Art is a great way for children to understand the world around them, and express that understanding. It allows them to shape their imaginations into a created form. The Walters Art Museum offers families with children the opportunity to discover the art world through hands-on programs such as Drop-In Art Activities.
Drop-In Art Activities: Lanterns and Firecrackers
On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Walters Art Museum offers Drop-In Art Activities, a program suitable for families and children. The current monthly theme is Lanterns and Firecrackers. This program is free and pre-registration is not required.
The Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year will begin on Sunday, February 10, 2013. According to The Holiday Spot, this significant event on the Chinese calendar lasts 15 days ending with the Lantern Festival. The Chinese New Year is an important time for families of Chinese descent.
On the Chinese zodiac, this is the Year of the Snake. The Snake represents “intelligence, gracefulness and materialism”, according to the Chinese Zodiac website. People born under this sign are deep thinkers who generally get what they want, and enjoy the finer things in life.
Inspiration for Lanterns and Firecrackers comes from the museum’s Asian art exhibit; participants will celebrate the Chinese New Year by creating “lucky” art.
February 2nd and 3rd – Firecracker Nightscape
February 9th – Luminous Lanterns
February 10th – Chinese New Year Celebration
February 16th and 17th – Sneaky Slithering Snakes
February 23rd – Free African American Family Festival
February 24th – Good Luck Banners
Legend of Lanterns and Firecrackers
According to Chinese folklore a young woman living in the Emperor’s Palace was missing her family. With the help of Emperor’s favorite advisor, she convinced the Emperor his city would be set on fire by Zhu Rong, the Fire God.
The Emperor asked his advisor what to do? His suggestion was for everyone to light lanterns and set firecrackers across the city. This would cause Zhu Rong to think the city was on fire. During this event, she was able to sneak home.
What You Need to Know
The Walters Art Museum is located at 600 North Charles Street in the Mount Vernon Cultural District (click here for directions). The Walters Art Museum offers families with children the opportunity to discover the history of world art through its many exhibits, covering ancient artifacts through modern art.
Admission to the Walters Art Museum is free, although special exhibitions require paid tickets.
The Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and until 9 p.m. on Constellation Thursday Nights. It is closed Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Become a member by clicking here for membership information.
Other legends on the origins and general information about the Chinese New Year festival can be found here.
So check out the Walters Art Museum on every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Drop-in Art Activities: Lanterns and Firecrackers. Further information about the Walters Art Museum can be found at the link below. Have a great day!
Walters Art Museum
600 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-547-9000
http://thewalters.org/
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