Professional Development Workshops
We’re delighted to offer teachers, docents, work teams, parent organizations, studio owners, and schools a unique opportunity to enhance their art skills and ignite creativity in both themselves and in their students.
California teachers or schools: Learn how we can help you meet the needs of Prop 28 here.


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Art & Creativity Workshops
In these workshops, we immerse educators in creativity-boosting art projects. Participants will gain effective strategies to incorporate art into their classroom teaching. Workshops include hands-on art-making, small-group discussions, and take-away materials.
In-person or at Your Location
The TinkerLab studio is located in beautiful Palo Alto, CA, about 45 minutes south of San Francisco. Our creative space can accommodate up to ten people. However, most of our clients enjoy the luxury of having us come to them! We’ll set up an on-site studio workshop at your school, library, or workplace.
Our sessions prioritize:
- Active learning
- Collaboration
- Modelling of effective practice
- Effective pedagogy
- Alignment with core state and national standards
- Hands-on making, and fun!
Topics
The following are some of the topics we’re eager to explore, but we can also tailor the topic to your group’s interests.
Creative Flow: An Introduction to Process Art Basics
Beyond the Lines: Creative Drawing Experiments for the Classroom
Artistic Independence: Integrating Choice-Based Art and Mixed Media Techniques in Education
Sketchbook Savvy: Art Journaling Techniques for Classroom Creativity and Early Finishers
Creative Kickstarters: Drawing Games to Ignite Imagination in the Classroom”
Bound by Art: Crafting Handmade Books for Drawing and Writing Projects
Artful Seasons: Inspiring Classroom Activities for a Creative Year-Round Curriculum
Eco-Innovators: Creative Projects with Recycled Materials for Building, Collage, Mixed Media, and Tinkering
Pressed for Success: Printmaking Explorations in the Classroom
Weaving Wonders: Simple Weaving Techniques for the Elementary Art Classroom
Conference-style talks: Nurturing Innovation through Hands-On Activities, Encouraging Playful Learning, Strategies for Fostering Creativity at Home or in School
Add-ons
TinkerLab Books ($20, signed or unsigned) can be added on to any workshop for an additional fee. If ordering a large quantity, bulk rates may apply.
- TinkerLab: A Hands-on Guide for Little Inventors
- TinkerLab Art Starts: 52 Projects for Open-ended Exploration
Schoolhouse, the TK-5 arts education curriculum, can be added to any workshop. Schoolhouse starts at $144 per teacher, per year. We offer discounted rates for large-scale orders.
Many schools enjoy the workshop perk of gaining these add-ons with the extra discounts.
Rates
Prices quoted below are for locations within a 45 mile radius of our Palo Alto studio. Rates will be adjusted to account for travel times and any extras that relate to travel. Prices are subject to change.
Art Basics: 1.5 hours, $1000. Up to 25 participants ($30 for each additional participant). All supplies and light snacks included.
Art Exploration: 3 hours, $2000. Up to 25 participants ($60 for each additional participant). All supplies and light snacks included.
Art Immersion: 5 hours, $3000. Up to 25 participants ($100 for each additional participant). All supplies and light snacks included.
Set up your next PD session with TinkerLab
To ask a question or request a workshop, click here ⤵
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10 WAYS TO INTRODUCE ART TO PRESCHOOLERS
An inspiring 10-point poster for your fridge, planning binder, or to share with colleagues or friends.

TinkerLab acknowledges the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, and pays respect to elders both past and present. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Ohlone people, and we have a responsibility to acknowledge, honor and make visible the our relationship to Native peoples. Donate to the Redhawk Native American Arts Council.