MAS Collage: Family Art Workshop at Santander Museum – February 28th

Santander’s Museo de Arte de Santander (MAS) is expanding its outreach to families with a series of creative workshops designed to engage audiences of all ages with its collection. This Saturday, February 28th, the museum will host “MAS Collage,” a hands-on activity inviting participants to reinterpret works from the museum’s holdings through the art of collage.

The workshop, scheduled from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, will encourage families to explore different pieces within the MAS collection, using them as inspiration for their own collage creations. Participants will be provided with a variety of materials and textures to bring their interpretations to life.

Noemí Méndez, the Santander City Councilor for Culture, emphasized the museum’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement. “This initiative is part of MAS’s commitment to bringing the museum closer to the public and opening it to all audiences, especially families,” Méndez stated. “It generates spaces for shared learning and discovery.” She further encouraged residents to participate, describing the museum as a “dynamic and participatory” space.

The workshop will be led by Claudia Ruiz Echevarría, a Cantabrian artist, educator, and cultural mediator. Ruiz Echevarría holds a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Salamanca and currently balances teaching and artistic mediation at the “Taller de Arte” of the Asociación Cultural Desarrollo Próximo. She is also pursuing a doctorate in Contemporary Art Research at the University of the Basque Country.

The coordination of these workshops falls under the direction of Adrián Alonso, a theater and film director with a degree in Dramatic Arts specializing in Musical Interpretation. Alonso’s international experience includes work in Spain, London, the United States, France, China, and Japan. He was a resident director for SEQUINS & FEATHERS with Royal Caribbean and founded his own musical theater company in 2022, producing “REconectando, el musical.” He currently serves as the artistic director for the closing gala of the Piélagos International Film Festival and as a professor at the Cantabria School of Cinema and TV.

The MAS’s commitment to family programming extends beyond “MAS Collage.” Councilor Méndez announced a follow-up activity scheduled for March 28th, titled “El museo suena” (The Museum Sounds). This workshop, also coordinated by Adrián Alonso, will focus on sonic exploration and experimentation through melody, harmony, percussion, and movement.

“El museo suena” will delve into the fundamental elements of music: melody, rhythm, and harmony. Participants will explore melody through singing and humming, rhythm using flamenco cajones (percussion boxes), and harmony with instruments like the guitar. The workshop will be led by InCanto, a music school with over eleven years of experience in Santander and Torrelavega, specializing in early childhood music education.

The MAS, housed in a historic building designed by architect Leonardo Rucabado, has evolved since its founding in 1908 into a hub for modern and contemporary art. The museum’s ongoing programming reflects a dedication to fostering dialogue and engagement with the arts within the Santander community. The museum’s address is Calle de Rubio 6, 39001 Santander, Cantabria, Spain, and can be reached by phone at +34 940 223 443 or by email at museo@santander.es.

These workshops represent a strategic effort by the MAS to broaden its appeal and cultivate a new generation of art enthusiasts. By offering interactive and accessible experiences, the museum aims to transform itself into a vibrant and inclusive cultural destination for families and individuals alike. The museum recently reopened after renovations, showcasing a selection of its best works, and continues to offer a diverse range of exhibitions and activities.

The museum also recently presented a book, “MAScolecciones2021. Catálogo sistemático,” on November 24th, 2023, and celebrated the International Museum Day on May 18th, 2023. The museum recently completed a restoration of its entire collection of Goya etchings, comprising 97 prints from four different series.