This summer, we are excited to partner with the Boston Public Library for Play Dates in June, July, and August!  Be inspired by visiting artists and authors during interactive Zoom workshops, and explore the rich world of storytelling. Dive deeper with downloadable activities designed by artists to do on your own time. Ready to visit the museum safely as a family? Explore the galleries with self-guided activities available on-site during Play Dates. 

Advanced registration required. Space is limited. Participants must supply their own materials. Registration will close on Thu, Jun 24 at 4 PM.

Virtual Workshop with author Francie Latour

Fri, June 25

Our Heroes Are Black: Celebrate Revolution with Wee The People 

Some people call it the original Black Lives Matter movement. Join author Francie Latour from the racial justice project Wee The People for a live reading from her book Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings, followed by an interactive workshop celebrating the heroes of the Haitian Revolution, whose rebellion inspired Black resistance movements around the world. We’ll learn about four freedom fighters who broke the chains of slavery and make hero shields to honor them.  

Explore related ICA Watershed exhibition by artist Firelei Báez who through her newest sculpture she reimagines the archeological ruins of the Sans-Souci Palace in Haiti. Learn more and see the exhibition opening July 3

Materials 

  • Markers, crayons or colored pencils 
  • A piece of cardboard at least 12 x 12 inches (think an old moving or packing box) 
  • Duct tape 
  • Haitian Heros coloring sheets. Download them here! If you have access to a printer, print any of your choosing before the workshop! If you don’t have access to a printer, you can make your own during the workshop! 

This program will have captions and we will provide slides for this workshop to everyone. If there are other access accommodations that would be useful to help you fully participate in this program please contact accessibility@icaboston.org. 

Author Bio

Francie Latour is a mother, writer, educator, and radical truth-teller. She co-founded and directs Wee The People, a pioneering social justice project based in Boston. She’s the author of the prize-winning children’s book Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings, a story of Haitian identity and heritage told through the eyes of a young Haitian-American girl.

Downloadable Activity 

What’s your story? Read between the lines with new activities to do at home, outside, or even in the galleries at the ICA. On your own time, download new hands-on artmaking activities! Check out this month’s activities!
 

Art lab icon with papers and pencil over light peach background.

My Day at the ICA

Get creative

An illustration graphic of The Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Art Wall.

Design Your Own Art Wall

Get creative

Reading List

Dive into this custom reading list designed by our friends at the Boston Public Library and explore young artists, famous artists, and the rich world of artmaking with the family! 

Virtual Play Date activities are designed for kids and their grownups to participate together. Workshops will be held on Zoom and will be live and interactive. Recommended ages are provided as a guide, but you know your child best! If you have questions about a particular workshop, don’t hesitate to reach us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.

Free Admission for Families

Sat, Jun 26

Tickets are SOLD OUT for Free Admission for Families on Sat, June 26. Reserve tickets in advance for next month’s free family admission day on Sat, July 31. More details More details

NOTE the Bank of America Art Lab is currently closed. 

Activity Bags!

Icon of a blue activity bag with a clipboard and a pamphlet sticking out.

Free activity bags for kids will be available on-site with self-guided art activities that can be used in the lobby, in the galleries, or outside! Activity bag quantities are limited, and first come, first served. 

Check out our next Play Date in July, learn more and register today! 

This event is created in partnership with the Boston Public Library. 

An icon of a book with pages flipping on the left, and a wordmark of

Questions? Reach us at familyprograms@icaboston.org. 

Your support helps keeps programs like this – both virtual and in-person – free and accessible in this time of uncertainty. If you are able, please consider becoming a member or making a one-time gift to support the ICA.

ICA Kids and Family programs are supported, in part, by Vivien and Alan Hassenfeld, the Hassenfeld Family Foundation, the Willow Tree Fund, and Raymond T. & Ann T. Mancini Family Foundation.