December Programs & Events
The holidays have officially begun! Check out this month’s selection of fun programming and exciting events. Whether you are bringing the family or looking for a uniquely romantic date night, there’s something for everyone at The Leonardo!
Black History Month Pop-Up Exhibit Open Call
Submissions accepted November 20th 2024 – January 3th, 2025
Exhibition will be held February 2st – March 7th, 2025
The Leonardo Museum invites Black artists currently living in Utah to submit artwork exploring aspects of Black life and history that are often neglected by museum narratives. This pop-up exhibition will provide artists an opportunity to critique common social themes and a chance to fill in the gaps by offering a lived perspective. All entries must be appropriate for all age groups. Artists are welcome to contact programs@theleonardo.org with questions. Accepted pieces will be exhibited from February 2nd, 2024 – March 7th 2024.
Artist-in-Residence: Bianca Velasquez
December 1 – 31, 2024
Included with General Admission; free for Members.
Visit the art studio to view the intricate beadwork of December Artist-in-Residence Bianca Velasquez. Bianca will be working in the studio four times this month. Ask her about her process and get inspired!!
One-U RAI: AI in Pop Culture vs. Reality
Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, 4–5 pm
Pre-register for free admission
Learn about the current state of AI technology and how that compares to what we hear in pop culture.
Moderator: Ana Marasovic, Assistant Professor, Kahlert School of Computing
Panelists:
- Elizabeth Callaway, Assistant Professor, Department of English
- Rogelio Cardona-Rivera, Assistant Professor and Founding Faculty, Division of Games, Entertainment Arts and Engineering
- Aurora Clark, Professor, Department of Chemistry
- Kenneth Collins, Assistant Professor, Film & Media Arts Department
- Guanhong Tao, Assistant Professor, Kahlert School of Computing
Attendees will be invited to explore the museum’s Into the Mind of AI exhibit after the discussion.
Snow Globes at The Leo
December 7, 2024, Two Workshops
12pm – 1:00 pm
1:30- 2:30 pm
$15/guest general admission. Members sign-in for discount.
Pre-registration is required.
Escape the cold and create a magical winter wonderland with this fun family activity! Choose a time slot during your visit to customize a holiday snow globe. While your globe is drying, spend time in the museum and visit our Spiraling Upward exhibit.
Holiday Ornament Mosaic Workshop
December 12, 2024, 4-6 pm
$15/ guest, Members sign-in for discount
Pre-registration is required
Join us for this family holiday ornament making workshop! Select a wooden template, and create a personalized ornament using an array of colorful tiny glass beads. Keep these for yourself or turn them into a personalized gift for friends and family. For ages 8+.
One-U RAI: Cancer and AI
Friday, December 13, 4 – 5 pm
Pre-register for free admission
Hear world-class experts from Huntsman Cancer Institute discuss how AI is impacting cancer care.
Speakers:
- Cornelia Ulrich, Executive Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute
- Jonathan Tward, leader of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Genitourinary Cancers Center and Professor of Radiation Oncology
Attendees will be invited to explore the museum’s Into the Mind of AI exhibit after the discussion.
CRAFT- Christmas Tree of Butterflies, Salvador Dali
December 13, 2024, 7-9pm
$30/person; pre-registration is required.
Set your heart aflutter with this holiday edition of CRAFT inspired by Salvador Dali. Guests will complete an 8 x 10 watercolor paint-a-long inspired by Dali’s Christmas Tree of Butterflies.
Little Leos
December 15, 2024, 11am-12pm
Included with General Admission, free for members
Stop in any time during the hour to work on a fun activity with our wonderful education staff! This returning monthly program is best for Little Leos between 2 and 5 years old, accompanied by their parent or guardian.
Leo Libations – Flights n Bites
December 19, 2024 6:30-8pm
$70/person; pre-registration is required.
Wine Academy of Utah Sommelier Jim Santangelo will help you curate a wine list perfect for gifting or for complementing your holiday table. Join us for a festive appetizer of delicate feta and spinach-filled phyllo bites, followed by a main course of herb-crusted pork tenderloin in an apple cider reduction, accompanied by sauteed vegetables. Conclude the evening sipping your dessert wine while enjoying our show-stopping chocolate yule log filled with light peppermint cream and garnished with sugared cranberries.
This is a 21+ event. ID is required to attend and registration is nonrefundable for those denied entry. Registration will close December 17, 2024.
Gingeneering
Back by popular demand for two dates!
December 20, 2024, 4 -6pm
December 21, 2024, 12 -2 pm
$20/person; pre-registration is required.
Test your engineering skills while building a sturdy gingerbread house! Budget wisely as you use your allotted materials to create the strongest house possible, and then put it to the dreaded “shake test”. Whether your house stays strong or falls down, you’ll still get a sweet treat! Price includes museum admission.
Sensory Inclusive Afternoon
December 27, 2024, 4pm-7pm
Included with General Admission, free for members
Join us 4-7pm for a sensory friendly Leonardo experience. Lights will be dimmed and sounds will be turned down. There will also be sensory friendly activities in the Art Studio.
Noon Years Eve
December 31, 11am-1pm
Included with General Admission; free for members
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The Leo is kicking off 2025 a tad early this year! Join us for a festive afternoon of creative exploration perfect for the whole family. Create a noise-maker, decorate a crown, or fancy-up a pair of wild glasses. Participate in a sensational science experiment and set goals for the year ahead. Most importantly, don’t miss our New Year’s confetti drop at 12 pm sharp!
NYE Party – Night at The Museum
December 31, 9:30pm-1am
$45/person; pre-registration is required.
Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with The Leo during our Night at the Museum New Year’s Eve Gala. Indulge in an evening of glitter and sparkle with music provided by One Above Entertainment’s DJ Cooper and his hybrid band. Your ticket includes full access to The Leonardo, including two floors of cash bars, heavy appetizers, and entry to our current exhibits Spiraling Upward and Into the Mind of Artificial Intelligence. No celebration would be complete without a 360 degree photo booth and a midnight balloon drop. Secure your tickets now, and make it a night to remember!
This is a 21+ event. Guests must bring a valid ID to enter.