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Heritage arts programs for kids provide creative lessons

(July 20, 2017) Creating hands-on crafts, while instilling an appreciation for the past, is the goal of the Heritage Arts for Kids program at the Julia A. Purnell Museum in Snow Hill.
Dr. Cindy Byrd, the museum’s executive director, said the summertime program, which kicked off on July 12, runs for five consecutive Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. The cost is free for children ages 12 and under, but all youngsters must be accompanied by an adult, paying regular $3 admission. Museum members participate at no additional cost.
Byrd, who noted the Berlin-Ocean City Optimist Club reimburses the museum for the children’s admission fee, said a different activity is offered each week, albeit with a recurring theme.
“Each craft is trying to make a connection to the museum … something that connects to the history in the museum,” she said.
On July 26 children will have the opportunity to make stained glass candles.
The museum building at 208 West Market Street, which was constructed in 1891, was formerly home to St. Agnes Catholic Church.
“The original church had stained glass windows,” Byrd said. “We have the original stained glass windows still installed, although some are covered on the inside.”
The finished product will provide a colorful take-home experience, Byrd said.
“When you burn it, it looks pretty,” she said.
On Aug. 2, the program shifts gears with an introduction to stitch work.
“Each child will make a small piece of stitchery,” Byrd said.
This is a natural outgrown of the museum’s namesake, who Byrd said created extensive embroidery selections.
Byrd is hopeful this activity will encourage youngsters to take an interest in the Delmarva Needle Art Show and Competition. The event runs during the month of September at the museum.
“We want the children to come back to see the needle art show,” she said. “This year we will have a kid’s category.”
Entries will be judged, adults and children separately, during the museum’s annual FiberFest on Sept. 30. The festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes gifts and fiber art supplies for purchase, along with free admission.
“If kids participate it’s not fair to be judged along side some 70-year-old lady who’s been doing it her whole life,” Byrd said.
In addition to first-through-third prize ribbons, children’s entries will also be eligible for numerous honorable mention accolades.
“We’re trying to get more children to take an interest and pass it along to the next generation,” Byrd said.
The Heritage Arts program wraps up on Aug. 9 with a hat decorating exercise.
Starting with only a simple straw-hat shell, Byrd said the youthful visionaries never cease to amaze with their end designs.
“By the time the kids finish decorating them you can’t even tell what’s underneath,” she said.
Regardless of what is on the schedule, Byrd said the summertime program is one of the museum’s most-attended offerings.
“It’s fun to watch the kids be funny and make whatever best suits their personal creativity,” she said.  
For more information visit purnellmuseum.org or call 410-632-0515.