Piedmont Arts in Martinsville invites families to celebrate the arts and culture of Africa at a free Family Day on Saturday, February 27 at the museum. Guests will learn about African culture and art—from the ancient land of Mali to modern day—and master griot, or storyteller, Fred Motley will captivate with tales that combine words, music and games. “Family Day is a great way to experience the culture and traditions of Africa’s Akan and Kuba kingdoms,” said Brian Stanley, Piedmont Arts’ education coordinator. “From making crafts inspired by African culture to the stories of Fred Motley, guests will feel like they’ve been transported to Africa.” Free crafts include African drums, African bracelets and construction paper kente cloths—a vibrantly colored textile native to West Africa. Guests will also experience the exhibit, “Fortune, Courage, Love: Arts of Africa’s Akan and Kuba Kingdoms from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts,” an exhibition highlighting royal life in Africa through the decorative arts. Africa Family Day will take place Saturday, February 27 at Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Ave., from 1 to 3 p.m. All ages are welcome. Admission is free. Snacks will be provided by Chick-fil-A. Learn more at www.PiedmontArts.org.
