April 2, 2012 — Families are invited to an afternoon of fun and hands-on creativity at the University of Virginia Art Museum's monthly children's program, the Family Art JAM. On April 21 and 22, the museum will offer four sessions of "Mini Masterpieces in Gouache and Gold" for children ages 5 to 12.

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

This month's program will focus on the "The Adoration of the Magi" by Bartolo di Fredi. The 14th-century altarpiece stood in one of the major churches of Siena, Italy, until it was dismantled at the turn of the 19th century. The three remaining pieces have been reunited and are on view at the museum.

After a discussion of the rich detail of the altarpiece, participants will paint in gouache and egg tempera on wooden panels, and use gold foil and wood tools to impress designs into the surface of their 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 one or two children. Additional children or adults can attend for $5 each. Limited need-based scholarships are available; inquire at registration.

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 email museumoutreach@virginia.edu. The museum is located at 155 Rugby Road, one block from the Rotunda.