Family Art JAM on Oct. 19 at the U.Va. Art Museum

October 7, 2008 — The University of Virginia Art Museum continues its popular children's programming, the Family Art JAM, on Oct. 19, with "Paper Collage, Abstraction and Movement: Exploring the El Lissitzky Exhibition." Children and their parents or caretakers are invited to come for an afternoon of fun and hands-on creativity in the newly refurbished Pine Gallery.

El Lissitzky was an early 20th-century Russian futurist whose bright colors and geometric shapes appeal to children of all ages. The museum is exhibiting his work in a room painted and constructed in Lissitzky's style by contemporary artist Hideyo Okamura. By incorporating the architectural details of the room and moving from two to three dimensions, Okamura's installation makes Lissitzky's work come to life for children.

After a docent-lead tour of the exhibit, children and their parents will create their own paper collage influenced by Lissitzky.

Participants will also be treated to a special improvisational performance by a group of dancers and musicians from the McGuffey Art Center. Brad Stoller, who leads a group of dancers practicing contact improvisation, frequently works with both children and adults in a collaborative setting. By participating in the performance, young dancers will have the opportunity to create their own living abstract compositions. To enhance their compositions, participants are encouraged to wear Lissitzky's preferred colors to the Family Art JAM: white, black, red, yellow and gray.

The Family Art JAM for 4- to 7-year-olds and their caretakers or parents will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Seven- to 12-year-olds are invited to attend from 3 to 5 p.m. with their parent or caretaker.

The Family Art JAMs are available to museum members for $10 for one adult with one or two children and to non-members for $20. Additional children or adults can attend for $3 each.

Museum membership is available for as little as $60 for families and $35 for individuals.

Information on programs and membership levels is available at the museum's Web site.

To register for the Family Art JAM, call 434-243-2050 or send e-mail to museumoutreach@virginia.edu. The museum is located at 155 Rugby Road, a short walk from the Rotunda, across the street from Madison Bowl.

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