FOR FAMILIES
Family Programs
We have a variety of offerings designed for children and caregivers with a focus on exploring creativity and creating attachment to the Museum. Check the calendar for current in-person family programming. Check our calendar for the latest in-person family programs.
KIDS MAKER FEST 2023
The Akron Art Museum is excited to announce Kids Maker Fest on Sunday, December 3, 2023 for young entrepreneurs. We are currently accepting applications for vendors who are 18 years old and under who make, create, craft and now want to SELL!
The journey of entrepreneurship looks different for everyone – so we encourage students who are just starting out and those with established businesses to apply. This event will attract attendees from throughout the entire Northeastern Ohio region for this fun and exciting community event.
All products must be primarily self-made by the student, as reselling is not allowed.
Students will be provided with a table & chair, all other “day of” items will be the responsibility of the student vendor including but not limited to: product, tablecloth, cashbox with change, display items, signage, etc.
Student vendors who are 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the market.
Due to current restrictions, food-based businesses will not be accepted for this event. Please contact Jessica Dragar from Young Entrepreneur Institute at jdragar@us.edu and she will connect you with other opportunities that may be a better fit.
Applications are due by November 1, 2023 with notice of acceptance November 12, 2023.
Please be thorough in your description, pictures help us to make better determination whether your product is appropriate for this event. Please email photos to jwright@akronartmuseum.org“
FAMILY DAYS
Looking for some family friendly fun? Come down to the Museum and see what our various Family Days have to offer! Every year, the Museum hosts six drop-in style Family Day events for children of all ages (and their grown-ups). These large-scale events are generally organized in a way that invites families to move around and participate in creation stations & local partners/vendors tables as they enjoy that day’s theme at their own pace.
Family Days take place primarily on Sunday afternoons from 11am-3pm and are FREE to the public. Registration requested.
MESS MAKERS
Park the stroller and wander over to learn, play, and explore creation stations designed with the messiest kids in mid. Each session is a new adventure with the freedom to investigate various materials, techniques, and textures. Dress for a mess and artistic success. Art smocks provided. Recommended for ages 0-5. Registration is required. Free for member households/$15 for non-member households.
Mess Makers occurs on the third Wednesday of the month from 11am-1pm September through May.
AFTER SCHOOL OPEN STUDIO
This monthly event will be offered during the post-school afternoon hours and will lead participants through a guided art making experience centered on a specific method or material. Takes place on free Thursday. Registration requested (unless stated otherwise – some sessions, based on the art making activity, may have required registration). Grown-ups can stay and create or visit the galleries on their own, but must remain in the building.
After School Open Studio is a free program and occurs the first Thursday of each month from 4pm-6pm September through May.
CAMP CREATIVE
Missing art class during the summer? Or just looking for some more summer fun? Head down to Camp Creative and explore themed art exploration days at the Museum. You’ll enjoy guided artistic experiences as you create and play outdoors alongside an art educator. Every two weeks, there will be new materials and techniques to discover as you sharpen your creative skills through making messes and working together to solve artistic problems. Dress for a mess and artistic success! Art smocks provided. Camp Creative sessions will be offered the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the summer months (June-August) from 11am-1pm. Camp Creative is intended for children aged 5-12 (siblings welcome). Drop in any time during the two-hour window. Grown-ups can stay and create or visit the galleries on their own, but must remain in the building.
Free for member households/$15 for non-member households.
OPEN STUDIO
No crowds, no rush, no experience, or registration required. The Museum invites you to explore the new Open Studio in the lobby. A space designed for all ages.
Whether you’re a serious artist or just looking for a laid-back space to explore, Open Studio offers something for everyone. From sensory play areas for babies, to the messy materials school-age kids adore, and even art for adults.
Move freely between a wide range of inspiring materials, spending as little or as much time as you like. Along with special, featured activities, you will also find rotating areas devoted to clay, drawing, painting, printmaking, beading, collage, construction, and more.
Open Studio is creativity on your schedule.
AAM At Home offers many types of resources
STUDIO PROJECTS
#TryThis: Pipecleaner Prints
Pipecleaners can make an interesting repeat geometric pattern for prints. What You Need: paper, cardboard, pipecleaners, and ink Try this?
Virtual Family Day: Mark-Making
Everyone wants to make their mark on life. Learning to express yourself on paper is one way to do just that. Explore many ways to make your own mark
Virtual Family Day: Bookmaking Bonanza
Try your hand at making simple books and book-related objects. This month we have bookmaking tutorials plus some options for turning out artful bookmarks.
#TryThis: Vinyl Decal Callograph
Vinyl is durable and easy to cut. It makes for an easy way to do repetitive patterns. What You Need cardboard, vinyl, ink, a roller, paper Try this?
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#TryThis: Drawing Tools
Drawing from life is easiest with items at hand, like drawing utensils. What You Need paper and writing utensils Try This? Take your time to draw something at hand. Try it over and over.
GAMES
Doodlebug: An Interactive Game
Following along on a tour through the Akron Art Museum with Doodlebug, the art loving bug. During your visit, you’ll get the chance to meet four different paintings from the Museum’s collection and ask them questions about themselves and their makers.
Art Bingo
Wandering around museum galleries can be relaxing and recharging. But sometimes, you might want to add a level of play. This simple Bingo card invites you to look close and enjoy the surprises. Play with a friend or against a family member. Print this card to bring with you or to use why you explore the online galleries.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESOURCES ABOUT ART
George G. Adomeit’s First Snow
Stay warm while you explore this snowy scene from home by George Gustav Adomeit, (Memel, Germany, 1879 – 1967, Cleveland, Ohio). First Snow from 1933 is a Linocut on paper (Gift of Dr. Roy G. Pearce, 1947.8)
Lee Bontecou’s Untitled
Explore Lee Bontecou’s mixed media relief sculpture from 1966 (Gift of Leo Castelli, Castelli Galleries, 1974.122).
