May Programs & Events
Spring is in full bloom, and May at The Leonardo is packed with inspiring programs to spark curiosity and creativity! From hands-on workshops and family-friendly activities to thought-provoking discussions and special exhibits, there’s something for everyone this month. Don’t miss out — join us this May for a season of discovery and fun!
Asian Art Show: Art Meditating on Nature
April 16 – May 25, 2025
Included with General Admission, Free for Members
Join us to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the opening of Art Meditating on Nature, an exhibit by Utah artists of Asian descent that honors Eastern art traditions. Walk the gallery, rake the Zen garden, contribute to a collaborative, origami bonsai, and enjoy art that reflects on the human connection to the natural world.
Day of the Child with Artes de México en Utah
May 3, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Included with general admission. Free for members.
Stop by to participate in the many indoor and outdoor activities during this huge celebration of the world’s children. This partnership event with Artes de Mexico en Utah includes arts and crafts, food, lowrider bicycles, and many community partners including the Clark Planetarium.
Little Leos
May 11, 2025, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 25, 2025, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Included with general admission. Free for members.
Stop into The Leonardo to work on a hands-on art activity with our wonderful Education staff! This bi-monthly program is best for Little Leos between 2 and 5 years old, accompanied by their parent or guardian.
Artist-in-Residence Open Call
Application period through May 20
Onboarding June 11, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
The Leonardo and Artes de Mexico en Utah invite Latinx artists living in Utah to submit an application to our 2025 – 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program. We accept 6 artists per year who are at any stage in their careers. The Leonardo will display each artist’s work for 2 non-consecutive months and pays $350 per month (total $700). Artists are required to spend 16 hours per month (4 days for 4 hours) in The Leonardo Art Studio engaging with guests. The Leonardo and Artes de Mexico will provide social media advertising and interviews for each month of residency. This is a wonderful opportunity for both established and emerging artists to build public rapport and bolster their resumes. Applications will be accepted through May 20, 2025. Artists will be notified by May 28, 2025 of acceptance.
CRAFT – Franz Marc’s Dog Lying in Snow
May 23, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
$35/person, Members sign-in for discount. Pre-registration is required.
Calling all dog lovers! Learn about German Expressionist and painter Franz Marc, and create your own 8×10 canvas version of his oil painting Dog Lying in Snow. We will guide you step-by-step and provide a stencil for those who want a little extra drawing assistance.
Teen Science Cafe
May 24, 11:00 – 1:00 pm
FREE EVENT
Calling all teenagers. Join us on Saturday, May 24 for a 2-hour hands-on dissection lab sponsored by the National Teen Science Cafe Network. Have you ever wondered about the mechanics of the heart? Our science expert, Dr. Kurt Albertine of the University of Utah Medical School will lead our participants through the dissection of a lamb’s heart. This workshop is open to all teens and is offered at no cost. Contact programs@theleonardo.org for more information.
Sensory Inclusive Afternoon
May 28, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Included with general admission. Free for members.
Join us 4-6pm 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.
Leo Libations – Celebrate Mosaico!
May 29, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
$70/person, Members sign-in for discount. Pre-registration Required.
Indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience in celebration of our Italian Mosaico Exhibit. Start your journey with crispy polenta cakes, golden and perfectly crisp on the outside, paired with a rich, earthy truffle mushroom ragù. Next, savor our classic version of Costolette d’Agnello, Roman-style lamb chops, cooked to perfection and bursting with bold flavors and accompanied by a fresh panzanella salad. For dessert, savor a delicate caffè panna cotta, a silky custard infused with the warmth of espresso, topped with luscious Amarena cherries. Each dish will bring a taste of Italy’s rich culinary heritage to your table, making this dinner an experience to remember. Buon appetito!
Registration will close May 27, 2025. No refunds will be offered for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the event. This is a 21+ event. ID is required to attend and registration is nonrefundable for those denied entry.
Art Adventures: Pet Portraits
May 31, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Included with general admission, free for members.
(Best for children 5+)
.
For thousands of years humans have used domestic animals as inspiration in their artwork. Today, we fill our camera rolls with endless photos of our loyal companions. Walk-in anytime between 12-2pm with a picture of your furry friend and create a pet portrait using paints and mixed-media.
SPECIAL PARTNER EVENT
Literary Libations
May 17, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
$35/person
.
Come and join Ken Sanders Rare Books next Saturday May 17th at 3pm for a couple of drinks curated specifically to match our literary highlight.
This month we will be talking about Wallace Stegner, the “Dean of Western Writers.” Stegner grew up in Iowa, Utah, and Montana. He was san advocate of the land throughout his life, fighting against the Green River Dam’s construction in the 1950s and his “wilderness letter” also helped to introduce The National Wilderness Preservation System, a network of federally designated wilderness areas in the United States.
Join Ken Sanders, Bill Allred, and Jim Santangelo as we discuss the life of Stegner and his impact on our local community.