Free Spring Break Family Day: New African Masquerades

Mar 10, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Ticket Price: Free

Tickets

Free Art Activities: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 
Free Museum Admission: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Celebrate Spring Break at SAMA with a vibrant, family-friendly exploration of African masquerade traditions! Inspired by the Museum’s special exhibition, this festive day invites visitors of all ages to discover the colors, music, and movement behind contemporary and traditional masquerade practices of West Africa.  

Families can enjoy hands-on art activities, live performances, interactive gallery experiences, and opportunities to design their own masks. Together, we’ll explore how artists transform materials into powerful figures that celebrate identity, storytelling, and community. 

🚗 Paid parking is available directly across from the Museum in our visitor parking lot. Parking is first-come, first served. We recommend carpooling if possible. 

Artmaking:

  • Mask Studio: Create and decorate a mask inspired by African masquerade traditions, exploring symbolism, identity, and celebration.
  • Dance Wands: Design colorful magic wands inspired by rhythm, movement, and festive performance traditions.
  • DIY Djembe (Drums): Hands-on exploration of rhythm using traditional djembe drums, inviting participants to experiment with sound and beat.

Storytime:

  • Mondrea Harmon – The Griot (10:30–10:50 a.m. and 1:30–1:50 p.m.): A family-friendly storytelling experience inspired by African oral traditions, masks, and cultural heritage.
  • Baba Aundar – Tales of Africa (12:00–12:20 p.m.): An interactive storytelling experience featuring African folktales, audience participation, and a take-home coloring activity.

Performances:

  • Umoja Community Drummers
  • Master Percussionist Aboubacar Sylla
  • Jean-Claude Lessou
  • Participatory drum circle and campus parade led by Tbow Gonzalez (Drum Circle) and Brother Mondrea (Parade)

Artisan Market:

  • Kwanzaa Edwards – Artist
  • Hebron Chism – Artist
  • Baba Ifalade – Copper Jewelry Artist
  • Maat Market – Books & Cultural Materials

Food Vendors:

  • Trice’s – African Cuisine
  • Jamaal Turner – African American Cuisine
  • Sweetiez Kettle Corn
  • KAR’S Shaved Ice

 

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SAMA is more than a museum; it’s a place to experience art and explore the world in new ways.