Young people and their families are invited to discover images of mythical animals and far-away lands during the Cogan Family Foundation Vacation Week Adventures at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), from Monday, February 15 through Friday, February 19. A wide range of fun, hands-on activities featuring animals in art, from mythical beasts to colonial pets, is offered throughout the Museum. Visitors can explore masterpieces on a tour especially for families or participate in an interactive performance or workshop. A number of opportunities are also available for kids to make their own art, including mastering the ancient technique of sancai %u2015egg and spinach%u2016 painting and glazing (named for the green, yellow, and white colors used) or creating mythical beasts out of clay.
The MFA’s Vacation Week Adventures, which run daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are free for children 17 and younger with paid adult admission and do not require registration. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available all day on Wednesday, February 17. For more information, visitors can view the calendar section of the Museum’s website, www.mfa.org.
FREE SCHOOL VACATION WEEK ACTIVITIES
Interactive Performance: African Animals
Monday, February 15 – Friday, February 19
11:30 a.m. (ASL interpreted Wednesday)
African Gallery
Children are invited to listen to and take part in exotic fairy-tales and fables from the African wildlife safari performed by MFA educators. Families can drop in for one reading or stay for the entire hour.
Family Gallery Tour
Monday, February 15 – Friday, February 19
12:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted Wednesday)
Meet at Sharf Information Center
Designed especially for families, this gallery tour will explore the mythical beasts, surprising pets, and amazing animals found in the American galleries. Family tours are 30 minutes in duration
Kung Fu Lion Dancing
Monday, February 15 – Friday, February 19
1:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted Wednesday)
Riley Seminar Room
Local dance troupe Woo Ching White Crane will lead families on a mythical journey through China to learn about the ancient art of lion dancing. This energetic tradition incorporates costumes, musical instruments, and martial arts. Families are invited to practice the kung fu steps and try on the lion costume after the performance.
Art Making: Where the White Things Are
Monday, February 15 – Friday, February 19
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
European Gallery
The spectacular, life-sized porcelain creatures made for a European king will be the inspiration for this project highlighting the color white. Kids are encouraged to use a wide variety of materials–from pipe cleaners and wire to Styrofoam and cotton balls–to recreate a %u2015porcelain%u2016 animal of their own.
Art Making: Mythic Murals
Monday, February 15 – Friday, February 19
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Colonnade
Winged figures, goat-headed beasts, and creatures from the zodiac are just some of the mythical figures found on the ceiling murals flying above the Colonnade. After hunting for each one, children may choose their favorite and turn it into an eye-catching pendant.
Art Making: Heroic Horses
Monday, February 15 – Friday, February 19
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Chinese Gallery
In the Chinese galleries kids can discover the ancient technique of sancai painting and glazing. This fun art form
