VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Bayou Bend, the American decorative arts center of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, hosts a free Family Day the third Sunday of each month from September through May.  This year, we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Family Day with a season of themes that pay tribute to the spirit and history of family fun at Bayou Bend.

Sunday, May 17:  Houston's Treasures.

From NASA to the Medical Center (pictured) to the Port of Houston and Bayou Bend, there is so much about the city of Houston worth celebrating. This month, we do just that as we explore the rich culture of America’s fourth-largest city. Join us for art & activities celebrating the city’s diversity, from the battle of San Jacinto to the city’s role in the moon landing, and enjoy performances from homegrown talent right here in the Houston area.

An amazing day of fun and entertainment is what awaits our visitors to Bayou Bend Family Days. Activities, demonstrations, and performances abound throughout the home and gardens. Tours of the 1st floor of the house are hosted by volunteers of the Houston Junior Woman’s Club, while giveaways and promotions are offered through our media sponsor, KUHF 88.7 FM and the MFAH.

Stationed docents will be available for tours throughout the day. Refreshments will be served.

Featured Activities:

Lonestar Bluegrass Band – 1:00 p.m., Diana Terrace
A Bayou Bend favorite, and one of Houston’s most popular musical acts, let Chris Hirsch & co. set your toes to tapping with some of the best bluegrass and down-home music around!

Houston Historical Society – 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., Diana Lawn
Come meet members of the Houston Historical Society, who will be on hand to share stories and information about the history of our great city!

Poetry & Art from the MFAH - 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m., East Garden & Terrace
Authors LuAnn Turley & Rita Whiteman lead a reading of children’s poetry with a craft activity to follow; based on the book A Wreath, a Tree, and Me, featuring art from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston collection.

Houston Embroiderer’s Guild: Yellow Rose Chapter – 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., Diana Lawn
Join the Houston Embroiderer’s Guild in a cloth-making craft on the Diana Lawn, while enjoying the performances on the Diana Terrace.

1st Floor House Tours with the Houston Junior Woman’s Club – 1:00 – 4:15 p.m., Folk Art Porch
A Bayou Bend Family Day tradition since 1968! Join docents from Houston Junior Woman’s Club as they explain the period furnishings and decorations.

Bayou Bend’s Family Day programs are designed to encourage adults and children to explore American history. Each month features a different theme and a variety of related activities and performances geared toward educating and entertaining children. On Family Day, volunteers from the Houston Junior Woman’s Club show visitors the first floor of Bayou Bend.

Funding
Education programs at Bayou Bend receive generous funding from the Susan Vaughan Foundation, Houston Junior Woman’s Club, The Frill Foundation, the James W. Glanville Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry McCleskey, and the Julia and Albert Smith Foundation