The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield has several events coming up for families in October. So grab your calendar and schedule some quality time to explore your creative side through these wonderful programs! Note that all require advanced tickets or reservations to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff.
FILM SCREENING: JINN WITH ALDRICH TEEN FELLOWS - OCTOBER 7@10PM
 | Aldrich Teen Fellows is a program designed to give local teenagers an active voice in the Museum. Along with critical professional experience, Fellows will have access to exhibiting artists, Museum staff, and leading professionals in the field. On October 7th, the Aldrich Teen Fellows are pleased to present Jinn, a film by Nijla Mumin, in a collaborative film series intended to examine, celebrate, and amplify Black cinema led by The Ridgefield Playhouse and nine area organizations. Synopsis: Summer (actress Zoe Renee) is a 17-year old carefree Black girl whose world is turned upside down when her mother, a popular meteorologist named Jade Jennings (actress Simone Missick), abruptly converts to Islam and becomes a different person, prompting Summer to reevaluate her identity. A post-screening interview with entertainment reporter Cheryl Washington will take place after the film, serving as a starting point for a community dialogue on topics derived from the film. More information on the Teen Fellows program can be found here. |
VIRTUAL STORY TIME FOR LITTLE ONES - OCTOBER 15 @10AM
 | Gather your little ones ages 6 and under for a Virtual Story Time! Join Aldrich Educator Holly Lapine and Education Assistant Lorena Sferlazza over live video chat for a reading of You Matter by Christian Robinson. Then explore a related work of art from exhibitions and create together through a guided, hands-on art activity. Suggested materials will be emailed in advance. |
THIRD WEEKENDS: OCTOBER 17-18 - FREE ADMISSION TO THE MUSEUM ALL WEEKEND
 | Visit the Museum for free the third weekend of every month. See current exhibitions, view exhibition-related films in The Studio, and listen to audio tours led by the curators via your smartphone or device. (If you are able, it's recommended to bring your smartphone and headphones to access special digital content via QR codes.) Generous support for free admission Third Weekends is provided by Ridgefield Thrift Shop and Fairfield County Bank. Timed-ticket reservations required. |
VIRTUAL FAMILY TOUR - OCTOBER 17 @ 12pm
 | Take a field trip to The Aldrich from the comfort of your home! Join Aldrich Educators for an interactive family tour highlighting the amazing and unusual sculptures from current and past exhibitions. The tour will culminate with a series of suggested art-making activities to further enrich your family’s in-home learning, perfect for a Saturday afternoon! FREE. |
VIRTUAL POETRY: THE SECRET LIFE OF EVERYDAY THINGS - OCTOBER 18 @ 12pm
 | The whole family is invited to take part in this intergenerational poetry “playshop” led by Aldrich educator Barb Jennes, Ridgefield’s poet laureate. Drawing on Genesis Belanger’s new exhibit Through the Eye of a Needle, exploring personification as you read, write, and share poems that create vivid character for everyday objects. No previous poetry-writing experience necessary—just the love of words and fun! All ages. FREE. |
VIRTUAL HALLOWEEN STORYTELLING - OCTOBER 29 @ 7PM
 | Happy Halloween from The Aldrich Contemp-BOO-rary Art Museum! You are invited to join educator and storyteller Jane Steinman for a fun, family friendly evening of Halloween storytelling! Jane will tell two participatory stories, perfect for getting your young ghosts and ghouls in the holiday spirit! For ages 5+. FREE. |
About The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Founded by art collector and fashion designer Larry Aldrich in 1964, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is one of the oldest contemporary art museums in the United States. The Museum is one of the few independent, non-collecting institutions in the country and the only museum in Connecticut solely dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art. Visit the web site for more information on exhibits and programming. Museum is open 12pm-5pm Sunday through Friday (closed Tuesday) and from 10am-5pm on Sunday. Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 noon to 2:30 pm are reserved for visitors ages 60+. Admission is $12 for Adults; $7 for Seniors/Students. Free for Members, Educators, Children under 13 and Military Families. Free Admission on Third Saturdays. Timed entry tickets or reservations are required. Information on Birthday Parties and Scouts can be found here. Aldrich at Home art-making activities can be found here.
