Exhibition artist Beau McCall returns to the West Coast and the Museum of Craft and Design on the closing day of Beau McCall: Buttons On! to lead a hands-on, drop-in workshop where you’ll transform Levi’s denim into eye-catching, button-forward brooches and pins. Come by for a few minutes or stay the whole time—there’s no formal agenda, just creative freedom. Join us at the end of the workshop for an informal runway show featuring participant-made pieces!

Everything about Beau’s practice is intentional. He beautifully uses buttons as a medium to explore systemic issues of race, economics, and social justice. Much of his wearable work features a denim backing—a material choice that is both symbolic and practical. Denim references America’s history of systemic racism, once worn by enslaved people forced into labor, while also providing the strength needed to support the accumulating weight of buttons.

This is a rare chance to meet and create alongside the Button Man himself and see the exhibition before it closes. All materials are provided, but we welcome you to bring your own buttons to add a personal touch. Any unused or leftover buttons will be donated to Beau for future projects.

In-kind support for this workshop has been generously provided by Levi Strauss & Co.

Limited seats available, registration highly encouraged. Museum admission is free with workshop registration.

Adults $10, Seniors and Students $8, Children 12 and under free. MCD Members are always free!