“It takes a very long time to be young.” – Pablo Picasso
Engaging and educating our audience is central to our mission, so in March, 2014, we hired Amy Donovan to develop and expand our education and outreach programs to better serve our visitors, members and community. Donovan is a certified art educator who works with learners of all ages and developmental capabilities. With support from a grant by the Tramuto Foundation and private donors, Amy began to develop relationships with area schools; Life Works and Company, in Springvale, ME; and the Alzheimer Association in Scarborough, ME.
One of the ways Amy has become a resource for area schools is by expanding the Picture This! program, a collaboration between the York School Department and the museum. Using the program as a jumping off point, she visits groups off site bringing reproductions from our permanent collection to explore and and discuss with related activity. Later, the groups visit the museum to see the works in person and do an on-site activity. (pictured above)
For local families with small children, or even for those visiting on vacation, Amy has developed a weekly youth program called “Stories by the Sea.” Wednesday mornings, from July 9 through August 27, the museum will offer a drop in session from 9-10am. The program will be geared for ages 4-8 and feature a book from the Shop at OMAA, read by Amy, plus a hands-on related art activity.
In the fall, the museum plans to reach out to the community with the first annual OMAA Family Day. On Saturday, October 4 from 9am to noon, the museum welcomes families to the museum, grounds and galleries to explore and engage. We’ll have ice cream, hands-on art activities, plus a few extra surprises! OMAA Family Day is include with museum admission. Children 12 and under are always free of charge.
Although our museum doors close on October 31, we will extend the education and outreach programming throughout the year. From multi-age drop in art classes, to Yoga with a View and art-themed birthday parties, the OMAA is now a year-round resource for art lovers of all ages.
For information on our education and outreach programs, contact Amy Donovan at 207-646-4909 X #5 or email her at adonovan@nullstaging.ogunquitmuseum.org.
