Teen Open Studio: Needle Felting as a Coping Skill

Hanging on for a safe pink day, MC, 2026 Admission Free · No registration required Location TAM Studio, Tacoma Art Museum Many artists use materials and colors to process emotions. David Hytone’s exhibition, currently on view at Tacoma Art Museum, touches on this approach: “The compartmentalization used as a coping mechanism in my day-to-day dovetails all too well with society’s normalization of the latest tragic headline.” —David Hytone Navigating rigid social expectations alongside the seasonal shift into darker winter days places a heavy emotional load on teenagers. Needle felting offers a direct, hands-on way to work through those pressures. Why needle felting works as a coping skill Vibrant Color Therapy: As daylight hours shrink and seasonal affective shifts kick in, working directly with rich, highly saturated, tactile colors (sun-warmed yellows, vibrant corals, deep forest greens) provides a rich sensory counterweight to gray winter afternoons. Sensory Grounding: Working with soft, natural wool engages tactile senses, pulling teens out of anxious thought loops and into the present moment. Art prompts for needle felting “Pick three colors that represent the warmth or energy you miss most during dark winter days.” “Notice the sound and resistance as the needle enters the foam. How does it feel to physically push against that resistance?” Know before you go: Drop in anytime from 5–7pm. All materials are provided. This program takes place during Free Thursday Neighborhood Nights, when admission to TAM is free from 5–8pm. For accessibility information, see Accessibility at TAM → About the Series Teen Open Studio Teen Open Studio is a relaxed, creative space where teens can explore and express themselves through art. Participants have access to a variety of materials and receive supportive guidance from teaching artists and museum educators. Whether teens are working on personal projects, experimenting with new techniques, or trying art for the first time, the studio offers a welcoming environment for creative exploration, self-expression, and peer connection, encouraging artistic risk-taking, collaboration, and skill-building in a safe space to grow confidence. Learn more about Teen Open Studio → Related Exhibition Project NW: David Hytone → Teen Open Studio is generously supported by Tacoma Creates. • Get involved • Love what’s happening at TAM? Explore membership and other ways to support art and artists in Tacoma. Explore MembershipDonate Today