Poems are happening everywhere! Tap into your poetic eyes, ears, and voice at this Free First Saturday celebrating National Poetry Month. Join in to absorb and create poetry inspired by art and the world around us, or grab an art kit to get creative with poetry-inspired projects at home!
Activities are subject to change or cancellation. Check back here for updates as the program approaches!
Free First Saturday also features free gallery admission 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.
On Free First Saturdays, we require visitors over age 2 to wear face masks inside the building to support the safety and comfort of families and attendees. We ask that you continue to maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet away from people not in your household group.
Art Kits
Get creative with an at-home art project inspired by film! Each kit will contain instructions and all the materials you need to create your own artworks. For ages 4 and up, young children will need some help from an adult. Quantities are limited, available in English and Spanish.
Art kits will be available for pickup in the Walker’s Main Lobby. Entry to the galleries is not required to pick up an art kit.
Short Film Screening Information
Stop by the Bentson Mediatheque to watch a short film! The film will loop throughout the day 10 am–3 pm. Capacity is limited to 10 people at a time. This is a relaxed screening appropriate for all ages.
Me
In this joyful short film, four-year-old J-Money describes his dreams for a new day. Created through the Preschool Poets project, this film features poetry by Ja’Lantea and animation by Daniel Brunson. Creative Direction by Nancy Kangas and Josh Kun, 2017, US, in English with captions, 1 min.
Activity Information
Poetry Play Lab
Families are invited to join COMPAS teaching artist May Lee-Yang at the Poetry Play Lab where you can write poetry from scratch, make poetry from existing work, or contribute to a large community poem.
Poetic Portraits
Work with a Walker educator in the exhibition David Hockney: People, Places & Things to create your very own portrait-inspired poem. No previous poetic experience needed!
Library Pop-Up
Attention book lovers! Did you know the Walker is also home to a library? Explore an assortment of books from the collection and meet a Walker librarian at this special library pop-up.
About the Artist
COMPAS teaching artist May Lee-Yang is a Hmong American playwright, poet, writer, performance artist, and community activist in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her theater-based works have been presented locally at Mu Performing Arts, the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT), and Intermedia Arts as well as nationally at Out North Theater in Anchorage and the National Asian American Theater Festivals in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
Accessibility
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.
