Canton Museum hosts Night at the Museum family festival May 20

Canton Museum of Art (CMA) will host an an interactive archaeological dig, glow-in-the-dark face painting, nocturnal animals, roaming entertainers, family yoga and art activities as part of “Night at the Museum: A Free Family Festival,” Saturday, May 20 from 7 to 10 p.m.

This free non-ticketed event is open to the public with entertainment for all ages. In conjunction with the “AVATARS: Relics from the Future” art exhibition, attendees will embark on a mystical journey through relics of a mysterious civilization. Night at the Museum will inspire creativity in all ages, and the event will feature creative activities from the Akron Fossils & Science Center, Massillon Museum, McKinley Presidential Library and museum and many more.

The event is made possible by ArtsInStark, Ohio Arts Council, Key Bank Foundation, Williams Family Dental Group, Inc., and Winick Endodontics. Activities include:

Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo will be on hand to introduce visitors to creatures of the night. Attendees may interact with the ZooMobile’s nocturnal animals – including some creepy crawly ones – and hear all about what they’re up to after we’ve all gone to bed.

Stark County District Library
Common to many cultures worldwide, totems have long been used to recount stories or commemorate special occasions. Visit with the Stark County District Library and explore the history and symbolism of totems – and make one of your very own to take home.

6th Street Yoga
Sink into stillness with 6th Street Yoga. Visitors may hover in the magical realm between sleep and wakefulness as they are guided peacefully through relaxation poses that will leave them both calm and full of energy.

Wandering Aesthetics
Master storytellers from Wandering Aesthetics will be roaming the tombs and totems of the “Avatars” exhibit, conjuring up mythical monsters of mayhem. Beware….creatures of the night may appear.

Rockstar Rock Shop
Rockstar Rock Shop and their gem mining table will offer fun and mystery mixed with geology. This hands-on activity includes sifting through the sands to unearth minerals such as ruby, emerald, Jasper, agate, pyrite and amethyst, among others. For only $5 visitors may keep whatever precious stones and gems they uncover.

The accompanying exhibit, Gary Spinosa’s “AVATARS: Relics from the Future,” is now on view through July 23.

Relics play an important role in learning from the past and even defining the future. They are storytellers of history, cultures and world religions. They link people to customs, beliefs, rituals, superstition and contemplation. Across many millennia, millions of relics stand out for their uniqueness, their intrigue, their ability to expand our knowledge about forgotten civilizations — or to propel us to examine the essence of life. It is a combination of world religions, faith and philosophy that is eminently approachable.

Combining human, animal and architectural forms, Spinosa seeks to materialize spiritual energy through his serene, benevolent figures. In his creative process, he does not start with a concept of what a work will look like. Instead, he just starts… and lets the clay, wood, pigments and other materials speak to him. He wants to create works that have a presence and will engulf the viewer — making the viewer a participant in, and receiver of, the energy in each piece.

Spinosa is a visionary artist, and by his own acclaim he feels guided by an ancient past. This exhibition covers more than five decades of the artist’s work, including pieces created within the last year.

The Canton Museum of Art (CMA) is one of Ohio’s premier museums for an exceptional visual arts experience. CMA is recognized for powerful national touring exhibits; dynamic CMA-original exhibits; an unrivaled Permanent Collection of American watercolors and contemporary ceramics; and innovative education outreach programs, in-Museum classes, and workshops. CMA is one of only two Stark County museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

For more info, including hours, exhibits, classes, and special events, call (330) 453-7666, visit www.cantonart.org, or find the Museum on Facebook or @CantonMuseum on Twitter.