Interactive Family Programs Continue Into the Fall at the Ringling Museum

Sarasota, FL — August 2, 2007 — The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art introduces the fall 2007 schedule of Handz-On programs for families. 

This family experience employs exciting art making activities to make the Museum’s collections accessible and relevant to children and their families. 

Families are guided through the galleries and venues with family activity sheets that help children engage in the world of art using all of their five senses. 

Art making materials and tools corresponding with the activity are conveniently located at a mobile Exploration Station near the appropriate venue. Families can create their own art based on how they have been inspired by the Museum’s collections. 

The program is designed for children ages 5-10 and their adult partners.  It is included with the price of admission and is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3 p.m., except for holidays. There is no reservation required and guests can begin or exit the activity at anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. New activities are introduced monthly.

            The schedule is:

• August 2007 (August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 2007) – Families will investigate Impressionist paintings from the Brooklyn Museum, explore the colors and tools used by Impressionists, and then create their own impressionist-inspired painting. 
• September 2007 (September 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, 2007) – Families will inspect the exotic animals and precious objects that Baroque painters portrayed in their still-life paintings, help construct a tabletop still life, then create their own artwork with food, exotic animals, and precious objects. 
• October 2007 (October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 2007) – Families will study Ancient pottery, experiment with ceramic tools, then make and decorate their own clay pot. 
• November 2007 (November 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 2007) – Families will investigate Cuban avant-garde art, examine print making tools and materials, and make their own print. 
• December 2007 (December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, 2007) – Families will explore the architecture of the Cá d’Zan, try drawing and drafting tools, and design and construct a mosaic inspired by the Cá d’Zan.

For more information about each activity please visitwww.ringling.org or 941.359.5700.  Volunteer opportunities exist for adults interested in helping lead activities. 

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is the largest museum/university complex in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

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