August 28, 2009 — Children are invited to bring grown-ups to an afternoon of fun and hands-on creativity when the University of Virginia Art Museum re-opens with a continuation of its popular children's programming, the Family Art JAM. On Sept. 20, the museum will offer "An Eye for Detail: Jefferson's Architecture Up Close" for children ages 5 to 12.

The Family Art JAMs combine age-appropriate tours with hands-on art projects carefully planned to make the museum's exhibitions accessible to young children. After an introduction to the architecture of the Greeks and Romans, and the work of 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, participants will tour the museum's exhibition, "Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village: The Creation of an Architectural Masterpiece," and get a firsthand look at Jefferson's drawings and plans for the University of Virginia as it took shape in the early 1800s.

Following their tour of the exhibition and a lesson in the use of simple cameras, children journey to the Lawn to document their observations on a treasure hunt for architectural details in Jefferson's Academical Village.

Activities for 5- to 7-year-olds will be from 1 to 3 p.m., and for 7- to 12-year-olds from 3 to 5 p.m. Children must be accompanied by adults.

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 as little as $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 Web site.

To register for the Family Art JAM, call 434-243-2050 or send 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.