Caitlin Deutsch, Manager of Family Programs at Philadelphia Museum of Art, discussed the return of Art Kids, a summer-long series of family programming with hands-on art activities at the museum.  Programs include guided tours and the chance to make art inspired by the collections.  There will be ‘pay as you wish’ Family Festivals on July 3 and August 7, with musical entertainment, demonstrations and art making.  We talked about the online resources available to educators and families to help plan a trip and to better appreciate the different forms or art on display.   Outside the museum, they are again partnering with Parks and Recreation to create and distribute 5,000 art-making kits to children participating n programs at parks and amp sites across the region.  Each will also include a Family Pas to allow the child’s entire family to visit the museum together.  There are special sensory-friendly morning programs and Museum admission is always free to those 18 and under. 

She also discussed their efforts to introduce art experience from around the world, allowing children to see new forms of art and exhibits that reflect the wide cultural diversity of the city.  Ms Deutsch wants children to feel wonderment at new possibilities and see themselves as potential artists.  

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