March 6, 2008 — Make-and-take art for families is now regularly available in the University of Virginia Art Museum's new and growing hands-on space. During Art JAMs, families may explore one of the museum's exhibitions or works of art along with a studio instructor, and then create art related to what they saw and learned. Designed for children ages 4 to 12 and their families, Art JAMs allow kids to interact with art, and bring out the artist in themselves.

The March 22 Family Art JAM, "Mosaics: Exploring the Museum's Ancient Art Collection," is associated with the museum's Ancient Mediterranean art collection, which includes a Roman mosaic, "Bird in Foliage," which dates to the fifth or sixth century. Children and their families will investigate portions of the exhibition with studio instructors, focusing on a few of the basic elements of art, and then use what they learn to create a mosaic of their own.

The Family Art JAMs will take place in the museum's galleries and new Education Resource Center on the mezzanine. Sessions are limited to 14 children and their families, for a total of 25 persons.

The program is open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for 4- to 7-year-olds and their families, and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for 7- to 12-year-olds and their families. The cost is $5 for a member and up to two children, $12 for a non-member and up to two children, and $2 for each additional child. Reservations are required; call (434) 243-2050. Drop-ins are permitted if space is available.

For reservations, call (434) 243-2050 or e-mail museumoutreach@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia Art Museum is located at 155 Rugby Road, a short distance from the Rotunda. Free parking for this event will be available in A6 parking lot across the street from the museum.

The University of Virginia Art Museum is open to the public, free of charge, Tuesdays through Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call (434) 924-3592 or visit www.virginia.edu/artmuseum.