February half term week at the Fitzwilliam 2019

On Wednesday 20 February, 16.30 – 19.30, The Fitzwilliam Museum teams up with the Whipple Museum of the History of Science for its twilight event at the Museum. This year the theme is a ‘starry night’. Participants are encouraged to bring torches to see the Museum come to life as the sun goes down. As part of Twilight at the Museums, the Fitz will be unveiling a new, temporary light installation, by artist Emma Smith, called 'We'. It will be accompanied by a special programme of events including Artist Talk with Emma Smith.

GCSE, A Level, and BTEC art students preparing for art exams can take advantage of SOURCE, free drop-in sessions at the Museum throughout the week (16–23 February). Professional artists will be on hand to assist with techniques and ideas. Participants will have access to a studio with high quality material, they can also go on informal discussion tours, and get advice on this year's art exam themes.

Several art Portfolio Review slots are available with Will Hill, Deputy Head of Cambridge School of Art Anglia Ruskin University, but booking is essential. The same is true, if you want to take part in Ask the Artist: Q & A. Artist Iona McCuaig, Royal College of Art MA graduate, and Hannah Kershaw, Fitzwilliam Museum Exhibitions Coordinator will share their experiences of becoming a designer and maker and pursuing a career in museums and galleries.

If stress and anxiety are getting to you as exams grow close, the Mindfulness and Art session with Samina Khan and Daniela McDermott could be helpful. The pair us yoga, breathing techniques and positive thought to ease the tension. You can call: 01223 332904, or email: education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk, to book or register your interest for any of these sessions.

For younger visitors, free resources are available from both entrances to the Museum at any time. Those with babies (0–2 years) can pick up a play mat containing carefully selected resources that connect with themes and objects in the collection. Little ones (2–6 years) can benefit from our Story Starter satchels containing a picture book and activities to explore the galleries. Whilst those with 5–12 year olds can complete games and puzzles to journey around the Museum with one of our Fitz Kits, or pick up a gallery trail. Also a selection of drawing materials are available to borrow at any time.

If time is short head for Gallery 21, where you will find a small display of objects found by CAU at the University of Cambridge North West Cambridge archaeological site.

The focus may be on special half term activities but don’t forget our current exhibitions: Whistler & Nature and its accompanying exhibition The Gentle Art: Friends and strangers in Whistler’s prints; Collecting and Giving: Highlights from the Sir Ivor and Lady Batchelor bequest; and Enriching Collections: Recent acquisitions of prints and drawings 2009-2019.

We hope you enjoy visiting the Museum this February half term. And remember our shop and café will also be available during opening hours, including the late night opening for Twilight.

6 February 2019