Blaze a Trail

FAMILIES CAN BLAZE A TRAIL THROUGH THE WEST WITH ARTPACKS AT THE ROCKWELL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART

June 10, 2003

It's school vacation time. Parents are busy looking for activities that will appeal to the entire family - something out of the ordinary, something enriching, something fun. Hmmm. What to do?

What about taking a backpacking trip through the West? Through the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, that is. It's close to home, and the museum has just launched a new series of Artpacks for kids. The Artpacks - backpacks filled with interesting information, creative activities, puzzles and games - are a young trailblazer's guide to the museum. They approach the museum's collection through three of the most enduring and appealing subjects of Western art: cowboys, Native Americans and wilderness. Best of all, they're a proven success.

"We created the Artpacks with families in mind," says Cindy Weakland, Director of Public Programs for the museum. "We wanted to highlight the best of our collection in a way that appeals to children of all ages. The Artpacks encourage kids to put themselves in the artists' place when they look at a painting, or to think about the subject from different points of view. And they do it in fun and manageable chunks that bring out the best of kids' creative impulses."

Although the Artpacks are designed for children from ages five through twelve, their appeal is actually much, much wider. Adults and older students love them, and families are finding that some pre-schoolers enjoy them, too.

Maria McMahon, mother of a nine-year old son and eight-year old daughter, raves about the Artpacks. "I am endlessly in pursuit of fun and enriching activities for my children," says McMahon. "The Artpacks at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art are no ordinary experience. The activities kept my children thoroughly engaged without even being aware they were learning about their cultural heritage! Each child picked a different theme, finished it, and was then interested in what the other had done. We will definitely return!"

Experiences like McMahon's are gratifying for museum docent Stafford Lyons, who helped to design the Artpacks. "When we put them together, we set out to attract a wide range of ages," says museum docent Stafford Lyons. "We are so pleased by the feedback from parents about their flexibility. Some kids love to do everything in them. They stake out their territory on the floor, and don't move until they've finished everything. Others aren't as worried about answering each question. They want to hurry and find the next painting. Leaders have used them for groups like scout troops. Even adults have enjoyed doing them, and tell us they're a great introduction to the collection."

The Artpacks have been developed around three different themes. All include written guides that lead users through a selected part of the museum's collection, a clip board of activities that encourage them to respond to what they see, and suggestions for creating their own art following the theme. The Wilderness Artpack explores how people from various different backgrounds have experienced the Western wilderness, highlighting majestic landscapes and their inhabitants. The Cowboy Artpack introduces this heroic figure in both real and mythical forms, and invites children to put themselves in the cowboy's boots and mind. The Native American Artpack explores the richness of a variety of Native cultures and traditions.

To round out the Western experience, visitors to the museum can visit the adjacent Cantina for southwestern-style meals, snacks, and special kids' meals. For those who'd like a memento of their visit to the Rockwell, the museum Trading Post is the place to shop for Western-themed items to suit all ages, all occasions, and all wallets. Reproductions from the museum's collection; books about the West, Native Americans, and art, and original Native American jewelry, pottery, blankets, and weavings are all available. A Kitchen Corner includes delightful kitchen wares and delicious food products. For youngsters, there are toys, books, and a huggable collection of western stuffed animals. There is no admission fee to visit the Trading Post, and every month, special discounts are available on selected items. Members, of course, enjoy discounts on all merchandise all year round.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art houses "The Best of the West in the East!" - the largest collection of Western art in the Eastern United States. The Rockwell Museum was founded in 1976 with the generous donation of a large private collection of Western art and firearms and Carder Steuben glass from Bob and Hertha Rockwell During 2000-2001, the museum underwent a major renovation, and reopened as the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in May 2001. The Museum is grateful for the financial support of its members, donors, and Corning Incorporated, and for public funding from the New York State Council on the Arts.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art is located at 111 Cedar Street in Corning, just off historic Market Street. The museum is open seven days a week. Visitors are welcome Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Further information and directions are available by contacting the Museum at 607-937-5386.