Wonders in spite of the weather
JOCELYN MURPHY
jmurphy@nwadg.com
Crystal Bridges Museum has gotten more creative over the years with Winter Break Wonders, says associate museum educator Chloe Burgett. The goal has always been to position the museum as a gathering place for the community, including families with kids of all ages. So museum staff have really leaned into the lineup of their signature winter program with a diverse selection of activities and performers every day.
“Each day is different, so you can really come back on multiple days and get a totally different fun experience,” Burgett says. “I see a lot of families on the break take ownership of the museum in a really cool way. I see a lot of families that are very comfortable in a museum space because of this break that’s designed for them. And I just want to see more families feel that way.
“I think when there are a lot of people here that are being creative, that creates a really fun atmosphere because people are being really intentional with their time. It feels kind of like a party. It’s cheerful,” she enthuses.
From 1 to 4 p.m. every day for two weeks (starting before Christmas and ending Jan. 4), kids and families can engage in creation activities in the studio, play activities — like family Zumba or family yoga — and education opportunities with family- and kid-centered tours. A plethora of performances also pads the schedule, along with special “Make With an Artist” events where local artists lead a demonstration in their specialty, and families can follow along.
“Something new that we’re trying is collaborating with local museums,” Burgett adds. “We have the Museum of Native American History coming in, which we’ve had them here before, but we haven’t had them for Winter Break Wonders. And we’re also bringing in the Shiloh Museum from Springdale. I just think it’s interesting and fun that museums are coming together [for the program]. And because it’s two weeks long, it was really a lot of opportunities to bring in different people.”
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FAQ
Winter Break Wonders
WHEN — 1-4 p.m. every day through Jan. 4 (excluding New Year’s Day)
WHERE — Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville
COST — All activities are free
INFO — 418-5700, crystalbridges.org
