This autumn the Philadelphia Museum of Art invites families and children to experience the rich tapestry of Latin American cultures through a special series of family events that will include musical performances, artist demonstrations, and hands-on craft-making activities for kids. In conjunction with the exhibitions Tesoros/Treasures/Tesouros: The Arts in Latin America, 1492–1820 (opening September 20) and Mexico and Modern Printmaking: A Revolution in the Graphic Arts, 1920–1950 (opening October 21), the Museum is proud to present a Latin American Fall Family Festival, with Special Family Events on Sundays in October, November, and December, highlighting the diverse and distinctive artistic heritage of countries from throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Museum’s education department has developed these special events to help kids explore the diverse cultures and expressions represented in these exciting exhibitions—from learning all about Mexico's "Day of the Dead" holiday to enjoying the lively music of the Andean region.

Thanks to a grant from the Connelly Foundation, and additional funds provided by the Samuel Fels Fund, the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, and Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, all family programs and events related to Tesoros will be offered free of charge (after Museum admission). On Sundays general admission to the Museum is ‘pay what you wish’; admission to the Tesoros exhibition is free for children under 12 at all times.

Drawn from public and private collections throughout the Americas and in Europe, Tesoros includes spectacular examples of painting, sculpture, feather-work, shell-inlaid furniture, objects in gold and silver, ceramics, and textiles, It spans three centuries, from the first encounter between European explorers and the native populations through the emergence of independence movements across the continent in the early 19th century. This ambitious and large-scale exhibition is also a terrific learning opportunity for kids and families to experience the diverse cultures that share our hemisphere—through the visual images in the show as well as through the music, dance, crafts, and other activities offered on Sundays this fall:

• Brazil and the Caribbean
  Sunday, October 8, 2006
  Kids and parents alike will be wowed by the Afro-Brazilian music and dance ensemble Nego Gato, whose lively beats and acrobatic capoeira are sure to dazzle and delight. Visitors can dance to traditional Caribbean music performed by local community groups, and meet artisans as they demonstrate traditional crafts. Throughout the afternoon kids are invited to create their own artwork in our Make and Take Workshop and Drawing Together sessions in the galleries.
  
  

  Schedule:
  	10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Make and Take Crafts
  	11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Artist Demonstrations
  	11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.: Nego Gato Performance
  	12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Drawing Together
  	1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Performances by Grupo Raíces Borinquen (Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena) and Larimar Cultural Dance Group (Domincan folk dance).



• Mexico and Central America: Day of the Dead
  Sunday, November 5
  The Latin American Fall Family Festival continues with a tribute to Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration. The band Sones de México will serenade visitors with the lively folk sound of traditional son, and local community groups will demonstrate other types of music and dance from Central America. Visitors can watch Guatemalan artisans make colorful sawdust rugs known as alfombras, create their own holiday-inspired crafts in our Make and Take Workshop, and participate in the creation of an altar dedicated to Latin American artists of the past and present.
  
  

  Schedule:
  	10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Make and Take Workshop
  	10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Altar Activity
  	11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.: Sones de México
  	11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Alfombra Demonstration
  	Noon–2:30 p.m.: Drawing Together
  	1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Community Performance: Central American Music



• South American Traditions
  Sunday, December 10
  This final installment in our Latin American Fall Family Festival celebrates the rich and colorful heritage of South America, featuring the vibrant costumes and lively Andean music of the band Inca Son, along with musical performances by local community groups. Kids can enjoy artist demonstrations and a Make and Take Workshop for hands-on creative fun.
  
  

  Schedule:
  	10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Make and Take Workshop
  	11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.: Inca Son
  	11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Artist Demonstrations
  	Noon–2:30 p.m.: Drawing Together
  	1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Community Performance: South American Music

Any Day, Any Time
Visitors will find fun activities developed for kids and families any day they visit the Museum, any time of year. Audio guides feature the American Art Kids Tour, an interactive audio guide written especially for children 6–10. The audio tour rents for $5 and is available at the Visitor Services Desks in the West and East Entrances. Free, self-guided family tours focusing on collection highlights such as African American Artists and Arms and Armorare available at the West Information Desk. For a full schedule, visit the website at www.philamuseum.org/education or call for a brochure at (215) 684-7580.