Telfair Children’s Art Museum (CAM) recently marked the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of their wonderous exhibit, as well as the first birthday of their beloved mascot, Cammy the Chameleon. CAM is celebrating these milestones with an entire month full of family activities and programs.
When CAM opened last year, it quickly became one of the most popular attractions at the Jepson Center. Cam was designed in collaboration with design firm FREN and features two floors of engaging exhibits, including interactive and educational art experiences, a delightful Toddler Area, and a Family Lounge. One of its most awe-inspiring exhibits has been the Tunnel Gallery that tells the story of Impressionism using interactive walls full of swirling, shifting fields of colorful flowers.
“When the museum opened up in 2006 there was an art education area for children and it had been a while since that had been updated,” said Rana Edgar, director of institutional advancement. “It was the perfect time to that. Also, CAM is very technology based, which is nice because kids like to learn from technology, but it also means we can change the content. There are fresh learning opportunities, and our plan is to do that every year.”
CAM addition to open in 2025
Telfair is working on a new addition for CAM that will open in 2025. One of the biggest benefits of CAM is that it has drawn more families to the museum and introduced people to other important art exhibitions on site they may not have visited before. Of course, it helps that CAM offers something for everybody, no matter their age.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
“I think there is a little something for everyone, and I think that’s what is so unique about CAM,” said Edgar. “It’s designed for children and youth of all ages, but it also something for adults. The immersive gallery is one you always find people in, but I think there is something to learn in all parts of the museum.”
CAM has a full calendar of events throughout July to celebrate. Each week there will be a Count the Cammys contest where participants can guess the number of Cammy plushies with a chance to win a Family membership and gift certificate to the museum gift shop.
From 5 to 10 p.m. on July 10, Sobremesa is hosting Cheers for Charity, an evening of fun drinks and treats with a portion of the sales going to CAM. Savannah Power Yoga is also offering a yoga class at 5:30 p.m. at the museum.
Activities for the kids include Artful Tales Storytime on July 12, 19 and 26, and Art Start: Lingua Flora on July 18. There are two chameleon-themed movie screenings including a Ferngully matinee at 1 p.m. on July 20, and a family movie night featuring Rango at 6 p.m., July 24.
July 21 is National Ice Cream Day and anyone who donates to CAM will receive a free scoop of Leopold’s ice cream from the Wildflower Café.
Finally, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is Family Photo Day where families can get a free photo taken in CAM, as well as enjoy a tasty bundtini from Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Admission to CAM and related events is free to members and included with a Telfair three-site pass. Admission costs can be a barrier for some families, so Telfair has partnered with Live Oak Libraries, and anyone with a library card can check-out a day pass to Telfair museums for free from any Live Oak library.
“We definitely see an influx of families in the museum,” said Edgar. “We know the Children’s Museum is something that was wanted and needed by the community, and we are excited to see so many people visit the museum and to continue to grow the Children’s Museum and changeout the content next year. We don’t want people to think that this is something you only come one time for.”
Visit telfiar.org for more information and a calendar of events.
If You Go >>
What: Children’s Art Museum One-Year Anniversary
When: Through July
Where: Jepson Center & Telfair Children’s Art Museum, 207 W. York St.
Cost: Free for members, included with three-site pass; free and up to $30
Info: telfair.org