Other art-making activities include mosaics tiles and necklace pendants, punch needle, painted mini flower pots, beaded keychains, friendship bracelets, Kindness Rocks, smash book journals, mindfulness art, and much more!
Group Events at Wheelhouse Studios
With a group of eight or more, Wheelhouse Studios offers the perfect place for registered student organizations (RSO), academic departments, local nonprofits, corporations, and groups of friends to host a private event. An art-making activity is beneficial for community or team building, and is a fun, unique way to celebrate birthdays, bachelorette parties, and more. Our talented teaching artists will guide your group through all of the steps of your project. We are also happy to accommodate virtual group events!
The minimum for many group event projects is eight participants, but select projects are available for groups of at least four. If your group is fewer than four participants, please email Wheelhouse for DIY options. Please note, all individuals in your group must be over the age of 18 to participate. Occasionally, we can host high school groups with chaperones.
Thank you for your interest in a group event at Wheelhouse! We are fully booked for summer 2025. We will reopen our inquiry form later this summer for fall group events.
Want your event catered by Wisconsin Union Catering?
Groups under 20 attendees can choose from the pick-up menu. Groups of 20 or more can choose from these breakfast, lunch, or dinner options. The Memorial Union also has dining options such as the Rathskellar, Strada, and Carte that your group can enjoy before or after your event.
Group Event Projects
After submitting your inquiry form, the Wheelhouse Program Manager will help find the perfect art-making activity for your group. Prices typically range between $15 - $35 per person. Food and drinks can be added for an additional fee. Here are a few examples of past group projects.
Ceramic Trays (Set of Two)
Want to get your hands into clay? Create two of these fun hand-built trays that can store jewelry, keys, and more. Note: This project requires a second visit to Wheelhouse to pick up your finished piece after it is glazed.
Cost: UW-Madison Students $35 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $40 | General Public: $42
Recommended Group Size: 4–10 Participants
Collage Art
Enjoy a guided team-building experience with our trained facilitator to learn more about yourself and the other people in your group. You’ll enjoy creating a collage and then reflecting on how it represents you.
Cost: UW-Madison Students: $8 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $12 | General Public: $15
Recommended Group Size: 8-100+ Participants
Colorful Glass Art
Learn how to cut glass and design with different glass elements while creating a gorgeous, textural masterpiece. The final art is 7x7 inches and can be displayed on an easel or framed to hang on a wall. Notes: Display easels are included! This project requires a second visit to Wheelhouse to pick up your finished piece after it is fired in the kiln.
Cost: UW-Madison Students $40 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $43 | General Public: $45
Recommended Group Size: 4–10 Participants
Fused Glass Coasters (Set of Two)
Design your own set of glass coasters to keep or give as a gift. Protective eyewear will be provided as you cut some glass. Note: This project requires a second visit to Wheelhouse to pick up your finished piece 1-2 weeks after firing.
Cost: UW-Madison Students: $25 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $28 | General Public: $30
Recommended Group Size: 4–10 Participants
Ink Flow Tiles
Let it go with ink flow! In this group project, you’ll drip vibrant ink and move it around to create beautiful abstract scenes. This project can be completed on tiles or on paper.
Cost: UW-Madison Students $15 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $18 | General Public: $20
Recommended Group Size: 8–16 Participants
Intuitive Abstract Painting
Experience creative freedom! You will be guided through this exploratory process by our trained staff. This project is ideal for team building, personal exploration, or just trying something new. Suitable for all skill levels.
Cost: UW-Madison Students: $18 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $22 | General Public: $25
Recommended Group Size: 8–16 in one of our studios, or 16–100 in another Union room
Painted Clay Vases
Want to sculpt with your hands? Try this relaxing project using “quick-drying” clay. Your bottle or vase can be taken home with you the same day; no kiln firing required.
Cost: UW-Madison Students: $20 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $22 | General Public: $25
Recommended Group Size: 8–16 in one of our studios, or 16–50 in another Union room
Painted Vinyl Records
Create your own one-of-a-kind decor! Hand-painted vinyl records look beautiful on a wall or shelf.
Cost: UW-Madison Students: $10 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $14 | General Public: $16
Recommended Group Size: 8-100+ Participants
Painting - Acrylic or Watercolor
Acrylic Painting:
Acrylic painting can be done on a regular-size canvas (12’’ x 16’’) or a mini (4” x 4”) canvas. Completing a regular-size acrylic painting takes about two hours and a mini acrylic painting takes about an hour.
Cost: (Regular Canvas): UW-Madison Students: $25 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $30 | General Public: $35
Recommended Group Size: 8-30 Participants
Cost (Mini Canvas): UW-Madison Students $15 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $18 | General Public: $20
Recommended Group Size: 8-100+ Participants
Watercolor Painting:
Learn watercolor painting skills and create your own work of art to take home. We can paint from a blank sheet or paint a pre-printed sheet.
Cost (Blank Sheet): UW-Madison Students: $10 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $12| General Public: $15
Recommended Group Size: 8-30 Participants
Cost (Pre-printed Sheet): UW-Madison Students: $10 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $12| General Public: $15
Recommended Group Size: 8-100+ Participants
Wood Burning
Wood burning is the HOTTEST group project around! Create designs on wood using a wood-burning tool. This group project takes between an hour to an hour and a half.
Cost: UW-Madison Students $15 | Faculty/Staff/Union Members: $18 | General Public: $20
Recommended Group Size: 8–16 Participants