February School Vacation Week
Caring for Creatures and Climate
Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 10 am—5 pm
Friday, February 23, 2024 from 10 am—5 pm
Know before you go
In person events
Location: Main museum
Included with admission
Same-day ticketing required for the workshop “Bats Are Amazing!”
Join us for a weeklong constellation of programs that invite participants of all ages on an inspiring journey of environmental stewardship. Meet live animals, learn about the ecosystems in your backyard and explore practical ways to tackle climate change. Explore pop-up installations, drop-in art making and exhibitions that deepen your understanding of the vital roles we play in preserving Earth’s biodiversity.
Monday, February 19
10 am–5 pm
Participatory Project | Letters to the Future
10 am–5 pm | Main Atrium
Write a message to someone living in the future! Based on an ongoing project by artist Xavier Cortada, this activity invites you to imagine the future generations of people and animals who will inherit the planet.
Installation | The Great Marsh and Climate Change
10 am–5 pm | Groups Hub
Investigate the remarkable living web of the North Shore’s Great Marsh through an art and science project created by the River Valley Charter School students with art teacher Lucinda Cathcart, science teacher Rebecca Schwer and silk painting artist Susan Quateman.
Live Animal Program | Helping Endangered Species with Joy Marzolf
10:30–11 am and 11:30 am–12 pm | Main Atrium
Why are animals and their habitats disappearing? Learn about endangered species in New England and around the world and what we can all do to help them. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet a snake or turtle up close!
Live Animal Meet and Greet
12:30–1:30 pm | Main Atrium
Meet a friendly reptile and ask wildlife expert Joy Marzolf your questions!
Drop-In Art Making | Upcycling Clothes with Screenprinted Animals
11 am–3 pm | Create Space Studios
Bring in a well-worn piece of clothing and give it a new look with a print of artist Xavier Cortada’s animal drawings from the Endangered World Project.
Drop-In Art Making | Adopt-a-Species Rock Painting
11 am–3 pm | Create Space Studios
Paint a rock with the coordinates of a threatened or endangered species and take it home as a reminder of our commitment to protect life on Earth.
Thursday, February 22
10 am–5 pm
Installation | The Great Marsh and Climate Change
10 am–5 pm | Groups Hub
Investigate the remarkable living web of the North Shore’s Great Marsh through an art and science project created by the River Valley Charter School students with art teacher Lucinda Cathcart, science teacher Rebecca Schwer and silk painting artist Susan Quateman.
Art & Science Workshop | Bats Are Amazing!
10:30–11:30 am | Create Space Studios
Included with admission. Same-day tickets required. Tickets available at the Admissions and Information desks.
Create your own bat portrait collage while learning about the science and Indigenous perspectives around bats. The workshop will be led by Olivia Maliszewski (Rappahannock), an artist and bat scientist who has worked hands-on with big brown bats.
Drop-In Art Making | Upcycling Clothes with Screenprinted Animals
1–3 pm | Create Space Studios
Bring in a well-worn piece of clothing and give it a new look with a print of artist Xavier Cortada’s animal drawings from the Endangered World Project.
CANCELED Drop-In Art Making | Adopt-a-Species Rock Painting
1–3 pm | Create Space Studios
Paint a rock with the coordinates of a threatened or endangered species and take it home as a reminder of our commitment to protect life on Earth.
Friday, February 23
10 am–5 pm
Installation | The Great Marsh and Climate Change
10 am–4 pm | Groups Hub
Investigate the remarkable living web of the North Shore’s Great Marsh through an art and science project created by the River Valley Charter School students with art teacher Lucinda Cathcart, science teacher Rebecca Schwer and silk painting artist Susan Quateman.
PEM Pals | Wonder Walkers
10:30–11:30 am | Main Atrium
Join us for a special reading of Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer, followed by a hands-on activity inspired by the book! Designed for children (5 and under) and their caregivers, PEM Pals aims to engage and excite all of the senses through books, movement, music, art and hands-on activities.
Drop-In Art Making | Upcycling Clothes with Screenprinted Animals
1–3 pm | Create Space Studios
Bring in a well-worn piece of clothing and give it a new look with a print of artist Xavier Cortada’s animal drawings from the Endangered World Project.
CANCELED Drop-In Art Making | Adopt-a-Species Rock Painting
1–3 pm | Create Space Studios
Paint a rock with the coordinates of a threatened or endangered species and take it home as a reminder of our commitment to protect life on Earth.
About our collaborators
Other events that may interest you
DROP-IN ART ACTIVITY
Earth Vows: Mixed Media Wall Hangings
Weekends and Mondays | Select dates in February
Event
Our Time on Earth Climate Activations: Be the Change
Saturdays | Select dates in March, April, May and June