Events, displays for all

It’s a spring of art and a summer of fun for art lovers of all ages at The Ellen Noël Art Museum.

Museum officials have everything from a round table book discussion to a giant pink bunny display.

The museum is free although some classes have a fee.

The museum, 4909 E. University Blvd., has scheduled the following events, programs and exhibits in May.

“Modern Frescos: Ali Cavanaugh” is on display through Sunday. The exhibit features the works of Cavanaugh, an internationally represented fine artist. Her paintings have been featured on book covers, countless internet features such as the Huffington Post, Fine Art Connoisseur, Hi-Fructose and in numerous print publications including The New York Times Magazine, American Art Collector and American Artist Watercolor. She has painted portraits for TIME magazine and The New York Times.

May 16: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Art Tales for children (ages 3-5). Activities include a book reading followed by a brief art activity.

May 17 and 24: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pronto Spanish, an introductory class for individuals age 16 and older. Learn basic vocabulary and conversational Spanish in a relaxed, fun environment with no tests or grades. The cost is $20 for all classes (includes a small text book). Drop-ins are welcome.

May 17: 7 p.m., Book Buzz. Activities include a book talk with Random House Representative Liz Sullivan and an open round-table discussion for upcoming book selection. Hear about new releases and interesting art-related books.

“Captured by Detail: Camille Engel” is on display through May 20. The exhibit, which showcases a new body of work done in Engel’s realism style, celebrates the artist’s Tennessee home and showcases unique depictions of the Tennessee State Symbols.

“Somehow, I Don’t Feel Comfortable: Momoyo Torimitsu” is on display through May 20. The exhibit features two giant, smiling pink bunnies facing off and pitching forward within a confined space. The work initially appears to be quite fun and whimsical, but is it? Known for addressing social issues, Torimitsu cramps the adorable bunnies into tight spaces to communicate her displeasure for what she calls “the cuteness syndrome” propagated by her native country, Japan’s Hello Kitty culture.

May 23 and 30: 8 a.m., Yoga at the Museum for members. Begin the day with stretching and meditation.

Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (extended hours until 8 p.m. Thursday) and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 550-9696 or visit www.noelartmuseum.org.

In addition, applications are now being accepted for the Teen Artist Residency Program and Summer Art Camps for kids.

Teen Artist Residency Program has been scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 4-8.

Selected teens, ages 13-17, will work with artist Tina Fuentes in an intensive week-long painting workshop. Student work will then be displayed at the museum.

Students must submit an application in advance. Cost is $90. Scholarships are available.

Summer Art Camps for kids, ages 6-12, have been scheduled from 9:15 a.m. to noon on the following dates.

  • June 11-15: Ceramics/Art & Imagination, $100.
  • June 18-22: Art to Wear/Art Journey, $90.
  • July 9-13: Zoology/3D Design, $90.
  • July 16-20: Art for Public Places/Painting, $90

A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need. Class size is limited and classes fill up quickly. Advance registration is required.