U.Va. Art Museum Family Program Explores African Masks

October 6, 2010 — 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 Oct. 17, the museum will offer "Exploring African Masks, Part II" for children ages 5 to 12.

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

This month children will have the opportunity to view traditional masks from West and Central Africa in the exhibition "African Art: Beyond the Modernist Lens," and discuss their role in African culture. Building on a program last spring that focused on masks of human forms, this program will focus on the animalistic masks in the exhibition. The children will explore the various materials used to create these intricate pieces, and use self-drying clay, beads, shells and raffia to create their own stylized masks.

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 $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 $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 send an 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.

— By Jane Ford

Media Contact