TUcson presidio museum
Workshops
Experience history and heritage up close!
Cochineal Workshop
Saturday, October 10th
11 am- 1 pm
$20 member | $30 general
Have you ever wondered about the white fluff found on prickly pear cactus? Join Andrew Lettes, the Sonoran Scientist, for a hands-on workshop that uncovers the interesting world of cochineal. This tiny insect is indigenous to the Southwest and Mexico. It produces a vibrant red or purple dye that has been used for thousands of years to dye both wool and cotton fibers. Program participants will learn the rich history and interesting science of cochineal. Everyone will experiment with cochineal to achieve different colors, paint with various shades, and take home a hand-dyed cochineal friendship bracelet kit.
Tohono O’odham Fry Bread Workshop
Thursday, October 22nd
11 am- 1 pm
$55 member | $65 general
Join Sherrie Cruz of Sheri’s Traditional Foods to learn the art of making Tohono O’odham frybread. A beloved staple, frybread is both delicious and versatile. It can be enjoyed as a sweet treat topped with honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon, or as the base for hearty dishes like red chili or savory tacos with heaps of beans, beef, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Participants will learn how to prepare the dough, shape it, and safely fry it to a golden brown color.
Paper Flowers & Crowns Making Workshop
Sunday, October 25th
10 am- 11:30 am & 1 pm- 2:30 pm
$15 member | $20 general
Join historian and archaeologist Homer Thiel to explore the history of ofrendas and the role paper crowns played in Tucson’s mortuary customs. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to craft paper flowers and crowns—perfect for wearing at the All Souls Procession. All materials will be provided.
Handmade Tortillas Workshop
Saturday, November 7th
11 am- 1 pm
$30 member | $35 general
Discover the art of making fresh, flour tortillas in this hands-on workshop! Participants will learn the techniques of mixing, kneading, shaping, and cooking flour tortillas from scratch.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll leave with practical knowledge, fresh tortillas to enjoy, and the recipes to recreate them at home. All materials and ingredients are provided.
Tohono O’odham Utilitarian Vessel Pottery Workshop
Thursday, November 12th
11 am- 1 pm
$15 member | $20 general
Join Tohono O’odham potter, Kathleen Vance, as she teaches how to make traditional utilitarian vessels. Using all natural white clay that she personally digs and prepares, Kathleen will guide participants through the paddle-and-anvil method, demonstrating how to shape the vessel’s walls with hand rolled coils. Each participant will be provided with enough clay to create their own clay pot gathered and cleaned by Kathleen herself.
*Note*: The Presidio Museum is not able to fire pottery on site. Instructions will be provided for firing or air drying at home.
Holiday Cards Workshop
Sunday, December 13th
1 pm- 3 pm
$15 member | $20 general
Get into the holiday spirit at the Presidio! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create four unique holiday cards. Artist John Gates will lead you through the process of creating two watercolor designs. Then Homer Thiel will teach you a paper cutting technique to craft two additional cards. All materials will be provided.