March Free First Thursday Night at MAM

MONTCLAIR, N.J. - Feb. 27, 2015 - PRLog -- Free First Thursday Nights invite the Montclair Art Museum’s (MAM’s) entire community to enjoy a night out at the Museum the first Thursday of the month (October–June) from 5 to 9 p.m. The program launched with great success in 2012 and has attracted an average of 600 attendees a night with a dynamic mix of free admission, a full-service bar, live music, and a variety of activities. Offerings change on a monthly basis, providing something new to see and do at every First Thursday Night. First Thursday this month takes place on March 5. Free First Thursday Nights are now made possible by TD Bank.

Come as You Are: Art of the 1990s, the first major American museum survey to examine the art of this pivotal decade in its historical context, is on view at MAM through May 17. The March 5 event is the first Free First Thursday Night opportunity to see this groundbreaking exhibition. Docent tours of the exhibition will be held at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. Additional exhibitions on view include highlights from the Museum’s collection and a new Native American art installation of Pueblo Indian Pottery. The 2015 Scholastic Gold Key Award exhibition is also on view in MAM’s Yard School of Art and Children’s Arcades.

The March evening’s musical performances will include the School of Rock and the Silver Fox Songs Quartet. Montclair’s School of Rock House Band will perform concerts in Leir Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Inspired by Come as You Are: Art of the 1990s, kids (ages 8–17) will perform all your favorite tunes of the decade. The Silver Fox Songs Quartet includes David McDowell (sax), Michael Bardash (keys), Gene Torres (bass), and Chuck Batton (drums) and will feature a collection of jazz and/or soul standards from the 1930s through the 1960s, paying tribute to song stylists from Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. They will play throughout the evening in MAM’s galleries.

Create your own art at Free First Thursday Night in the Yard School of Art drop-in Draw Along Workshop. A Free First Thursday Night favorite, this workshop includes instruction with a professional teaching artist and a free session with a model. It’s offered for all ages and abilities—come try your hand at drawing the figure! MAM Family Learning Lab will also be open during Free First Thursday Night. Explore the theme of identity with 1990s themed dress up and self-portraits!

The Free First Thursday Night bar is offered in partnership with Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastro-Lounge—one of Montclair’s most celebrated eateries recognized for its casual atmosphere and creative, modern menu with a devotion to seasonal, local ingredients. Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastro-Lounge at MAM accepts cash or credit card and offers an extensive variety, including a signature cocktail, wines, and choice beer. Cha Ma Gu Dao, a Montclair tea shop, will offer delicious samples and raffle an exciting gift basket. The Empanada Guy food truck will be on site for hungry patrons to grab a meal.

Members get more at the Montclair Art Museum! At Free First Thursday Night, members can pick up a special coupon for $1 off all drinks.

Free First Thursday Nights run October through June. The next Free First Thursday Night will be April 2 and will include a preview of the 2015 Montclair Film Festival. For an up-to-date schedule of upcoming Free First Thursday Nights, visit montclairartmuseum.org/free-first-thurs-nights (https://www.montclairartmuseum.org/free-first-thurs-night...).

Free First Thursday Nights are made possible by TD Bank (http://www.tdbank.com/).