Adult Programs & Events
Adult Swim: Solstice Soiree!
Adult Swim: Solstice Soiree
Friday, June 21, 6-10 p.m.
$12 admission; ages 21 & up
Celebrate the start of summer with a solstice celebration! Build a miniature Stonehenge, take part in a Pagan Fashion Show, enjoy Celtic music on the rooftop by The Pints, and a bonfire at the Log Cabin.
No, we don’t have a swimming pool, but we honor the time-honored “adult swim” tradition at public pools as we kick the kids out so adults can have the museum to themselves. It’s a great event to attend as an alternative holiday party for small businesses, or with friends or family! Beer, cider, and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Climb the Hodgepodge Mahal, drive the Punch Buggy, and take in the work of more than 120 local artists who contributed pieces to the new museum!
SPARK!
SPARK! is an initiative that provides intergenerational cultural programming for people with memory loss. This regional effort to connect those with memory loss to their children and grandchildren, as well as other youth in the community, includes nine other museums in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Winter 2013 SPARK! workshop dates:
February 23
March 23
April 20
May 25
June 22
July 27
August 24
Sept 28
Oct 26
Nov 23
All workshops from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Art Studio Classroom
To register: 608.256.6445, ext. 156, at least 24 hours in advance
SPARK! Program Background
In the spring of 2010, Madison Children’s Museum received a $6,500 grant from the Milwaukee-based Helen Bader Foundation to help families affected by memory loss through piloting monthly workshops in the Art Studio, where participants can awaken memories through the creation and discussion of art. Monthly programs are 90 minutes long and are free, including parking. A reception with refreshments follows each session, held on the fourth Saturday of each month as well as the first Tuesday of each month. SPARK! aims to develop and strengthen ties between family members, and provides an opportunity for participants to make new friends. At present, MCM is the only children’s museum offering the workshops. Helen Bader Foundation awarded MCM another $22,000 in summer 2011 to continue and expand SPARK! programming.
Arts Coordinator Angela Johnson, who leads the programs, went through specialized training provided by organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association-Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. SPARK! is modeled off the New York Museum of Modern Art’s successful “Meet Me at MoMA” program, which uses art to tap into the pasts of those with memory loss.
It is hoped that three generations of families affected by memory loss — a grandparent, a parent, and a grandchild — take part in the sessions, but SPARK! participants also have included groups of residents at memory care centers and nursing homes, as well as Girl Scouts doing badge work that requires intergenerational activities.
For more information about SPARK!, please contact Angela Johnson at 608.354.0146 or ajohnson@madisonchildrensmuseum.org
