Art Education Major Greta Miller Guides Families in Exploring Water-Themed Art and Creating "Oceans in a Jar" at BYU's Museum of Art
As part of the BYU Museum of Art’s Family Arts Festival, the Open Studio event held on July 19 invited visitors of all ages to explore how artists depict water — and then create their own shimmering seascapes to take home.
The self-guided art-making experience was inspired by the MOA’s permanent American art exhibition, “Crossing the Divide,” which features dramatic landscapes and seascapes like “Misty Sea” and “Great White Throne.”
Greta Miller, a senior in BYU’s art education program, designed the month’s project as part of her work with the museum’s family programs. “Water is such a dynamic subject,” she said. “I’ve always been drawn to landscapes, but I wanted to explore how artists portray the movement and feeling of water. One painting that really stood out to me was ‘Misty Sea.’ It’s so ethereal. That’s where the idea for the ocean jars came from.”
Attendees began with a self-guided tour through “Crossing the Divide,” using a gallery guide filled with questions designed to spark observation and discussion. After exploring the exhibition, they moved to the MOA studio to create their own “Ocean in a Jar” using glycerin, mica powders and a bit of imagination.
“It was fun to see what people came up with,” Miller said. “One girl told me she was making an ocean that looked like a dream. That’s the kind of connection we hope for — something personal and expressive.”
The open-ended format allowed each family to move at their own pace. “We want it to be inviting and accessible,” Miller explained. “Whether you spend a long time with each painting or head straight to the craft, it’s all about engaging with the art in a way that feels meaningful to you.”
As she prepares to begin student teaching this winter, the experience of leading family programs at the MOA has helped Miller develop practical teaching skills. “I’ve learned how to write lesson plans, plan activities and make art approachable for all ages,” she said. “These open studio events are like a test run for the classroom.”
She also expressed how rewarding it was to interact with visitors. “I loved talking to the kids and seeing how proud they were of their projects,” Miller said. “And it was fun to hear from returning parents who told me how much they enjoy these activities month after month. Art becomes something the whole family can share.”
