Celebrate Women's History Month & The Hindu Spring Festival Holi At The Staten Island Children's Museum!

The Staten Island Children's Museum will celebrate Women's History Month and the Hindu Spring Festival Holi during March.

The activities begin with the Museum's celebration of Holi. Also known as the "festival of colors," Holi is observed in late February or early March. It is a celebration of good overcoming evil, the beginning of spring, and a time to forgive and restore relationships. During Holi, participants sing, dance and most notably, throw colorful powder in the streets in celebration.

The March ShopRite Kidz Cook sessions will show children how to make a variety of whipped treats. They kick off on Friday, March 2 by showing young chefs how to make a Dairy-Free Mango Lassi with Whipped Coconut Cream, in honor of the Holi celebration and inspired by author and chef Madhur Jaffrey, who is widely credited with introducing Indian cuisine to the United States. Kidz Cook is every Friday at 3:00 and 4:00 pm and is free with admission.

The fun continues with a special Weekend Art Studio program featuring the ancient art form rangoli, in which ornate patterns and designs are created using colored sands and powders. Children will be able to create their own artwork to celebrate Holi during the sessions on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

The Weekend Art Studio sessions for the rest of the month will show children how to create their own monochromatic assemblage sculptures inspired by American sculptor Louise Nevelson. The Art Studio is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

The Museum will also celebrate Women's History Month, starting with International Women's Day on Thursday, March 8. Children can join a special Walk-In Workshop to honor famous women painters, letting children create their own pieces using the techniques of some of history's most influential artists. The Workshop will be open from 1:30 - 4:30 pm that day.

The Con Edison Second Saturday Science! session will feature "Warriors of the Wilderness" and share the work of marine biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle. Children will join an interactive workshop about oil pollution and ocean clean up. This session will take place Saturday, March 10 from Noon - 1:00 pm.

The Staten Island Reading Association will present "Literacy Day" on Saturday, March 10 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Visitors will get to meet children's author Johanna Hurwitz (author of New Shoes for Silvia and Busybody Nora) and enjoy a storytelling session, craft-making, music and more. Participants can get a free book while supplies last!

Visitors will celebrate the culture and traditions of the Emerald Isle during a performance with local Irish step dancer Dawn Daniels during "Wondrous Women of Ireland," Sunday, March 11 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.

Rounding out the month's special programming is "Wide Angles: Celebrating the Work of Photographer Alice Austen" on Saturday, March 17 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Children can celebrate this Staten Island photographer's birthday by learning about her life and work. Participants will take their own photos by using the Museum's digital cameras and printers for this special session, and Alice Austen House educator and photographer Imara Moore will show children how to take great pictures. Pick up a timed ticket at the front desk; limited to 25 people per session.

"We are committed to bringing diverse and inspiring programming to our community," said Dina Rosenthal, executive director of the Museum. "We are excited to share the Holi celebration with our visitors, and to highlight the contributions of women in the arts and sciences during the month of March."

Be sure to visit the Museum's website at sichildrensmuseum.org for any updates on the month's programs and events.

The Staten Island Children's Museum is located on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm during the school year; 10:00 am to 5:00 pm weekends, summers and most public school holidays. For more information, call 718-273-2060, email info@sichildrensmuseum.org, or visit our website, www.sichildrensmuseum.org.

The Staten Island Children's Museum is housed in a building owned by the City of New York and its operation is made possible, in part, with public funds provided through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs with support from the Staten Island delegation to the NYC Council. Significant operating support is also provided by the NYS Council on the Arts, Corporations, Foundations, the Trustees and Members.