Gather up your little ones and prepare for a day at the museum because it’s almost time for this month’s edition of Small Explorers!

Tiny Explorers is the New Jersey State Museum’s educational program for little learners ages six months to 5 years old. On the second Saturday of each month, the New Jersey State Museum selects a different theme to guide your child on an educational exploration. Previous themes have included dinosaurs, constellations, dancing, and more. The theme for this month’s installment is art and watercolors. So watch as your little one discovers a world of color and creativity ahead.

If you’d like to register for the upcoming Small Explorers event, the sign-up is available here: NJSM – Small Explorers. Tiny Explorers offers two sessions, one at 9:45 am and one at 11 am. These 45-minute-long presentations will guide your child through various activities, including stories, arts and crafts, and more. This event is entirely free to attend.

Please note that spots are limited, so if you plan on attending, please enroll as soon as possible. The 11 am session is fully booked, so you will want to secure your spot today! The event will occur in the museum’s Discovery Den, an engaging space where families can play and explore together.

The theme for this month’s exciting program is art and watercolor. The event will begin with a reading of “Jake Makes a World” by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts and Christopher Myers. This story follows the tale of Jake, a young artist who finds inspiration in the colors and characters of Harlem, the city he calls home. From brightly-colored murals to streets full of vivid sights and sounds, Jake’s world is transformed by the vibrancy of his community.

Once story time has concluded, guests will gather for an adventure through the museum! Attendees can look forward to visiting the galleries and enjoying the work of Jacob Lawrence, the namesake and inspiration behind “Jake Makes a World.” Through Mr. Lawrence’s colorful creations, your little one will have a chance to learn more about how water and color can mix to create masterpieces. Jacob Lawrence specializes in dynamic cubism and vibrant use of color, making his art the perfect case study for this activity. Getting to enjoy Mr. Lawrence’s work after reading about his younger years in “Jake Makes a World” will no doubt leave guests, young and old, feeling inspired.

The morning will conclude with the opportunity for your little one to make a masterpiece of their own. Kiddos will have the chance to make their own watercolor heart and discover the magic of water. With a splash of color and a few drops of water, your little ones will leave feeling like the next Picasso. With such an exciting morning in store, attendees of all ages will embrace their inner artists.

The Small Explorers series is a portion of the fun and free educational programming offered by the New Jersey State Museum. The museum provides an expansive science, history, and art collection. The museum is home to over 2 million artifacts! The museum may be free, but the benefits NJSM offers to our community are priceless. You can explore the museum’s vast exhibits and events by visiting their website here: NJSM – Home.

No matter your little one’s artistic abilities, they are sure to have a blast at this month’s upcoming Small Explorers event. If you have any questions before the session, please get in touch with Susan Buckley at Susan.Kozak-Buckley@sos.nj.gov for additional details. So break out those paintbrushes, and let’s get creative!

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