Join us for the second installment of Night at the Museum for this academic year — a series of monthly events for UI students that occur on Thursday nights, when the museum is open late.  

This month, we are focusing on cyanotypes! Broadly, cyanotype is a photographic printmaking process, most known for its distinctive blue hues. We'll be making the simplest variation of a cyanotype: a photogram. Photograms are made by arranging opaque or translucent items onto sensitized paper, which is then exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Whatever items are placed on the paper will block the UV rays; where the light hits, the paper will stay blue, while areas blocked by your materials will remain white.

We will have materials (sensitized cyanotype paper, UV lamps, and objects that can be used to make photograms) for students to use with the assistance of our staff. You are welcomed and encouraged to BYO materials if you have something you think would make a great photogram--lace, leaves, jewelry, or other opaque or translucent materials work best. Snacks will be provided. 

Can't make it Thursday night? Materials will also be provided in take-home bags with instructions for students wishing to make their cyanotype photograms at home (no UV lamp needed — the sun works just as well!). 

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Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. These events, called "Nights at the Museum," occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late, are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending these student events also enables students to get a stamp on their Stanley Student Challenge card, for a chance to win a prize.