February 11, 2011 — Families are invited to an afternoon of fun and hands-on creativity as the University of Virginia Art Museum continues its monthly children's program, the Family Art JAM. On Feb. 27, the museum will offer "Playing with Paint: Exploring Abstract Painting" for children ages 5 to 12.

Family Art JAMs combine age-appropriate tours with hands-on art projects planned to make the museum's exhibitions accessible to young children.

This month, children will tour the museum's newest exhibition, "Excavating New Ground, American Art in the 1970s," and explore the large abstract pieces in the exhibition, including pieces by Larry Poons and Alice Baber. Following the tour, children will contribute to the creation of a large collaborative drip painting and create their own individual abstract watercolor paintings.

The Family Art JAM for 5- to 7-year-olds and their accompanying adults will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Eight- to 12-year-olds are invited to attend from 3 to 5 p.m. with an adult.

Family Art JAMs are available to museum members for $15 and to non-members for $20 for one adult with up to two children. Additional children or adults can attend for $5 each. Museum membership is available for $75 for families and $40 for seniors and U.Va. faculty and staff. Information on programs and membership levels is available at the museum's website.

To register for the Family Art JAM, call 434-243-2050 or e-mail museumoutreach@virginia.edu. The museum is located at 155 Rugby Road, one block from the Rotunda.