event, hosted at the MFA! Join us for a delightful make-and-take experience where we’ll be channeling the artistic spirit of Duke Riley’s works featured in The Nature of Art.

Dive into the world of faux scrimshaw decoration, inspired by Riley’s contemporary sculptures. Participants will have the opportunity to craft replica scrimshaw using recycled materials and vibrant sharpies. It’s a hands-on, eco-friendly celebration of creativity!

All supplies will be provided; all you need to bring is your boundless creativity!

Learn more about Duke Riley’s inspiration—the fictional Poly S. Tyrene Memorial Maritime Museum—and the contemporary twist on sailors’ scrimshaw. Riley’s sculptures, reminiscent of delicately ink-etched whale teeth and bone, often incorporate recycled materials found during his beach clean-ups.

This engaging event is free for everyone, with registration required. Please note that museum admission is not included. Join us in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory at the MFA for a day filled with artistic expression, community, and family fun!

Elevate your day by immersing yourself in the enriching experience of our latest exhibition, The Nature of Art, and explore the captivating beauty of the MFA Collection. Enhance your visit by joining our Docent-led tour at 2 pm!

Explore More! Family Day at the MFA
Make-and-Take Faux Scrimshaw
Saturday, December 2, 2023
11:00 am-2:00 pm

Duke Riley, American, b. 1972, Articles from the Poly S. Tyrene Memorial Maritime Museum, Reclaimed ocean plastic, ink wax, Collection of Stanton Storer.