Free-for-All Saturdays at RISD

Member contributed article by Kristen Kearns [kris103k at hotmail dot com]

My children and I have been going to RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) Art Museum’s “Free-for-All” Saturday kids program for the last 6 years. RISD is located just a short drive in Providence, Rhode Island. We don’t make every month, but even when we do go several months in a row, there is always something new and interesting. I would recommend this from ages 4-11. The crafts allow a small child with adult help, but are challenging enough for the older children.

Each month involves a certain theme, sometimes to do with the time of year (summer, flowers, always masks in October). When you first get there, the kids pick up a scavenger hunt, and based on that month’s theme, they have to find art described or shown in the scavenger hunt paperwork. There are usually two craft-style workshops going on at all times, such as making a mask, working with paint, decorating tiles, carving hieroglyphics. There is also a scheduled performance, such as Thailand dancers and magicians.

FYI - I took my 10 year old and her friend for the November "Free-for-All" and again, RISD did not disappoint! There were new art exhibits, so even the art there is every changing.

Last Saturday of the month, 11am-4pm
Admission is absolutely free
For Families: Free-for-All Saturdays