Educator Workshop: The Cultural Chemistry of Maya Blue

The Maya developed a brilliant, durable blue pigment that they used for centuries to adorn works of art and architecture. Knowledge of its production was largely lost in the wake of the Spanish conquest, but researchers have since reconstructed methods to produce Maya blue. In this educator workshop, participants will uncover the chemical process that binds organic indigo dye with the mineral clay palygorskite, creating a pigment that resists weathering, acids, and time.

Professor Brian McBurnett will guide educators through interactive demonstrations and guided experiments to reveal how Maya blue is synthesized, why it has such remarkable stability, and how it connects science with history, culture, and art.

No prior chemistry background is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore the colorful intersection of art and science. Teachers earn two hours of continuing education credit and will receive a small supply kit and lesson plan to help them take the experiments back to their classrooms. Space is limited and registration is required.

Ticket Price: $20
Register: https://www.samuseum.org/events/event/educator-workshop-the-cultural-chemistry-of-maya-blue/?year=2025&month=9&day=19&hour=23&minute=0&second=0

Become a Member: https://www.samuseum.org/membership/

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• This Tuesday, 2nd September, 05:00 pm, First Tuesday: Explore The Magic Flute with OPERA San Antonio in San Antonio
• This month, 16th September, 05:30 pm, Off the Wall: A Historical Tour of the Americas in San Antonio
• This month, 17th September, 02:00 pm, Tranquility Tour in San Antonio

Also check out other Workshops in San Antonio, Arts events in San Antonio.