Teen Drop-In: Behind the Scenes with Christopher Payne

Build your design toolkit! Teen Drop-In is a series of free, drop-in workshops for high school students exploring techniques, strategies, and careers in design. No prior experience required—just bring yourself and a creative mindset.

Join us for a special opportunity to meet Christopher Payne, the photographer behind the new exhibition Made in America. Enjoy a tour of the exhibition and take part in a photo scavenger hunt. Together, we’ll explore how design and photography connect to shape meaningful stories.

Teen Drop-In programs are developed for teens only; no adults are permitted.

Made in America brings together more than 70 large-format photographs captured by Christopher Payne over a decade-long photographic journey to learn more about the craft of both industrial and artisanal making in the United States. His images celebrate the combination of human skill and mechanical precision that transform raw materials into objects as diverse as pencils, semiconductors, pianos, and rockets.

• Format: This in-person program will be a hands-on design drop-in workshop and tour (stay for as little or as much time as you like). No previous design experience is required. All materials are included.

• About the space: This program will take place in the galleries and in Cooper Hewitt’s Lecture Room on the ground floor of the museum. It is fully wheelchair accessible. There will be group seating at tables. There is an accessible restroom on the same floor. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.

• Accommodations: If we can provide services to support your participation, email us at [email protected]. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date.

Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Generous support is also provided by the Smithsonian Institution’s Together We Thrive initiatives.

Info: Check in for Teen Drop-In in the lobby of the museum. You may arrive at any time, but the group will begin a tour with Christopher Payne at 4:45 PM on the 2nd floor.

Info: A selection of digital and polaroid cameras will be available. Students will be challenged to compose their own images in groups.

Info: Time to regroup, upload, and share our images!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 East 91st Street, New York, United States

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