The Eric Carle Museum, The Carle After Dark

About this event

Discover The Carle in a whole new light! Join us on the first Thursday of each month, when the Museum transforms into a playground of wonder—celebrating storytelling, color, and art. Join us after hours and bring your friends. Each month unveils a new adventure: peering into the cosmos, gathering for storytelling, singing into the stars, and celebrating picture books. Enjoy art making, lively performances and activities, and whimsical themed drinks as we gather at a place where community, imagination, and story come alive. We can’t wait to see you! All Museum spaces are open during this time. See a list of events and activities below. Pay as You Wish! Become a member to enjoy free admission and year-round discounts in The Carle Bookshop.

November 5—“Moo” ment How can a still picture feel full of movement? Inspired by our exhibition Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand as part of The Carle After Dark series, “Moo”ment invites families to explore the many ways artists use line, gesture, shape, and expression to capture action and stillness. Throughout the Museum, movement experiences will encourage guests to stretch, pose, freeze, sway, and observe how bodies communicate without words. Families can experiment with drawing challenges, respond to movement through mark-making, and explore how a single line can suggest speed, energy, emotion, or calm. In the Art Studio, artists of all ages can create work inspired by motion, using open-ended materials to capture a leap, a swirl, a pause, or a moment of quiet. Story Times at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. will feature books filled with movement, rhythm, and expressive characters. Come move, make, observe, and pause as we discover how artists bring energy to the page, and how even the smallest “moo”ment can tell a story. Live music is sponsored by Northampton Jazz Fest and produced by Nate Gowen. December 3—Spinning Stories How can a still picture feel full of movement? Inspired by our exhibition Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand as part of The Carle After Dark series, “Moo”ment invites families to explore the many ways artists use line, gesture, shape, and expression to capture action and stillness. Throughout the Museum, movement experiences will encourage guests to stretch, pose, freeze, sway, and observe how bodies communicate without words. Families can experiment with drawing challenges, respond to movement through mark-making, and explore how a single line can suggest speed, energy, emotion, or calm. In the Art Studio, artists of all ages can create work inspired by motion, using open-ended materials to capture a leap, a swirl, a pause, or a moment of quiet. Story Times at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. will feature books filled with movement, rhythm, and expressive characters. Come move, make, observe, and pause as we discover how artists bring energy to the page, and how even the smallest “moo”ment can tell a story. Live music is sponsored by Northampton Jazz Fest and produced by Nate Gowen. January 7—Color Quest 2: The Shape of Things Through playful design challenges and open-ended artmaking, transform simple shapes into imaginative creations. February 4—Stories We Carry Bring a meaningful object—or discover one through a creative prompt—and reflect on the moments that make everyday things extraordinary. March 4—Story Slam Gather for an evening of shared experiences, creative prompts, and joyful conversation that celebrates the ways stories connect us. Apr 1—Color Quest 3: Inspired Create your own artistic response as you explore the connections between Eric Carle and the modern artists who inspired his work. May 6—Gifts We Share Celebrate the traditions and memories we pass along through collaborative artmaking and storytelling inspired by the gifts that shape our lives. June 3—If I Were the Curator Step into the role of a museum curator as you design your own exhibition inspired by The Carle’s permanent collection.