Thursday, January 28, 2016

Nationally Touring Exhibition, The Power of Children: Making a Difference

Opens Monday, Feb. 1 at Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum


The stories of ordinary children who faced extraordinary circumstances inspires children today to fight discrimination and intolerance. The Power of Children: Making a Difference, a new exhibition opening Monday, Feb. 1 at Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum (AYAM), 901 Yorkchester, explores the lives of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White and their impact in making a positive difference in the world.

The Power of Children encourages children and families to explore problems of isolation, fear, and prejudice, by giving a personal face to three major issues of the 20th century: the Holocaust, the Civil Rights movement, and the AIDS epidemic. Through audio-visual presentations, original artifacts, and hands-on interactive displays, visitors will learn each child’s story, and immersive environments will take them into the spaces where each child felt safe.

Because of her Jewish heritage and faith, Anne Frank spent two years hiding from the Nazis in an annex behind her father’s office in Amsterdam during World War II. Anne dreamed of becoming a writer, and while in hiding she kept a diary about her fears, experiences, and dreams of a better future. Despite her death at a concentration camp in 1945, the power of Anne’s words continues to reach millions through her widely published diary.

In 1960, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges broke racial barriers by walking through an angry mob to her classroom each day, a key event in the struggle for Civil Rights that was immortalized by Norman Rockwell in his painting The Problem We All Live With. Today, years after making her mark on the Civil Rights movement, Ruby continues her fight against racism and hate through The Ruby Bridges Foundation, which provides educational resources and information to children, teachers, and parents nationwide.

Watch My Story: Mrs. Lucille Bridges >>

As an infant, Ryan White was diagnosed with hemophilia; in 1984, he learned he had contracted the AIDS virus from a tainted treatment for his disease. When school officials learned of his condition, Ryan was banned from returning to school because of fears and misconceptions associated with HIV/AIDS. Ryan fought back and found a voice as an advocate for AIDS research and education. Today, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides care and treatment for people with HIV/AIDS.

The Power of Children demonstrates the power of words, actions, and voice when people are faced with hatred, racism, and discrimination. At the exhibition’s end, visitors are challenged to find ways they can make a difference.
The Power of Children:  Making A Difference - A Guide for Families >>

AYAM will host The Power of Children, a 1,600 square foot, interactive exhibit Feb. 1 through March 2. Throughout the month, Lucille Bridges, mother of Ruby Bridges, will speak to groups, and actors will reenact aspects of the exhibition.


The Power of Children Hours

Feb. 1 – March 2:


Monday
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: open to the public and groups
Tuesday – Thursday

10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: school and home-school field trips (reservations required)
Tuesday – Thursday
1:30 – 4 p.m.: open to the public
Friday

Closed
Saturday

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.: open to the public

Cost - $5.00 per person; special pricing for field trips
For group reservations or information, call 713. 251.1987.

Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum

901 Yorkchester
Houston, Texas 77079

Organized by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, The Power of Children is made possible through NEH on the Road, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It has been adapted to tour nationally by Mid-America Arts Alliance. AYAM was selected to host the exhibition in Houston.

This program was made possible in part with a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.


About Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum
Thought to be the nation’s only art museum located on a public school campus, AYAM is an art experiential destination for students of all ages. When Altharetta Yeargin, Spring Branch ISD’s first art teacher, donated her art collection to SBISD, the district partnered with The Smithsonian Institution to design the current facility. It houses a collection of art and artifacts valued at more than $2 million and includes more than 600 works from around the world. The Museum is supported by individual and foundation donors.

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