Free Family day at the Reinzi and Bayou Bend

Rienzi and Bayou Bend Present: Spring Family Day: Things Worth Writing Sunday, April 17th, 1 - 5 pm Rienzi and Bayou Bend team up for a FREE Family Day to mark National Poetry Month in April. An afternoon of fun and entertainment await, with art activities, music, poetry, storytelling, performances, puzzles, and more. Learn about poetry and try your hand at prose!

Events and Programs at Rienzi Poetry and Art Making Activities, 1 - 4:45 pm, Great Lawn Celebrate the art of the written word with several poetry writing activities. Frame and decorate your final written work of art. Nature and Object Scavenger Hunt, 1 - 4:45 pm, Rienzi Gardens and Galleries Search Through Rienzi´s gardens and galleries to find flowers, plants and animals. Prizes will be given at the registration booth. The Non-Toxic Band, 1:30 - 4:30 pm, Rienzi Terrace Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the lively, original music from The Non-Toxic Band. These former Sesame Street song-writers engage every audience member through kid-friendly music and lyrics. Storytime Tours, 2 - 2:45 pm, Rienzi Ballroom In honor of poetry month, join our Storytime Docents as they read children´s poems from English poetess, Christina Rossetti and other internationally celebrated writers. Mural Making, 1 - 4:45 pm, Rienzi Gardens Participate in creating a group mural reflecting on the many themes of family day. Artist Judy Malone-Stein will lead children in this colorful and energetic activity incorporating several different mediums and techniques for a one-of-a-kind project. Refreshments, 1 - 4:45 pm, Rienzi Terrace Cool off all afternoon on the terrace with some cookies and lemonade overlooking Rienzi´s sparkling pool and grounds!

Events and Programs at Bayou Bend Houston Brass Band - The Songs of Stephen Foster, 2:30 pm, Diana Terrace The Houston Brass Band is a traditional "British Brass Band," but they´ll be performing a distinctly American program of songs by the legendary Stephen Foster ("Camptown Races,", Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair," "My Old Kentucky Home"). Julian Franklin - Tribute to Chris Van Allsburg, 3 pm, Bailey Room at the Kilroy Center Bayou Bend favorite Julian Franklin combines magic and puppetry into a show honoring Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar Express, Jumanji, and other popular children´s book titles. Dan Gordon - Adventures in Storyland, 2 pm & 3:30 pm, East Garden Terrace Popular storyteller Dan Gordon takes the audience on a journey through the magic of story. Storytime in the Library with Serena Newmark, 2:30 pm, Kitty King Powell Library Word-of-the-Day Game, 1 - 4:30 pm, pick up your game card at the KUHF table on the Diana Terrace. "Mix and Match" Poems, 1 - 4:30 pm, Diana Terrace Cut out words and phrases from magazines, newspapers, and more to create your own poem!

. . . Admission is free! Free parking is available at Bayou Bend: use the entrance at Memorial Drive and Westcott Street. A complimentary shuttle runs between Rienzi and Bayou Bend (last trip to Rienzi at 4:30 pm, last trip back to Bayou Bend at 4:45 pm). Rienzi 1406 Kirby Drive Houston, Texas 77019 713.639.7800 rienzi@mfah.org www.mfah.org/rienzi