If you find yourself with some free time this spring break, you can stop by the Ellen Noël Art Museum for Spring Break Drop In for exhibits, events and some free books from the Little Free Library.
Tuesday was the first day. Admission is free, Educator Annie Stanley said.
“We just we always try to have something going on, or just remind people that we’re open because we know a lot of families can’t leave for spring break, and they’re looking for things to do around town,” Stanley said.
The museum is now in the Presidential Archives at 4919 E. University Blvd. The Ellen Noël is undergoing a revamp and renovations.
Stanley said they have been in the Presidential Archives building since September 2022.
“This is a beautiful building. We’ve settled in. We haven’t had to cancel anything. We’re doing all the same amount of programming that we did before. … I think it’s working out really well,” she added.
A couple of the current exhibits are Thomas Hart Benton and the Navy and Censorship, Controversy and Scandal, both of which run through May 28. Both are on loan from The Navy Art Collection.
A Book Talk is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 23 for those 18 and older. It’s on “Boom or Bust: Narrative, Life and Culture from the West Texas Oil Patch.” It will be a discussion with Chris Bartlett, Danielia Garcia and Edith Vandervoort.
A Book Making Workshop is set for 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 25. The cost is $50 and spots are limited. It offers a chance to create a unique book that can be used for a travel journal, baby book or special gift. The instructor is Kate Mahoney and all supplies will be provided.
A Wearable Art Workshop is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 15; $50 registration in advance only. Spots are limited.
The next Community Art Day is 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. April 15 and it’s free. It’s a chance to help celebrate spring and find out about upcoming summer programs such as Tarp and Summer Art Camps. There will be art stations and visits from community partners such as the Odessa High School Harp Ensemble, the Ector County ISD Early Childhood Program and Basin PBS.
A Penguin Random House representative will be on hand April 27.
