Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Skip to Content

 
 
 
 
Children and Families
Children and Families
 

Families are an important focus of the Frist Center.  Programs and resources are available for parents to help engage children as they explore the galleries.  Come explore the Frist Center with your child. Children 18 and under are free at the Frist Center all the time.

The Frist Center was voted #1 Kids Art Center and #1 Museum by readers of Nashville Parent magazine.

MEET SWIFTY! 
Swifty is the Frist Center's mascot for all things family oriented. Swifty is a baby eagle and the idea for Swifty originated from the large eagles that are part of the architecture of the front of the Frist Center building.  

BE A PART OF THE FRIST CENTER KIDS CLUB!  Designed for 5-10 year olds, the club offers exciting opportunities for children to explore, discover, and create art. Membership includes a Kids Club card, free art classes and additional rewards for participation.  No fees required.  Register your young artists for a club membership at any one of our Saturday programs. For more information, go to the Kids Club listing in our calendar.


MARTIN ARTQUEST

Come let your creativity loose.  Explore any of the 30 hands-on activities in ArtQuest located on the upper level. more> 


2008 SUMMER CAMPS
Send your child’s imagination to camp. Designed for children ages 5-13, the Frist Center’s Summer Art Camp gives kids the chance to learn about art, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more>


FREE FAMILY DAYS
The Frist Center features periodic free family days throughout the year. Special programs and activities created just for families and are themed around current exhibitions. Reminaing Family Days in 2008 are scheduled on  August 17 and November 9. Details about each Family Day will be available on the calendar page a few months prior to the event. 

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

The Frist Center serves as a unique entertainment and education opportunity for all families. Family memberships provide you and your family all the benefits of a regular membership including special offers for children. more>

FAMILY CLASSES

Special art classes are designed to explore various exhibitions in-depth through classes with local artists  more>

BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Celebrate your child’s birthday with a party at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts! Children 5 through 12 years old are invited to check out current exhibitions and to further enrich that experience by participating in fun-filled, art-making activities located in our interactive space, Martin ArtQuest. Partygoers can enjoy a variety of activities including drawing, painting, or sculpture making. Children leave with their own bag of original artwork.

Price: $250, available to Frist Center members only.

Price includes gallery admission for up to 15 children and 10 adults*, private party space in the private dinning room adjacent to the cafe, as well as parking for guests. Party givers are invited to bring cake and decorations. Please see the birthday catering form for all other food options.

· Additional adults will be charged regular gallery admission fee of $8.50 per person.
· Adults who are Frist Center members are free.

Birthday parties can be scheduled on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Please complete the
birthday registration form and return it by mail or fax to 615.744.3965 to reserve your party. Mail or fax all catering forms to the same number.
For more information, please call 615.744.3247.



ART LIBRARY and RESOURCE CENTER

Located on the upper level, the Art Library offers a selection of children’s books and digital resources. more>

GIFT SHOP

From books to art supplies, unique toys and posters, the Frist Center Gift Shop offers items specifically for the younger members of the family. more>

CAFÉ
The Frist Center Café offers a kid-friendly menu that includes grilled cheese sandwiches, corn dogs, chicken fingers, pizza, and more.  There is also a large selection of salads, sandwiches and sweets for the entire family. more>

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENAGERS (14+)
The Frist Center welcomes volunteer involvement in its Summer Art Expedition, ArtQuest, and other events.  Volunteering is a positive way for young adults to gain experience in the arts, all while assisting in the instruction of younger children.  more>