U.Va. Art Museum's Family Art JAM Allows Children and Adults to Explore Exhibits and Create their Own Artworks

Nov. 6, 2006 -- Make-and-take art for families is now available on a regular basis in the University of Virginia Art Museum’s new and growing hands-on space. At the Family Art JAMs, families can explore a special exhibition or work of art with a studio instructor and then create art related to what they see and learn. These hands-on activities are for young artists, ages 4–12, and their families or caregivers. Youth ages 9–12 may work directly with studio volunteers. Intergenerational experiences are encouraged.  Refreshments will be provided.

The Nov. 11 Family Art JAM, “Exploring Aboriginal Art,” will be held in conjunction with the museum's special exhibition, “New Dreams for Old: Australian Aboriginal Art from the Kluge-Ruhe Collections,” on view Nov. 4 – Dec. 21. Children and their families will look at paintings and sculptures in the exhibition with a studio instructor, and will discuss how contemporary Aboriginal artists incorporate ritual artmaking, traditional painting and drawing styles, and stories of old into their artwork. They will then use what they learn to create a painting or drawing of their own.

Participants will also have the chance to contribute to a large-scale collaborative group painting.
The Family Art JAMs take place in the museum’s galleries and in the new Education Resource Center on the mezzanine. The museum is located at 155 Rugby Road, and parking is available along Bayly Drive as well as in the parking lots across from the museum and near Culbreth Hall.

The Family Art JAM, from 1-3 p.m., is $3 for museum members, which covers one adult and 1–2 children; $10 for non-members; $2 for each additional child or adult. Families may join the museum at the door.

Reservations are required. Call the Education Office at (434) 243-2050 or museumoutreach@virginia.edu by Nov. 10. Drop-ins will be accommodated, if space is available.

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