Special to The Leader

ORANGE — Children, ages five and under and their grown-ups are invited to come and play at the Stark Museum of Art. Six playdates, each with a different theme are scheduled throughout 2016! Each playdate offers a special opportunity for the children and their grown-ups to learn together in the Museum. These child-sized sessions include gallery play, interactive looking experiences, and art studio visits.

Art studio visits introduce new art materials each playdate, and are designed for children and grown-ups to work together to create special memories and a life-long love of learning. Each playdate includes a story time that encourages early literacy skills and the opportunity to look in the galleries. Grown-ups can enjoy making art with their little ones without being responsible for the mess!

The first unique playdate, All About That Face, is scheduled for February 19, 2016 from 10-11am and features the book, All About Faces by LaZoo. The participants will discover art using their eyes, ears, mouth and nose. During this one hour program, families can look at art, play, make things, and learn together in the museum. Each playdate will feature a different work of art. They can look for faces in the galleries and create their own self-portrait.

Studies have found that children who visit museums early in life are more likely to continue to visit museums throughout their lives and have increased self-motivation to learn. Art museums specifically offer children an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary informal learning and foster a sense of creativity. During Stark Museum of Art Playdates, families will engage in hands-on learning opportunities including storytelling, imaginative play, and art making activies with an emphasis on building fine motor skills that are designed to increase school readiness.

Playdates are offered every other month and alternate between Fridays and Saturdays. Visitfacebook.com/starkmuseum and starkmuseum.org to learn more about upcoming playdates and themes, and to save your space. Limited space available. Included with admission. SCV Members are free.

Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Avenue in Orange, Texas, and is open
Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit starkmuseum.org.