The bi-weekly Sunday Family Arts program returns to The Reach for its fifth year.
The free program is a partnership between The Reach Gallery Museum and Prospera Credit Union, and offers a time for children and their families to experience the exhibitions, then gather around artistic stations to create an arts and/or heritage keepsake – without having to worry about the cost.
Anna Williams, The Reach’s education programmer, said Sunday Family Arts has been successful because of the value families find in participating in hands-on activities that are also paired with a learning opportunity.
“Our Visual Thinking Strategies-based exhibition tours that kick off every class have been a big hit, and our arts facilitators have fun designing new art and heritage projects that relate to current exhibitions,” she said.
“Having the opportunity to view art in a gallery, then get their fingers messy trying out those same techniques in the art studio is a highly inspiring experience for kids and their families.”
Shawn Good, president and CEO of Prospera, which funds the program, said children learn from doing.
“As a community, if we truly wish to make a difference in the lives of children and foster the strong, confident leaders of tomorrow, the most important thing we can do is to stimulate their curiosity and provide them with opportunities to explore and develop critical-thinking skills.”
Sunday Family Arts takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Reach (32388 Veterans Way) on Jan. 31, Feb. 14 and 28, and March 13. For more information, visit thereach.ca.