The Rockwell Museum of Western Art's program series, First Fridays, will continue throughout the summer months, but with a twist - switching gears from wine tastings and adult tours to "Family First Fridays!" For the summer months of June, July, and August, First Fridays will be dedicated to serving young families. The young and young-at-heart are invited to participate in a variety of drop-in family activities. Admission and activities are free of charge.

Native people have long celebrated the strawberry, the first fruit of spring, with festivals, songs, dances and stories. The wild strawberry became the symbol of the Creator's gift of renewal and food each spring, and these festivals of thanksgiving are a way of showing appreciation to Mother Earth and the Creator for the bounty of nature.

Join us as we celebrate this first fruit of spring, through the creation of a strawberry pin cushion, sharing a strawberry snack, hearing Native American strawberry tales, and a spring activity in the galleries.

Family First Fridays: Yankee Doodle Fest

Start off the 4th of July weekend by joining us for some sketching in our galleries! Local artists will work with families to teach them to sketch characters and animals from the old west. Refreshments will be provided and our perennial favorite, the Kids' West play area, will be open for the youngest buckaroos!

Friday, August 6, 2010 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Family First Fridays: Family Drum Circle

The most important Native American instrument has always been the drum. Come join us for a drum circle and learn Native American, as well as other traditional rhythms from around the world. We will have drums and other rhythm instruments to share, but if you have your own, please feel free to bring them. In addition, a family gallery activity and refreshments will round out the evening.

At-a-Glance - 2010 First Fridays Schedule

Friday, February 5 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - The Presidential Connection
Friday, March 5 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Celebrating Womens History Month by featuring women artists in the Rockwell Collection
Friday, May 7 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Cinco de Mayo featuring music by Acros Iris
Friday, June 4 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Family First Fridays: A Strawberry Celebration
Friday, July 2 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Family First Fridays:  Yankee Doodle Fest
Friday, August 6 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Family First Fridays: Family Drum Circle
Friday, September 3 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Featuring Finger Lakes Wine and Cheese Tastings
Friday, October 1 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Featuring Finger Lakes Wine and Cheese Tastings
Friday, November 5 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Featuring Finger Lakes Wine and Cheese Tastings
Friday, December 3 @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Featuring Finger Lakes Wine and Cheese Tastings

*Please note: due to the Good Friday holiday on Friday, April 2, 2010, First Fridays: Connect with the Rockwell will not take place.