Museum planning family-friendly events

"Coral reef," a felted wool creation submitted by Olivia Treen, a home-schooled student in grade 11, is one of the blue-ribbon works on display through May 2 in the annual Student Art Exhibition at the Putnam County Museum. (Courtesy photo)

Children and their parents are invited to several events at the Putnam County Museum during the annual Student Art Exhibition now on display.

The art show features works by students in grades K-12 from all Putnam County school corporations as well as home scholars. The exhibit will continue through May 2 at the museum, 1105 N. Jackson St., Greencastle.

"Red, Yellow, Green, Blue -- Putnam Museum wants to plant with you" is the slogan for the next event on the museum's calendar.

Young children and their families are invited to the museum next Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will be able to hear songs and stories, plant seeds, make a craft, play in the iconic round barn and enjoy pizza contributed by Greencastle Pizza King.

Admission is $5 per family or free to museum members at the family ($50) level and above. Reservations may be made on Facebook or by calling the museum at 653-8419.

The seed-planting event is the first in a planned series of Saturday gatherings.

"The museum is a perfect place for kids, and we would like people to experience it," event organizer Izabela Stasiukiewicz said.

The museum plans to host arts and crafts events for families on the third Saturday of each month.

A guided tour of natural history features is planned for April 11 from 10 a.m.-noon. The bus tour will start at DePauw's Nature Park and go on to explore sink holes, misfit rivers and wildflowers at the Fern Cliff Nature Preserve.

The tour is free for museum members and $5 for non-members. Reservations are required.

On April 4 from 6-8 p.m., people of all ages are invited to a 1920s Dance Party at the Museum. Students from DePauw's Jazz Ensemble will provide music from the jazz era. Flapper attire is optional.

Childcare and snacks will be provided. Admission is free for children, $5 for museum members, and $10 for non-members. Reservations are required.

The Putnam County Museum is open from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and by appointment. Admission is free.

To make reservations or ask questions, persons may call the museum at 653-8419.