While the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) art galleries continue to exhibit exquisite collections and artwork and remain open for a comfortable socially-distanced experience (at $1 reduced admission Thursdays through Saturdays), the museum has also further enhanced its online programming. The museum invites the community to access a variety of virtual exhibits and educational resources on its website, and to participate in hands-on programs at home! From adult art workshops to afterschool programs, the IMAS offers safe ways to engage with art, science, and culture. Many of these programs are accessible for no cost to the public while some are paid workshops and discounted for IMAS members.
Art tutorials are hosted each month through Workshop Wednesday. Coming in February, register for a DIY mobile kit and learn about kinetic sculpture, great for ages 12 and up. Workshop Wednesdays are scheduled on the third Wednesday of each month through July 2021 and hosted on Facebook. Each workshop features a special giveaway for participants. Videos are posted later the IMAS website and YouTube channel. Registration for this program is always free thanks to H-E-B Helping Here.
Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science with the museum! McAllen Public Utility will provide free kits for pickup at the IMAS on Saturday, February 13. This activity kit is designed for grades 2-6 and kits include a poster of Women in STEM from the ASTC IF/THEN Collection. Students are invited to submit photos of their activities to be entered in a raffle. More information will be available on February 1.
Afterschool Adventures with IMAS features live workshops for students K-12. In February, participants will engage in activities to learn all about the heart. Students K-3 will learn about blood and how the heart works, while 4-12 graders will dissect an animal heart at home! Program kits are limited and available for free through online registration. All About the Heart workshops are hosted on Facebook and kit pickup is on February 24 at the museum. To learn more, visit the museum website or social channels. Afterschool Adventures are made possible by the BBVA Foundation.
Museum from Home workshops are designed for grades 3-5. Registrants receive an activity kit with supplies and a lesson along with access to a live Zoom webinar with IMAS educators. Each workshop is $10 and space is limited. Explore the basics of mechanical engineering on February 9, learn about influential women scientists on March 9, create a field guide and explore zoology on April 6, and learn about marine food webs on May 4. All Museum from Home workshops occur monthly from 2-3 PM on the scheduled date.
The virtual Young Adventurers program continues in 2021 with monthly workshops for Pre-K. Each workshop features an activity that participants can do at home with the help of an adult and a limited number of free supply kits are available. The next workshop, Puppeteers in Training, is on February 23. All workshops are hosted on Facebook Live at 10 AM on the last Tuesday of the month.
On the museum website, visitors can view online exhibits designed by IMAS staff and download free lessons and activities for various grade levels. The latest download features a backyard bird log to make at home and IMAS ambassador animal puzzles!
With safety for staff and participants at top of mind, all kits are available for contactless pickup from the museum via curbside. Register for upcoming programs, view online exhibits, stay up to date, and access free lessons at www.theimasonline.org. Learn about IMAS Memberships at www.theimasonline.org/member or call (956)681-2800 for more information.
Pictured: At-home participants engages with IMAS Workshop Wednesdays presented by H-E-B Helping Here and shared their works as #IMASartists.
