2 Buildings + 5 Inaugural Exhibitions = Loads of Family Fun

November 7 marks the reopening of East Building and introduces our visitors to new spaces with art and great programming, including music, storytelling, performances, and more!

Children's Performances Begin

The Children’s Performance Series kicks off its 2010–2011 season on October 9. These lively shows feature puppetry, music, and theater one Saturday a month through April. Performances are Saturdays at 11 am and 1 pm in the Museum Auditorium in East Building. Tickets ($3; free for Family-level members and above) are available through the Museum Box Office.

Come early or stay late, and celebrate each performance with free drop-in crafts in the Education Lobby, 11 am–3 pm.

Upcoming performances

October 9
Little “Bread” Hen with Barefoot Puppets

November 13
A Show of Virtues with Grey Seal Puppets

Continuing Family Programs

Preschool Playshops: “What's in the Box?”

This popular program continues through the fall for 2- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers. If you are looking for ways to help preschoolers experience the Museum, check out “What’s in the Box?”. Children can meet a new work of art twice each month. Through play they learn about the Museum and collect pictures of art “friends” they meet. Space is limited. Sign up on the day of the program; first come, first served.

October 14: Follow the Thread
October 28: Express Yourself
November 18: Something Fishy

Family Fun Saturdays
Ages 4–84+
10 am and 1 pm

NEW! By popular demand, we have added afternoon sessions! Create projects, discover one another’s creativity, and learn about art with your family.

October 2: It’s about Time
October 16: Rock On
October 23: NCMA Rulers
October 30: Witches and Spiders and Vampires, Oh, My!
November 6: A Sticky Situation
November 20: A Banner Day

Museum on the Move: Family-Friendly Events in the Community

The Art Hour

Saturday, November 6, 2:30 pm
Cameron Village Regional Library
1930 Clark Ave., Raleigh

Saturday, November 13, 2 pm
East Regional Library
946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale

Inspired by the Fins and Feathers and American Chronicles exhibitions, children and their families will learn about the art in stories and the stories in art, and then create a picture-book-inspired masterpiece. Ages 4 and up. Space is limited. To register call Cameron Village Regional Library at (919) 856-6723 or East Regional Library at (919) 217-5316.

Trailmarkers in the Museum Park

As the weather cools a bit, why not visit the Museum Park and take A Closer Look! A new project features 12 metal plaques installed along the paths and trails, each with an illustration of animals and plants native to North Carolina. Create rubbings of the images using a crayon and paper, or just enjoy. A self-guided art and nature walk featuring the Trailmarkers is available online or at the West Building Information Desk, and rubbing kits are available for purchase in the Museum Store.

Coming Soon!

Starting in December
Weekend Family Tours
Saturdays and Sundays, 2 pm

Join us in the galleries for a lively discussion and activity created for families with children ages 5 and up. No reservations necessary.

A "Looking Together" Activity

Explore and have fun with art from the Museum's collection.

Families looked at Ogromna in the Museum Park during the “What’s in the Box?” Cracks and Lines program in September. On your next visit, take a closer look at this work of art.

How many different kinds of lines can you find in this sculpture?
Walk up close and try to figure out how the lines were made.

Tip for caregivers:

Lines may be straight or curved. They can go up and down, side to side, at angles, or in a circle, and they can wiggle all around. Find objects in the Museum you like, and try to identify the different lines you see.

Talk with your child about:

Describe the lines you see. Pretend to draw them in the air. Look for lines in other places. Look up, look down, look at things that are built and things found in nature. How many different lines can you find?

Quick Links

Museum Home
Museum Calendar
Museum Expansion
Museum Park
Museum Store Online

Family programs are sponsored by:

WakeMed Children’s
Crabtree Kids' Club
Target
Prudential

Images

Main body:
Little "Bread" Hen, Barefoot Puppets
Family Fun Saturday at the Museum
Trailmarker in the Museum Park

Sidebar:
Ursula von Rydingsvard, Ogromna, 2009, cedar, graphite, H. 20 ft. 7 in. x W. 12 ft. 4 in. x D. 11 ft. 8 in., Commissioned by the North Carolina Museum of Art with funds from the North Carolina State Art Society (Robert F. Phifer Bequest)