UM Museum Gears Up for Busy Fall Programming

The University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses is ready for another semester of events and activities for children and adults of all ages. Each year, the UM Museum’s educational programming reaches more than 10,000 children in North Mississippi, providing valuable exposure to the arts and beyond.

Photo by Talbert Toole.

There is quite literally something for everyone – from the youngest learners, Buie Babies is a stroller tour program for ages 0-2, to Milkshake Mash-Ups for middle school students and teens, to special adult studio workshops.

“Fall is an exciting time for Oxford and the University, and we always look forward to bringing to life our new special exhibitions with innovative programming for all ages,” Curator of Education Emily McCauley said. “We will be exploring the sculptures of George Tobolowsky, marveling at the mysterious photography of Jaime Aelavanthara, and so much more.”

Below is a full list of what is happening at the Museum this fall:

Yoga in the Gallery – Every Monday at 8:30 a.m., starting Sept. 10, the UM Museum and RebelWell host a free group yoga class in the museum galleries. The class is appropriate for all skill levels, free of cost, and approximately one hour in length. Bring your own yoga mat and get stretching surrounded by the beautiful exhibits at the UM Museum.

First Friday Free Sketch – Every first Friday of the month free sketching materials, generously provided by the Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT), area available in the Museum lobby from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This ongoing, self-guided program is open to the public and completely free of cost.

Dates: Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7

Mini Masters at the Museum and Powerhouse – These fun, drop-in workshops for toddlers and a parent/guardian will be offered on alternating dates at the Powerhouse and UM Museum. Pre-registration is not required; the cost is $5 per family. All Mini Masters classes are on Thursdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Powerhouse Dates and Themes:
Sept. 20 – Print It Up! Printmaking with All Sorts of Items
Oct. 18 – Wayne Thiebaud: Donuts and Gumball Machines
Nov. 15 – Collage: Paper Hamburgers and Pizza Slices

Museum Dates and Themes:
Sept. 27 – Little Pigs Sculpture Building
Oct. 25 – Georgia O’Keeffe Desert Painting
Nov. 29 – Mini Museums

Milkshake Mash-Ups – On the first Monday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., middle school students and teens, grades 6-12, are invited mix two artists or themes into one fun art project. All art materials, including milkshakes and toppings, are included. The cost is free, but donations are accepted. Space is limited, be sure to pre-register by emailing Emily McCauley at esdean@olemiss.edu to reserve a spot by the Friday before each mash-up.

Dates: Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3

Buie Babies – The Museum’s free stroller tour program for children age 0-2 is a partnership with the LOU Excel by 5 Coalition. Families with babies and toddlers are welcome to join on a Saturday morning for playtime and a tour of the Museum’s current exhibits. Buie Babies is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a guided tour at 9:30 a.m.

Dates: Oct. 13 and Dec. 8

Family Activity Days – This fall, the Museum is excited to announce three family activities days throughout the semester. All family days are suitable for families of all ages, including special areas for young learners ages 0-2. All family days are free, drop-in events at the Museum.

Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon – Mysteries of Nature Family Day
Families will be inspired by Jaime Aelavanthara’s exhibit Where the Roots Rise and other artists who use the natural world in this fun, mixed media family day.

Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to noon – Wire Wonders Family Day
Families will work together to create sculptures using a variety of fun materials inspired by the Museum’s special exhibit, A Long Road Back, by sculptor George Tobolowsky.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to noon – All Aboard! Winter Express Family Day
Formerly known as Santa’s Workshop, in this special family day participants will create seasonal projects and explore as the museum comes to life with sneaky collections elves, a holiday market, and more!

UM Museum press release