Programming

Discover the UM Museum’s Education Programs designed to inspire curiosity and creativity for learners of all ages.

A young child wearing a yellow shirt and black apron paints outdoors at a table covered with paper and brushes. Bowls of green and brown paint sit nearby under bright sunlight.

Programs that Inspire

The University of Mississippi Museum offers dynamic educational experiences that bring art to life for visitors of all ages. Through hands-on workshops, family programs, class visits, and community partnerships, our Education Department creates opportunities to learn, create, and engage with art in meaningful ways. Each program is designed to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and deepen understanding of the diverse collections on display.

Museum Education Programs

Our programs are created to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection for learners of all ages. Each one invites participants to explore art, culture, and ideas in a fun, hands-on way.

Imagination Station is a fun and interactive pop-up art program for K-4th grade students, where creativity knows no bounds! Young artists will explore various materials and techniques to complete exciting art projects, while developing their imagination and self-expression. Each session encourages hands-on learning and allows students to create their own masterpieces, all while having a blast and discovering the joy of making art!

Program Highlights:

  • FREE!
  • Age: K-4th Grade
  • Frequency: Pop-Up program
  • Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm

Imagination Station Sign Up

Quick Program Details

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

  • Drop-off begins at 2:45 PM, and pick-up ends at 5:10 PM. Please adhere to these times.

Rules & Discipline

  • Children must follow the rules and behavior policies set by the UM Museum.

Dress Code

  • Children should wear clothes that can get dirty, as art activities are hands-on.

Grade Restrictions

  • Imagination Station is currently available for children in grades K-4th.

Snacks & Allergies

  • Each student will be provided with a plastic 8 oz water bottle and a pre-packaged snack.
  • Please disclose any allergies so we can make the necessary accommodations.

Quick Procedures for Guardians

Restroom Policy:

  • Your child must be able to use the restroom independently.
  • Museum staff cannot assist with restroom needs.

Behavior Tracking:

  • If your child demonstrates disruptive or harmful behavior, it will be documented in a Behavior Log.
  • Actions taken to address behavior will be recorded, and tracking will continue for any behavior that deviates from program expectations.

Disclosure of Disabilities & Accommodations:

  • We encourage you to disclose any disabilities, medical conditions, or learning differences your child may have.
  • All shared information will be kept confidential and only shared with relevant staff.
  • Accommodations may be provided (e.g., modified art materials, extra time for tasks) to ensure your child’s participation.

Sick/Ailment Policy:

  • If your child shows signs of illness, they must be picked up immediately.
  • Children must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to another program.
  • If your child falls asleep during the program and cannot stay awake, a pick-up will be required.
  • Please provide any necessary documentation for medications or health conditions (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler).

Repeated Phone Calls for Pick-Up:

  • If your child needs to be picked up due to illness or behavior, we will make repeated calls to you or your emergency contact if there is no response to the initial call. Prompt pick-up is necessary to ensure your child’s well-being and the smooth running of the program.

Join us for a fun and flexible art program designed specifically for homeschool students and their guardians! From 10:30am to 12pm, students can enjoy drop-in art making, where they can explore their creativity and work on individual projects. At 10:45am, an optional guided tour is available to dive deeper into the museum's exhibits, offering inspiration for their artwork. This program provides a great opportunity for homeschool families to engage with art, history, and hands-on creativity in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Program Highlights:

  • FREE!
  • Homeschool Event
  • For All Ages and Families
  • Time: 10:30am-12:00pm (Drop-in)
  • Optional Docent Tour at 10:45am
  • Art Activity

Adults and their children are invited to join Building Brains, our free, drop-in morning program where we learn together through stories, music, art, and sensory play! Each month, the Museum—partnering with students from the UM School of Education—will lead a variety of activities designed for children ages 1–8. With new spaces to explore, joyful singing, rich language, vibrant visuals, and engaging stories, Building Brains helps young minds grow in fun and creative ways.

