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Ohio Wesleyan's Ross Art Museum Launches New Free Family Programming

DELAWARE, Ohio - Ohio Wesleyan University's Richard M. Ross Art Museum wants families to picture (and paint and draw) themselves visiting the venue regularly to enjoy free children's programming along with its ever-changing exhibits.

Christopher Yates, director of the Ross, said the museum is committed to being an involved member of the community and to ensuring local residents are comfortable visiting its four galleries. Admission is always free.

"We are adding family events - typically on Sunday afternoons - to get people excited about art and about the learning that takes place here," said Yates, MFA. "We started with a fossil rubbing and story time on November 3 and have more children's events planned. At the Ross, we think art is for everyone."

Coming up yet this year, the Ross is planning the following Sunday family events:

• 2-4 p.m. Nov. 10: Sticker Making. (Open to all ages.) Museum guests are invited to turn their drawings and doodles into stickers to take home using the Ross's magic sticker-making machine!
• 2-3 p.m. Nov. 17: Native American Story Time and Coloring. (Recommended for children pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade.) At 2 p.m., guests will enjoy a reading of "Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story," written by Kevin Noble Maillard. Afterward, children will enjoy a native-food-themed coloring activity.
• 2-3 p.m. Nov. 24: A Colorful Adventure. (Pre-K through third grade.) At 2 p.m., guests will hear "Mouse Paint" by Ellen Walsh, "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt, and "Mixed: A Colorful Story" by Arree Chung. Afterward, children will continue their adventures by coloring their own creations.
• 1-5 p.m. Dec. 8: Candy Cane Reindeer. (Pre-K through fifth grade.) Families are invited to come warm up at the museum between the day's skating and parade-watching during Main Street Delaware's Home for the Holidays celebration. Children are sure to have a sweet time creating make-and-take candy cane reindeer.

In January, the Ross Art Museum's family and community events are scheduled to include:

• 6-8 p.m. Jan. 16: Opening reception for "Caribbean Transformers: Becoming and Being in the New World." (Open to all.) Join the Ross for this Thursday night event to celebrate an exhibit by Jamaican contemporary figurative artist Alicia Brown, MFA. Brown's work investigates colonial histories and legacies through portraiture. Guests will enjoy Caribbean-themed refreshments.
• 2-3 p.m. Jan. 19: MLK Day Celebration. (Pre-K through third grade.) Starting at 2 p.m., learn who Martin Luther King Jr. was and why he was important. After the reading, children will complete a related coloring activity.
• 2-3 p.m. Jan. 26: Words and Pictures! (Pre-K through third grade.) Starting at 2 p.m., children will enjoy an art-themed story and then enjoy making some art of their own to take home.

In addition to its family fun events, Yates said, the Ross also is adding new programming for Ohio Wesleyan students on Thursday nights, including adult coloring, student organization events, and on Dec. 5, a visit by two therapy dogs to help students prepare for finals. Also, students in OWU's ART 492 "Exhibition Practices" course are presenting a series of pop-up shows across campus this fall featuring works from the museum's permanent teaching collection.

"If you haven't visited the Ross Art Museum lately - or ever - it's time to come by," said Yates, who became its director in October 2023. "We want to welcome everyone and share our love of art with guests of all ages."

Ohio Wesleyan's Richard M. Ross Art Museum is located at 60 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. During the academic year, the Ross is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed for Thanksgiving break from Nov. 25 to Nov. 30 and for winter break from Dec. 15 to Jan. 14, 2025. The museum is handicap-accessible and admission is always free. Call (740) 368-3606 or visit owu.edu/Ross or www.facebook.com/RossArtMuseum for more information.

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.