Family Festivals are Back at the Kimbell

FAMILY FESTIVALS ARE BACK, MARKING THE FIRST MAJOR FAMILY EVENT AT THE KIMBELL IN OVER TWO YEARS

Free exhibition admission, local performances and studio activities offered at the Kimbell April 24 and July 17

The Kimbell Art Museum announces the return of one of its most beloved programs, Family Festivals / Fiestas de las Familias. During festival days, families and art lovers of all ages may enjoy free programming, including performances, art-making activities and gallery explorations that celebrate art and community.

“We are thrilled to resume Family Festivals, which are always a major highlight on our programming calendar. As the Kimbell approaches its 50th anniversary this October, we look forward to showcasing the many different ways that families may explore, create and connect with art in the museum,” says Connie Hatchette Barganier, head of education at the Kimbell.

Two Family Festivals are slated for the coming months—Amazing Art from Across Africa / Arte increíble alrededor de Africa on Sunday, April 24, from noon to 5 p.m., and Summer Art Party with Ice Cream Sunday / Fiesta de verano de arte con helado el domingo on Sunday, July 17, from noon to 5 p.m. Offered in conjunction with the special exhibition The Language of Beauty in African Art, the first Family Festival of 2022 will immerse visitors in vibrant cultural traditions and diverse forms of expression from across Africa with featured performances by Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance and Houston-based storyteller Toni Simmons, art-making activities, gallery explorations and more! Admission to The Language of Beauty in African Art is free for festival participants on April 24.

The April 24 Family Festival will also mark the official reopening of Studio A in the Renzo Piano Pavilion. Studio A, the Kimbell’s sensory-friendly drop-in play space for children (ages 5 and younger) and their adult companions, invites visitors to imagine their own adventure. This “please touch” room encourages families to experience art and community from an early age. Studio A is always free and open during regular museum hours (please note that the Piano Pavilion will be closed August 1–September 17, 2022).

Youth education programs and Studio A are supported by the Lowe Foundation Endowment for Kimbell Kids. Family Festivals / Fiestas de las Familias are supported in part by the Texas Commission for the Arts and by the Nuestro Kimbell committee.

FULL SCHEDULE

Free Admission
The Language of Beauty in African Art
Piano Pavilion
Noon–5 p.m.

Collections in Conversation: Selections from the Permanent Collection
Kahn Building
Noon–5 p.m.
Admission to the permanent collection is always free.

Performances
Storyteller Toni Simmons
Pavilion Auditorium
1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance
Pavilion Auditorium
2:30 and 4:15 p.m.

Art Making
Shapes in Sculpture: Clay Activity
Piano Pavilion, Education Studios
Ongoing

Weaving Demonstration with guest artist Christine K. Miller
Pavilion Lobby
Ongoing

Mixed-Media Weaving: Collaborative Project
Pavilion Lobby
Ongoing

Wearable Art: Beadwork
Pavilion Lobby
Ongoing

Introduction to Printmaking: Faces
Kahn Building, West Lobby
Ongoing

“My Day at the Museum” Postcards
Yaupon Holly Courtyard
Ongoing
Draw a picture of your favorite museum moment to hang in our outdoor courtyard. Presented with Blue Zones Project-Texas Health Resources.

Gallery Explorations
Bilingual Story Times
Kahn Building, West Lobby
12:30, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Join us for readings of some of our favorite books, group discussions and a little silliness.

Eye Spy Gallery Exploration
Kahn Building, North and South Galleries Ongoing
How many different eye shapes can you find? Sketch your favorites!

Sketching Expeditions
Kahn Building, South Gallery
1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Look, sketch and learn with 30-minute drawing exercises led by guest artists.

Book Baskets
Kahn Building, South Gallery
Ongoing
Enjoy selected children’s books by African authors—wherever you are comfortable!

Visit Studio A
Piano Pavilion, Education Studios Space is limited. Drop in anytime during regular museum hours to enjoy this colorful learning environment. Designed for ages 5 and younger.

ABOUT THE KIMBELL ART MUSEUM
The Kimbell Art Museum, owned and operated by the Kimbell Art Foundation, is internationally renowned for both its collections and its architecture. The Kimbell’s collections range in period from antiquity to the 20th century and include European masterpieces by artists such as Fra Angelico, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini, Velázquez, Vigée Le Brun, Monet, Cézanne, Picasso and Matisse; important collections of Egyptian and classical antiquities; and the art of Asia, Africa and the Ancient Americas. The museum’s 1972 building, designed by the American architect Louis I. Kahn, is widely regarded as one of the outstanding architectural achievements of the modern era. A second building, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, opened in 2013 and now provides space for special exhibitions, dedicated classrooms and a 289-seat auditorium with excellent acoustics for music. For more information, visit kimbellart.org.