Art as Play invites you to leave behind the idea that art is something only experts can understand. This lively lecture explores how looking at art can be as natural—and as joyful—as play. Together we’ll discover that we engage with color, composition, storytelling, and design every day: in advertisements, clothing, social media, and the objects we choose to surround ourselves with. By connecting the visual experiences we already have, to works of art in museums and galleries, we’ll take the mystery and intimidation out of art appreciation. There are no wrong answers —just curiosity, observation, and the pleasure of seeing the world with fresh eyes.

Sue Tyler taught art at Sugar-Salem High School for 25 years, developing programs in drawing, painting, ceramics and photography. She created a professional artist residency for the school, and eventually became a regional consultant for the Idaho Commission on the Arts. As an advocate for making the arts accessible for everyone, in 2002 she received the Governor’s Award of Excellence in Arts Education.