Norman Rockwell Museum to Host Family Day for Muddy Brook Families
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — As part of its new Berkshire County Student Passport Program, Norman Rockwell Museum will host a special day for families of Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School students, who recently completed the education outreach program, on Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Organized in collaboration with Muddy Brook, this special program is designed to engage students and families in immersive arts experiences," said Norman Rockwell Museum Deputy Director Stephanie Plunkett. "We hope to promote familiarity and involvement with the art of illustration and one of the region's premier cultural institutions."
Since starting the program earlier this year, Muddy Brook students have not only benefitted from working with Norman Rockwell Museum's staff on educators, both in-class and at the museum, but also from a special visit from Caldecott-winning artist Jerry Pinkney, the museum's artist laureate, whose work they had been studying alongside Norman Rockwell. Pinkney met with each of Muddy Brook's four third-grade classes to explore the creative process and connections between visual storytelling and classic literature. These experiences inspired student projects designed by the school’s education staff, which will be on display during the family day.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., art teacher Ali Benton will greet students and families, in an exhibition of illustrated fables created by Muddy Brook third grade students and their teachers.
At 11 a.m., Muddy Brook librarian Patty Melville will read "Misty," the biography of the young slave life of Harriet Tubman, written by Alan Schoeder and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney; followed by Songs of the Underground Railroad, led by the school’s music teacher Kim Chirichella and students.
Starting at noon, students will be invited to a guided nature walk outdoors on the museum's scenic grounds, led by Muddy Brook physical education teachers Jessica Pleu and Tina Soule, followed by drawing activities with Museum Educator Patrick O'Donnell.
At 1 p.m., Melville will read John Henry, the story of the legendary railroad man, written by Julius Lester and illustrated by Pinkney. The reading will be followed by Songs of John Henry, led by Chirichella and students.
Finally at 2 p.m., Pleu and fellow physical education teacher Tina Soule will lead a reading and movement activity inspired by "Pretend You're a Cat" by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.
Supported by the contributions of friends of Norman Rockwell Museum, the Passport Program was created for students and families in Berkshire County who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit the museum. Programs are adapted to the needs and interests of administrators, teachers and students at each participating school.
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