The Crocker Art Museum is hosting a new children's program combining books and art projects at local libraries.

The series of free events will kick off at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Colonial Heights Library on Stockton Blvd. The idea of a series event stemmed from Wee Wednesdays, a free event inside the museum for kids ages 3-5. Emma Moore, manager of Experiential Learning for The Crocker Art Museum, has teamed up with local librarians to create "Stories and Art." Each library features a different storybook that will be read aloud by a librarian and serves as the inspiration for a different on-site, hands-on art project for the children that will follow each story. Moore said she believes "books are an art form too" and wants to introduce that concept to children early.

The Colonial Heights Library event will feature the books "Mouse Paint," by Ellen Stoll and "Hello, Red Fox," by Eric Carle. Author and Illustrator Carle is best known for his children's books, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" His style utilizes watercolors and paper mache techniques. Thursday's event will use similar techniques as a foundation. On April 14, Courtland Library on Primasing Ave. will host a Spanish and English bilingual event with a cartoonist in charge of the hands-on art portion. The program will expand to North Highlands in May and finish at the Elk Grove Library on Elk Grove Blvd. The final Elk Grove series will include a performing arts display with a choreographed puppet show.

The exhibits are meant for ages 3-5, but that is just a suggestion. Discretion is up to the parents. The Crocker Art Museum does have specialized events geared towards toddlers which focus on more physical activities. Moore said she expects coverage of color theory; the understanding that "red, blue and yellow cannot be made they just are." This might be too simple of a concept for an older child, who might lose interest.

Wee Wednesdays are free for children, but not for adults. The Crocker's "Stories and Art" is free for all. The difference is that actual art from the museum's collection will not be put on display. However, vouchers for free admission to The Crocker Art Museum will be granted to patrons of the "Stories and Art" events.
 

Check out www.crockerartmuseum.org/about/releases/2010/012610_stories_and_art.htm for locations and details.