Family Free Day

The Albany Institute of History & Art is open this Presidents Day and visitors of all ages are invited to Family Free Day! Themed around our current exhibition—Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist—join us for activities inspired by what's on view, including hands-on artmaking, gallery tours, screenings, and more.

 

Film Screening
10–11AM | Key Cultural Center
Join us for a screening of films related to Blanche Lazzell: The Provincetown Print, documentary by Amy Davies, and Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist, produced by the Academy Art Museum, Easton, Maryland.

ASL Tour
11AM | Meet at the Admission Desk
Members of the D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, and ASL communities are invited to experience Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist on a special tour led by a Museum Educator with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation provided by Inclusive Communication Services. Program participation is free. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Docent Tour
2PM | Meet at the Admission Desk
Join docents at 2PM for a tour of Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist and A Life in Bloom: The Floral Paintings of Julia McEntee Dillon. Docent tours are an excellent way to learn more about the artworks and objects on display, in addition to the stories they tell. Interaction and questions are encouraged, and visitors of all ages are welcome.

Community Weaving Workshop with artist Margot Becker
11AM–3PM | Classroom

Weaver Margot Becker will design and facilitate a 6’ x 8’ community woven artwork inspired by the paintings on view. Come relax in the classroom and learn about the basics of weaving. All materials are provided, all skill levels welcome. After all sessions (held February 16, May 1, and June 19) all squares will be assembled by Margot and displayed at the Institute.

Blanche Lazzell Scavenger Hunt
11AM–4PM | Galleries
Go on a self-guided scavenger hunt to find all the unique patterns hidden within Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist. Find all the patterns and pick up a prize at the Art Cart!

Blanche Lazzell Button Making
11AM–4PM | Galleries
Create your own buttons inspired by Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist.

Make Your Own Postcard
11AM–4PM | Atrium (FL 2)
Throughout her career, Blanche Lazzell travelled between artist colonies along the East Coast of the United States and throughout Europe. During her travels, she met artists and mentors who changed the trajectory of her career. Create a postcard based on your ideal vacation destination!

Abstract Cellophane Collage
11AM–4PM | Atrium (FL 3)
Inspired by Blanche Lazzell’s abstract paintings, create your own abstract collage using cellophane! When your artwork is complete, hold it to the light like a stained glass window!

Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck will be onsite selling hot, iced, and frozen beverages this Family Free Day.

Travelin’ Tom’s brings the café experience to you with specialty food trucks serving fresh-brewed coffee, tea, and energizing drinks. Whether you’re craving a bold cup of coffee, a refreshing iced tea, or a creamy, frozen treat, we have the perfect drink to fuel your day. Our coffee to-go menu features a variety of specialty beverages, from smooth lattes and energizing cold brews to fruity refreshers and TILT Nitro Energy™ drinks. Customize your order with dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, or explore our menu to find your new favorite sip.

Program Support

Support for Family Free Day is provided by M&T Bank.

Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist is organized by the Art Museum of West Virginia University and generously supported by Art Bridges.

Images from top: Blanche Lazzell (1878–1956), Planes II [detail], printed 1952, color woodblock print,14 x 12 in. Art Museum of West Virginia University Collection, gift of Harvey D. Peyton. Blanche Lazzell (1878–1956), Hollyhock, 1917, oil on canvas, 25 5/8 x 18 1/8 in. Art Museum of West Virginia University Collection, gift of Nancy Watkins in memory of James F. McKinley and Nancy W. McKinley.

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