Spring Vacation Activities

Children can have a blast at the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center during Spring Break, with a range of events from an exhibit, special lunches, to a variety of hands on activities that will keep everyone happily occupied.

“Words Through Pictures: Connecticut Artists Drawing for Children” opens on Thursday, April 20 wit ha special reception from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. that will be fun for everyone. Costumed characters will delight the little ones while artist Lorraine West will lead art activities and volunteers will read stories in the Gallery’s Cuddle Corner. The artists will discuss their work and will be available to sign copies of their books.

During the week, a team of artists will provide Creative Kids Workshops in poetry, drama and a variety of art media, all inspired by the Words Through Pictures exhibit and children’s books. Workshops are grouped by ages, with different artists each day, so every day is a pleasant surprise for participants. Children ages 7 to 11 may attend workshops from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Tuesday, April 18 through Friday, April 21. Fee for each workshop is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. Children ages 4 to 6 may attend workshops from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Fee is $3 for members and $5 for non-members.

Beatriz Beckford, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, and a free-lance photographer and writer, will lead workshops on both Tuesday and Wednesday. She is an experienced art educator, having worked with New Haven Festivals, Inc., the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and other art organizations. Rosanne She, who teaches and Naugatuck Valley Community Technical College and Holy Cross High School, will work with students for both sessions on Thursday. She frequently exhibits her paintings in the area. Linda Northrup, who has taught at the Mattatuck Museum during the Summer Art Camps, and for several years in the Museum’s Art After-School program, will be coordinating the Friday Program for the 7 to 11 age group.

Also during Spring Breka Week is a Cuddle Corner Story Hour, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Bring your favorite studded animal (blankets are ok, too!) and prepare to cuddle up to short stories from the books featured in the Words Through Pictures exhibit. All ages are welcome. This program is free, but call to reserve space.

Plan to spend the day at the Mattatuck Museum! Enjoy a fun lunch at the Exhibition Café, operated by Bay Leaf Gourmet, who will offer a special kids menu, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 18 to Friday, April 21. Call the Café at (203)753-0381 e. 24 for more information.

Call the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center at (203)753-0381 x.10. The Museum is located at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, with convenient parking behind the building on Park Place.

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