Family Arts Day

AMSET invites families to capture a moment in time at Family Arts Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21; Admission: FREE
Held in conjunction with AMSET’s exhibition of Gordon Parks: Crossroads and a celebration of Mardi Gras

Family Arts Day

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Gordon Parks purchased his first camera at a pawn shop. Soon after that, and with no formal training, he was well on his way to becoming one of America’s most accomplished and versatile 20th century artists.

Children and their families will be able to learn all about Parks’ road to becoming a great photographer, as well as make some photographic art projects of their own, at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas’ (AMSET) Family Arts Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Participants will be able to experience a camera obscura, or pinhole camera, which is the most ancient form of camera, learn how the photo developing process works with sun prints, and recreate Parks’ most famous photograph of Ella Watson in front of the American flag.

“There is a lot to learn from Gordon Parks as an artist,” said AMSET Curator of Education Sandra Laurette. “This event will create a fun environment for children and their families to explore his works and create some artwork of their own.”

In addition, Family Arts Day will also feature a celebration of Mardi Gras. Festive activities will include making Mardi Gras masks, bead necklaces and even decorating mini-King Cakes. Face painting, refreshments and lively entertainment will round out a wonderful event.

As always, Family Arts Day is FREE and open to the public. Call (409) 832-3432 for more information.

This program is made possible in part by Beaumont Junior Forum (in kind), Baptist Beaumont Hospital, Coburn Supply Co., Communities in Schools, Southeast Texas Inc., Dorothy Anne & C.W. Conn Fund of Communities Foundation of Texas, Efficient Systems AC & Heat, ExxonMobil, Lucy Fanette, Mary Jo Ford, Mildred Hall, MobilOil Federal Credit Union, H-E-B, LaBiche Architectural Group, Sam’s Club, Southeast Texas Arts Council, SETEX Construction Corp, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Steinhagen, Target, Drs. Lulu Smith and Wesley Washburn, the C. Homer and Edith Fuller Chambers Charitable Foundation, BBVA Compass Bank, The Golden Triangle Chapter of the Links, Inc., and with grants from the Southeast Texas Arts Council and Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Through unique collections, exhibitions, public programs and outreach in the visual arts, the mission of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas is to provide education, inspiration and creative vision throughout Southeast Texas.

Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET)