Do you collect anything? If you created a museum to display your collection, what would it be like? What would people do there? What would the walls and floors look like? This month at Free First Saturday, explore what it means to be a curator and experiment with collecting and comparing to create meaningful stories.
The author reading has been canceled. Join authors Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, and John Coy at 11 am for a reading of Where We Come From, a new book for children highlighting history, family, and identity.
Free First Saturday also includes free gallery admission from 10 am to 5 pm on the first Saturday of every month. Gallery admission tickets are available on-site on the event day from the Main Lobby desk; quantities are limited.
Activity Information
The author reading has been canceled. Where We Come From Storybook Reading with the Authors, 11 am
Join authors Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, and John Coy in the Walker Cinema as they read their newest book for children, Where We Come From. In this unique collaboration, the four authors explore where they each come from—literally and metaphorically—as well as what unites all of us as humans. A Q&A and book signing follows the reading. A limited number of books will be available for purchase in the Walker Shop and online.
This will be a relaxed reading; visitors are free to come and go as they need. Space is limited. The reading will have ASL interpretation.
Youth Piano Performances, 1–2 pm
Enjoy solo performances by youth piano students ages 4 to 16! Students of Suzuki method instructor Jill Thomas will perform classical and contemporary pieces for museum visitors relaxing in or passing through the Main Lobby.
Family Tour, 11:30 am
Tour for General Audiences, 1 pm
Join a Walker educator for a family-friendly guided tour of artworks on view in the galleries at 11:30 am (40 min.), or take a guided tour for general audiences at 1 pm (60 min.). Tours meet at the Main Lobby desk, five minutes before the tour start time. Tours explore a selection of artworks across current exhibitions and include interactive discussion.
Art-making Activity: Flower Swap Shop, 10 am–3 pm
At this imaginary flower shop, create a beautiful paper flower to leave behind as a gift for another museum visitor. In exchange, choose a flower created by someone else to take home and keep!
Art-making Activity: Create Your Own Gallery, 10 am–3 pm
What would you display in an art gallery? For this activity, the choice is yours! You will be both the artist creating artwork and the curator deciding how to display it. Let your imagination guide you as you create your own gallery.
Visit the Walker Art Center Library, 10 am–3 pm
The Walker’s library is open! Cozy up with an artful book or work with your family and friends to complete a fun word game for a prize. The library entrance is through the Art Lab.
Accessibility
ASL interpretation will be provided for the 11 am children’s book reading.
The short film will be captioned.
For visitors who need to plan accessible transportation to the Walker, please email access@walkerart.org or call 612-375-7564 to inquire about reserving timed admission.
To request accommodations for this program or for more information about accessibility, call 612-375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.
Bios
Diane Wilson is an award-winning writer, speaker, and educator. Her books include Spirit Car: Journey to a Dakota Past, Beloved Child: A Dakota Way of Life, and The Seed Keeper. Wilson is a Mdewakanton descendent, enrolled on the Rosebud Reservation. Visit her online at dianewilsonwords.com.
Sun Yung Shin was born in Seoul, Korea, and is the author of the bilingual picture book Cooper’s Lesson. She is also an award-winning poet and collaborative artist. Her fourth book of poems, The Wet Hex, is a finalist for a MN Book Award in poetry. She lives in Minneapolis with her family. Visit her online at sunyungshin.com.
Shannon Gibney is an award-winning author of books of all kinds—from novels to anthologies to essays to picture books. She writes for adults, children, and everyone in between. She lives in Minneapolis with her family. Visit her online at shannongibney.com.
John Coy is the author of numerous picture books, including Night Driving, Hoop Genius, Game Changer, If We Were Gone, Dads, and Their Great Gift. He lives in Minneapolis and visits schools around the world. Visit him online at johncoy.com.
