Health is a Puzzle Mural in Miner's Plaza

educational programs

At the Museum of Friends, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement through the power of art, culture, and education. Our programs aim to inspire learners of all ages by connecting them to the arts, community, and cultural heritage in meaningful and impactful ways.

education at mof

Since 2008 and the launch of the first school tour program, the Museum of Friends (MoF) has been a cornerstone of educational innovation in Huerfano County, proudly introducing the county’s first STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) K-12 programming through School Tours and the Summer STEAM Program.

Through immersive and hands-on experiences, MoF has empowered students to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively, fostering connections to their community, cultural heritage, and the broader world. For over a decade, MoF’s STEAM programming has enriched the educational landscape of Huerfano County, using art as a transformative tool to inspire curiosity and create meaningful learning opportunities. These programs have not only shaped a generation of learners but also established a model for integrating creativity with interdisciplinary education.

explore current programs (Book Online)

Explore our 2025 offerings below:

k-12 programs

School Tour Program (August to May): Experience hands-on learning through interactive tours that integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) principles into engaging activities tailored to student needs.
STEAM on Fridays: Art Lab (June to Mid-August): A dynamic weekly program that combines art, technology, and science in creative projects designed for young learners.

adult and community programs

Our educational initiatives go beyond K-12. MoF offers adults opportunities for creative exploration, development, and community engagement through public programs and events.

Visit our Events Page for more details on upcoming programs and events.

K-12 STEAM Program Page

healing through art

The Museum of Friends is proud to offer Healing Through Art, an ongoing community program that uses creativity as a restorative practice to support well-being, connection, and self-expression.

Founded in 2008, Healing Through Art brings together artists, facilitators, and community members for workshops and outreach activities that integrate art-making, mindfulness, and dialogue as tools for personal growth and collective healing.

Through programs such as visual journaling, Reiki and energy arts, mindfulness-based creative sessions, and youth art collaborations, participants explore creativity as a path toward emotional resilience, self-awareness, and community connection.

Over the years, Healing Through Art has grown into a cornerstone of MoF’s mission — demonstrating how the arts can foster empathy, strengthen belonging, and revitalize rural life through shared creative experiences.

mof's educational
legacy

a legacy of achievement

Since 2006, MoF has made educational innovation and community engagement the cornerstone of its mission. Through its STEAM programming, MoF has accomplished the following:

Pioneering STEAM Education Opportunities:
MoF introduced groundbreaking STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) program opportunities for K-12 instructors in Huerfano County. Through collaborative school tours, MoF continues to provide hands-on projects that reveal the connections between these disciplines, partnering with educators to integrate art and STEAM concepts into classrooms in meaningful ways.
Fostering Community and Civic Pride:
By engaging students in activities rooted in local history, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship, MoF inspires a deeper appreciation for Huerfano County and encourages young people to see themselves as active contributors to their community.
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Learning:
MoF empowers students to use creativity as a tool for reflection, problem-solving, and personal growth—skills they carry forward as they shape their futures.

STEAM programming 2008-2023

early childhood creativity program

Ages: Pre-School to Age 5
Description: Young learners explored painting, drawing, storytelling, literacy, simple math skills, and movement activities inspired by the museum’s exhibitions.

STEAM on fridays: art lab

Ages: 5-17
Description: Hands-on projects connected art and science through activities like "Birds Make Flight," "Murals and Math," and "The Art of Seeing."

friday art lab with intergenerational service learning

Ages: 5-17
Description: Students collaborated with community members on projects like the "Adopt a Planter Box" initiative, fostering civic pride and intergenerational connection.

head start and kindergarten outreach program

Ages: 4-6
Description: Museum educators partnered with teachers to design hands-on art activities tailored to student needs, fostering creativity and early learning.

program fees and schedule

Fees: $5.00 per student (scholarships and fee reductions available based on need).
Schedule: Programs were typically held twice weekly or on Fridays from May through Summer, with additional activities during the school year.