Program Highlights:

  • FREE!
  • Age: 1-8 years
  • Frequency: Once a Month
  • Time: 10:00am-11:00am
  • Partnership with the University of Mississippi School of Education

* Temporarily Paused *

We’re taking a break from this program to grow interest and outreach. If you’d like to see it come back, let us know!

 


Creative Corner is an engaging art program designed for 5th-8th grade students, where they can unlock their artistic potential! Participants will dive into a variety of art projects, exploring new techniques and mediums while developing their personal style. This hands-on experience encourages self-expression and critical thinking, providing a space for young artists to experiment, create, and take their skills to the next level.

Program Highlights:

  • FREE!
  • Middle School Program
  • Ages: 5th-8th Grade
  • Time: 4:15pm-5:15pm

Quick Program Details:

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

  • Drop-off begins at 4:00 PM, and pick-up ends at 5:30 PM. Please adhere to these times.

Rules & Discipline

  • Children must follow the rules and behavior policies set by the UM Museum.

Dress Code

  • Children should wear clothes that can get dirty, as art activities are hands-on.

Grade Restrictions

  • Creative Corner is currently available for children in grades 5th-8th.

Snacks & Allergies

  • Each student will be provided with a plastic 8 oz water bottle and a pre-packaged snack.
  • Please disclose any allergies so we can make the necessary accommodations.

Join us for Sketchbook Club at the museum, where creativity flows freely! All skill levels and ages are welcome to enjoy a self-guided sketching session using the museum's free sketch materials (first-come, first-served) or your own supplies. Sketching stools, generously provided by the Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT), are available for use in the galleries. It's a relaxing and inspiring way to engage with art in the museum. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Program Highlights:

  • FREE!
  • For All Ages (children must be accompanied with an adult)
  • Frequency: Every Saturday, excluding University holidays
  • Time: All Day During Operating Hours (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Drop-In)

Partnership Programs

Looking for even more ways to get creative? Check out our partnership programs with local community organizations, and explore the amazing opportunities they offer too!

Join us for a fun and educational partnership between the UM Museum and the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library! On the last Friday of every month, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, the Museum is a special guest for the Library’s weekly Story Time program. Enjoy a lively story followed by a hands-on art activity. This program sparks creativity and learning in a relaxed environment, making it perfect for young children and families to explore both books and art together.

Program Highlights:

  • Age: 0-5 years
  • Frequency: Last Friday of Every Month
  • Note: Story Time is a weekly Public Library program open to all.
  • Time: 10:30am-11:30am
  • Location: Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library

Below are our Fall 2025 Story Time guest visit dates. Please note that dates may change if the last Friday falls on a University holiday.

  • Friday, August 29th, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, October 31st, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, November 21st, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, December 19th, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Join us for a fun and educational partnership between the UM Museum and the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library! The second week of every month, from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM, the Museum will be a special guest for the Library’s weekly After School Zone program. We will have a hands-on art activity available for pick-up. We hope to spark creativity and learning in a relaxed environment, so you can explore both books and art together!

Program Highlights:

  • Age: Middle School
  • Frequency: Second Week of Every Month
  • Note: After School Zone is a weekly Public Library program.
  • Time: 3:45pm-4:45pm
  • Location: Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library

Below are our Fall 2025 After School Zone guest visit dates. Please note that dates may change due to holidays.

  • Monday, September 8th - Friday, September 12th, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
  • Monday, October 13th - Friday, October 17th, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
  • Monday, November 10th - Friday, November 14th, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
  • Monday, December 8th - Friday, December 12th, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

L.O.U. Reads is a group of local organizations and community leaders dedicated to ensuring all children in the Lafayette-Oxford-University (L.O.U.) community read proficiently by the end of third grade. The coalition focuses its collective energy and expertise on four main areas: school readiness, out-of-school time opportunities, attendance, and targeted efforts to promote grade-level reading.

L.O.U. Reads

Cara Buffington
Director of Early Childhood and Reading Development
(662) 234-3541 | ext. 71418
cbbuffington@oxfordsd.org

Natalie Barry
School Readiness Coordinator
(662)-234-3541 | ext. 71434
npbarry@oxfordsd.org