FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2026

Contact: Lauren Barbay

Assistant Director of Marketing

(o) 409.886.5535 (c) 409.489.8039

Lbarbay@starkfoundation.org

SMA Playdate brings families together through art and connection at the Stark Museum of Art


(ORANGE, TX) — The Stark Museum of Art invites families to enjoy fun-filled mornings with their little artists during SMA Playdate. This engaging program series is designed for children age five and under and their grown-ups. From September through May, playdates will be held the second Friday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. Admission to SMA Playdate is free of charge.


At SMA Playdate, participants can expect to take part in hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity through music, movement, imaginative play, storytelling and art-making, with an emphasis on building fine motor skills. Each playdate features a new art-inspired story and interactive activity, creating a unique monthly experience that encourages families to connect through art.


"SMA Playdate is truly a special program because it inspires a love of art from an early age while also creating meaningful connections among families. Through these experiences, we introduce young children to the joy of creativity and encourage them to continue exploring the arts as they grow," said Kyra Hall, studio and public programs coordinator at the Stark Museum of Art.


Families are encouraged to dress for mess, as splashes, spills and splatters are all part of the fun. No reservations are needed to participate in SMA Playdate. Families are encouraged to mark their calendar for the upcoming season of playdates to join the fun.


Upcoming Playdates:

  • September 11, 2026
  • October 9, 2026
  • November 13, 2026
  • December 11, 2026
  • January 8, 2027
  • February 12, 2027
  • March 12, 2027
  • April 9, 2027
  • May 14, 2027


"We've built a welcoming community where families can connect not only with art, but with one another. SMA Playdate has become a place where lasting friendships begin, offering children ages five and under and their grown-ups an opportunity to learn, play and connect each month. We look forward to another exciting season of SMA Playdate," said Hall.


Admission to the Stark Museum of Art is free of charge. The Museum is located at 712 Green Avenue in downtown Orange, Texas, and is open Wednesday through Saturday from

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the Museum and programs, please visit starkmuseum.org.


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About the Stark Museum of Art:


The Stark Museum of Art houses one of the nation's most significant collections of American Western art and is located in the heart of downtown historic Orange, Texas. The works of art focus on the stunning land, dramatic people and diverse wildlife of the American West. Paintings, sculptures, print and rare books interpret the West from the 19th century frontier artists to 21st century contemporary artists.

The galleries features artists such as John James Audubon, Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell and Georgia O'Keeffe. The Stark Museum also presents a significant collection of American Indian Art, including baskets, pottery, clothing and jewelry.

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