Release Date: March 28,2019
The Akron Art Museum celebrates creative early learning opportunities with BabyFest ‘19
The Akron Art Museum invites caregivers and their children from birth to age 4, along with their siblings, to BabyFest ’19 on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Back by popular demand, this event is free for families and is part of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) annual Week of the Young Child celebration.
Akron Art Museum Educator for Early Childhood, Family & Youth Engagement Amanda Crowe said, “In the wake of a few hundred Live Creative children’s programs, I’ve noticed that babies consistently want more art! And their adults delight in this awakening.”
Now in its third year, BabyFest provides a day of “firsts” that families can also practice at home. Babies and caregivers can engage with local studio artists to learn about their child’s first process art explorations. Attendees will also get early literacy tips and information about the importance of rhymes and storytelling, creative movement, fitness, relaxation techniques and musical activities.
“Babies prefer something they can really pull themselves up to and chew on,” said Crowe. “They are fearless texture hunters and flavor gatherers, who always crave shiny stuff, colorful blobs, squishy shapes and most importantly – more stimulating social interactions.”
“At the museum’s Live Creative programs for children, it’s a regular occurrence to see grandparents, dads and moms, nannies and friends leaning in and listening closely to what their babies are presenting to us. This is the inspiration for BabyFest. It’s a celebration of intentional play and free-to-roam creativity, with learning opportunities for babies and their grown-ups,” Crowe said.
BabyFest ’19 will be presented on The Week of the Young Child’s Artsy Thursday. Akron Children’s Museum and Akron-Summit County Public Library will also present activities during the week of April 8 – 12 for children and their caregivers. The timeline for scheduled events at the Akron Art Museum is below.
More information about BabyFest ’19 and Week of the Young Child events can be found on the Akron Art Museum’s website. BabyFest ‘19 is free and open to all. Mini-classes offered during the event are limited to the first 100 guests who preregister. Register for BabyFest ’19 mini-classes at www.akronartmuseum.org.
BABYFEST ‘19 QUICK FACTS
With the exception of baby photo sessions, event activities are free and designed for children aged 0 - 4. Siblings are welcome. Adults must be accompanied by a child.
All event-related activities will take place in the Beatrice Knapp McDowell Grand Lobby and Charles and Jane Lehner Auditorium. Free guided stroller tours of the museum’s contemporary collection will also be available.
Mini-classes are free but fill up fast. Please pre-register at www.akronartmuseum.org
Pop-up children’s photography session requires online reservation and pre-pay only at https://lovewhatidophotography.bigcartel.com/product/aam-baby-fest-2019
For more information about BabyFest ‘19 at the Akron Art Museum, visit the museum at akronartmuseum.org or call 330-376-9186.