LEARNING CENTER REDESIGNED FOR ART EXPLORATION FOR ALL AGES
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is pleased to announce the unveiling of the newly renovated John S. and James L. Knight Learning Center. The Center has been redesigned for students and families to build authentic and creative hands-on experiences based on the art they see in the FWMoA galleries. Though FWMoA has offered a hands-on environment for children for nearly 10 years, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of children, families, and educators.
The new Learning Center has been specially designed to be a comfortable space for children of all ages and families to experience the museum environment at their own pace. Museum educators and docents will continue to use the Center as an orientation room for school groups and a post-tour inspiration zone.
Artwork by students, regional artists Sayaka Ganz and Terry Ratliff, and artists in the FWMoA permanent collection are on display in the Center. Books about art for people of all ages are available, and the popular dry-erase drawing wall and building area remain, but new guided project boxes and activity prompts will spark creativity and hands-on exploration.
Parents will find guidance in how to talk with their children about art in video guides from Museum Staff and Docents sharing their favorite artwork on display.
“Art museums are places to experience works of art in person,” said Director of Children’s Education Alyssa Dumire. “The Learning Center, though child-focused, should be no different. We specifically included works from the permanent collection that are colorful, exciting, and that might spark curiosity in our youngest visitors.”
This project has been made possible with major support from the PNC Foundation, the Ian and Mimi Rolland Family Foundation the Lupke Family Foundation, the 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union Foundation, and the Journal Gazette Foundation. Major supporters of Children’s Education at FWMoA are Wells Fargo Foundation, Edward D. and Ione Auer Foundation, and Lincoln Financial Foundation.
The Learning Center is designed to serve walk-in visitors, Museum members, and PreK-12 school groups of all types. The FWMoA Education Department has built compelling programs to serve diverse groups of students in stations around the space. Parents and educators are encouraged to call 260.422.6467 to learn more about the Learning Center and other educational programming opportunities.
Admission to the Learning Center is included with FWMoA general admission. Admission is free for FWMoA members, $8 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, and $20 for families. General admission is free for everyone on Thursdays 5-8pm. Veterans, active military personnel, and their families receive free general admission. Discounts available for individuals with EBT cards. FWMoA gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-6pm, Thursdays 10-8pm, and Sundays 12-5pm.
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