I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream Sunday at the Kimbell!

I scream! You scream! We all scream for…
ICE CREAM!

Sorry, but that had to be done. Now that it’s out of the way, we can talk about Ice Cream Sunday and the Kimbell Family Festival this Sunday.

This Sunday, July 14, the Kimbell Art Museum is throwing open its doors to the public with all sorts of fun (and educational, but don’t tell the kids!) activities for every member of the family. Enjoy story time in English and Spanish. Or maybe making collages is more your family’s style. How about learning how to weave? You can do all of that and more this Sunday!

Photo courtesy of the Kimbell Art Museum

Oh, did I mention that MELT Ice Cream will be there with free ice cream? They will!

Recently, I spoke with Connie Hatchette Barganier, the Kimbell’s Head of Education, about what to expect at this Sunday’s Family Festival.

“Our festivals are a great way to enjoy the museum as a family,” Barganier said. “There’s a wide range of activities; you can see the special exhibition [Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries] for free, explore the permanent collection, which is always free, and enjoy art-making pop-ups across the museum campus.”

The Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society will be on hand to help you design your family crest. You can learn to sketch with acclaimed Texas artist Jamison LeBlanc. There are films and tours, artist demonstrations with the Society for Creative Anachronism, and, of course, the Kimbell’s semi-famous face painting.

Photo courtesy of the Kimbell Art Museum

“The face painters are really talented,” Barganier said. “Their designs are always a highlight for kids and parents alike!”

Fencers from Valiant: School of Arms will be on hand to demonstrate fencing styles from medieval and early modern Europe. Who doesn’t love a good sword fight? The Society for Creative Anachronism will also be on hand for craft demonstrations from early modern Europe. These are all inspired by the Battle of Pavia tapestries on display.

(If you’re envisioning toddlers running through the halls with swords, don’t worry. Barganier assured me the fencing demonstrations are just that – demonstrations.)

Speaking of toddlers, Studio A, the Kimbell’s family play space, will be open for children ages five and younger who need a break. Adults are allowed in Studio A only if accompanied by a minor.

Photo courtesy of the Kimbell Art Museum

Did I mention MELT Ice Cream will be there?

Barganier said, “We have so much fun planned for Sunday. And all the activities are intentionally scalable and age-appropriate… [For example] at the weaving stop, there will be artist demonstrations, a large-scale loom where the kids can contribute to a big community weaving, and individual weaving projects.”

Some of the activities are better with smaller groups, so signup sheets will be at the welcome tables. “We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the tours and storytimes,” Barganier said. “Asking people sign up for times ensures that no one gets overwhelmed.”

“The best part is that there is something for everyone, for all ages and all abilities. We want it to be fun for the whole family.”

Speaking of family fun, the fun continues after this Sunday. When my kiddos were little, and it was so hot outside that spontaneous combustion was a real threat, we frequently spent afternoons wandering through the Kimbell’s permanent collection. Now my kiddos are grown up, but the Kimbell is a great place for families of all ages to spend an afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Kimbell Art Museum

Besides Studio A, there are all sorts of materials to make the museum fun. Download the free Acoustiguide audio tour for a family-friendly guide to the permanent collection. If your child gets overwhelmed, there are fidgets and headphones to help them continue to enjoy the art. And if the urge to wiggle gets too strong, there will be outdoor activity baskets during the Festival – with blankets and games- so everyone can go out to the lawn to move around!

Ice Cream Sunday starts at noon this Sunday, July 14, and runs through 5 p.m. For more information, click here. And while all Family Festivals at the Kimbell are free, there are some great benefits to becoming a member. To explore all that membership has to offer, click here.

Don’t forget to get your ice cream from MELT!