Sip & Make: Memory Vessels

Event information

August 17, 2025
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location
Education Center and the Frick's Greenhouse
Cost:
$45 members; $60 non-members; $35 students

Members of The Frick Societies receive complimentary admission
Description:

Learn from local artist Elizabeth Wells to create your own Memory Vessel made from air-dried clay and nontraditional materials in this three-hour workshop.

 

Memory Vessels, popularized among folk artists in America and Europe during the 18th & 19th century, have roots in the traditional burial practices of the Bakongo people in Central and West Africa. When some of the Bakongo people were enslaved and forcibly brought to Europe and America, their traditional burial practices then merged with local material and memorial practices and became Memory Vessels as they are known today – a popular folk art form that serves as alternatives to gravestone markers, household objects, and mementos.

 

This program includes a visit to the Frick’s greenhouse to gain inspiration from Atticus Adams’ new installation, Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle. These dynamic sculptures are inspired by the artist’s childhood memories of summers with his grandmother and his own Neo-Appalachian folk art roots.

 

Elizabeth Wells is a Pittsburgh-based Appalachian artist whose work explores permanence using clay’s ability to record memories. Liz is both an independent artist and member of the Frick’s education team.

 

Each ticket includes a tour of Atticus Adams’ installation in the Frick’s greenhouse, dialogue with local Appalachian clay artist Liz Wells, all necessary art materials to leave the workshop with a completed vessel, and light bites and beverages.

 

This workshop is best suited for participants ages 14 and up. Participants below the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sip & Make: Memory Vessels

Nurture your creativity at The Frick!

New and experienced artists will get creative during these hands-on workshops. Each session includes learning from a working artist, light bites, refreshments, and all materials needed for artmaking.

Looking for more? 

Explore the full schedule of upcoming workshops below.

Browse the Calendar

See & Do

Related Events

Duquesne SoundWalk at the Frick
Duquesne SoundWalk at the Frick
Duquesne SoundWalk at the Frick
August 2, 2025
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Duquesne students bring the sights and sounds of Frick history to life in multisensory installation
<em>Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle</em>
Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle
Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle
August 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Explore abstract sculptures by a Atticus Adams in the Frick Pittsburgh's vibrant, flora-filled histo...
Car and Carriage Museum
Car and Carriage Museum
Car and Carriage Museum
August 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Explore the Frick's collection of historic carriages and automobiles.
Previous Event: Trivia Night at the Frick
Next Event: Mornings in Motion: Movement, Music, and Mindfulness