The Hilliard Art Museum is partnering with the Lafayette Science Museum to host a family day celebration. The theme of the event is Play Day: Fly Me to the Moon!
The event is held to celebrate the museum's new exhibits and International Observe the Moon Night. There will be gallery activities, singing under the stars with the Music Garden, and the chance to create art with Melissa Bonin.
Today's Family Day will take place at the Hilliard Art Museum on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. and lasting until 8.
Susie Gottardi, Marketing Manager at the Hilliard Art Museum, explained the museum's mission.
"Part of our mission is really experiencing the arts so if you're an art lover, or maybe you're not an art lover and you just kind of want to come see what it's all about, tonight's the night to do it."
Play Day is free, and open to the public.
Schedule of Events
4:00 Gallery and Art Activities Begin
5:30 Singing Under the Stars with Melissa Stevens of The Music Garden
7:30 Moon Presentation by Dave Hostetter of the Lafayette Science Museum
8:00 Moon Observing on the Museum's Lawn
When it gets dark outside, attendees will head outside for telescope moon viewing with the experts from the Science Museum. Be sure to bring a blanket to spread out on the lawn!
International Observe the Moon Night is a campaign from NASA that is a "worldwide celebration of lunar science and exploration, celestial observation, and our cultural and personal connections to the Moon."
The event is held when the moon is around first quarter.
Participants can connect with fellow lunar enthusiasts through the Facebook page (facebook.com/observethemoon) and by using #observethemoon on social media.
According to NASA's site, there are currently 1,620 participants and events for this year.
For more information on National Observe the Moon Night, visit NASA's website.
Museum Hours, Admission & General Information
The Hilliard University Art Museum is located at 710 East Saint Mary Boulevard, on the campus of University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Museum Hours are: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Sunday and Monday. General Admission: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors (62+), $3 Students (5-17). FREE for Members, UL Students/Staff/Faculty with identification, and visitors under 5. Guided tours of the galleries are available Friday & Saturday at 2 PM, complimentary with admission. For general information, please visit hillliardmuseum.org or call (337) 482-2278.
