Make-and-Take
By Melinda L. Lucas
Starting today, the Old Jail Art Center is hosting a two-week Christmas DIY Drop-In Gift Workshop, with extended evening hours and featuring several different kinds of projects that can be made by ages from elementary to adult.
According to the OJAC’s director of education, Erin Whitmore, the gift-making stations will be open from 11:00 a.m. all the way to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday until Dec. 15 to accommodate those who can’t come during the day.
Saturday hours on Dec. 3 and again Dec. 10 are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“Drop by the museum to craft simple and fun gifts for your friends this holiday,” said Whitmore. :You pay only for the crafts you make.”
A variety of different craft stations will be set up in the Stasney Center for Education, including such items as a hot cocoa vial, several different ornaments including one for pets, candles with snowflake holders, and a decorated wooden spoon set.
Prices for the different crafts range from $3 to $10.
There will also be free DIY gift wrap stations, along with music and refreshments.
“Don’t miss it, and bring a friend,” said Whitmore.
Family Festival
“Swedish Jul” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Sweden on Saturday, Dec. 17.
The event, scheduled from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., is the last of several special family festivals held during 2022 and every year.
Participants are invited to “explore centuries-old Swedish Christmas tradition, enjoy cultural artifacts, crafts, games, food, music, and more,” said Hahn.
The festival is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.
Other Programs
Ongoing programs at the Old Jail include virtual monthly Stay Home Studio for teens and adults, and Stay Home Studio (Kids) for ages 4-12, along with weekly “tiny-tours” on Facebook.
The Art@Home Activity Kit Trunk continues to be available at the OJAC front gates all through the week, with new activity kits put out each Monday.
Families are invited to explore the Studio Zone inside the museum, then create together with activities inspired by current museum exhibitions.
For more information about the museum’s outreach and education activities, call 325-762-2269 or 325-762-2936.
Regular hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
