April 17, 2014

Amherst, Mass. - The Mead Art Museum at Amherst College hosts free Family Fun Days on the third Saturday of every month. Drop-in hours are from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., with a 1 p.m. gallery talk that includes a picture-book reading related to a monthly theme. The Family Fun Day theme this Saturday, April 19, is spring and nature, which will be presented in art-looking and art-making activities intended for children ages 3+ with their guardian.  

"Families are always welcome at the museum," said Elizabeth Barker, director at the Mead. "But on Family Fun Days, we make it extra special, with our volunteer college students doing crafts with the kids and reading them art-related story books."   

This Saturday, in conjunction with the spring and nature theme, children will look at some of the Mead's landscape paintings, particularly looking for signs of spring in various landscapes from around the world.

Family Fun Days have been taking place at the Mead for a number of years. Earlier this year, they became a regular monthly event, largely because of their growing popularity.  

"Everyone loves the fact that they're free," said Barker. "Plus the Mead is such a family-friendly museum. Just last year we began offering tote bags filled with dress-up clothes and activities for kids to use while they're in the museum on any day they happen to visit. We're thrilled to be able to give families a fun place to spend time together."

All are welcome to attend Family Fun Day this Saturday, April 19, anytime from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No registration is required. Like all events at the Mead, Family Fun Days are free and open to the public.