A glass artist creating pieces during the Great Art Escape (photo courtesy of Toledo Museum of Art)
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The Great Art Escape Returns to the Toledo Museum of Art

This holiday season, enjoy festivities and fun for all ages during this annual event in Ohio's Glass City. 

Family is at the center of pretty much everything this time of year, and while it is always fun to drive around and look at lights, go to a show or play in the snow, the Toledo Museum of Art is inviting you and your loved ones to get a little creative this season.

The Great Art Escape returns to the museum Dec. 27 through 29 with several family activities scattered throughout the halls and galleries. While the event features cookie decorating, movie screenings of “Frozen” and “Frozen II,” story time and sock skating, there are also plenty of art-forward activities to enjoy. Here are some highlights to look forward to

Families enjoy hands-on activities at the Toledo Museum of Art Great Art Escape (courtesy of Toledo Museum of Art)

Kids Zone: Families with little ones at the Great Art Escape can visit the museum’s family center where kids can unleash their budding creativity and make age-appropriate, winter-themed projects to take home by finger painting, paper crafting and more.

Night Lights: Docent tours allow guests to see the museum galleries in a whole new light – literally! Guided flashlight tours are always a favorite during Great Art Escape and invite museum guests in after dark to explore the galleries and hear their stories.

A visitor channels their creativity by sketching masterpieces on display during the Great Art Escape.

Sketch Artists: Take on the role of artist with Drawing in the Galleries. This activity lets guests put pen to paper to recreate the different sculptures found in the museum, including sculptures and works in the always inspiring Classic Court gallery. If you’re not a pro, it’s no problem, as teaching artists are in the gallery to help guide the way

Studio Stories: Visit the museum’s glass pavilion for a Fables and Fairytales Glassblowing Demonstration. Here, you can ditch the winter jacket and enjoy the heat as you watch skilled glass blowers create intricate creations, all while studio artists narrate beloved childhood stories.  

While this annual event has plenty for families, there are also facets of this event that make it a great night out with a loved one. Couples can enjoy date night docent tours, paint and sip demonstrations and a hot chocolate bar with an option to spice it up with spirits.

For more information on the Toledo Museum of Art and Great Art Escape, visit toledomusuem.org

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