The William Benton Museum of Art at the University of Connecticut hosted its First Thursday open house event on Feb. 13, after being rescheduled from its original date of Feb. 6.
The event, which was free and open to the public, featured a variety of activities, including live music, crafts, pet therapy dogs and an interactive art scavenger hunt. It was organized in collaboration with Student Health and Wellness (SHaW), WHUS Radio, the Student Union Board of Governors (SUBOG) and the Beanery Cafe.
The open house kicked off at 3 p.m. with the Beanery Cafe open for guests looking to grab a drink or snack while exploring the museum. The café provided a central hub for attendees to gather, take a break between activities and socialize.
At 3:30 p.m., SUBOG began its open mic session, which continued until 6:15 p.m. The event invited students and community members to step up and perform in a supportive environment. Singers, musicians and poets shared their work. Audience members had the opportunity to hear a diverse range of performances.
As the evening continued, activities in the museum galleries drew attendees deeper into the artistic experience. From 4:30 to 7 p.m., visitors had the opportunity to interact with pet therapy dogs Wrigley and Andy. The dogs offered a relaxing and comforting presence, allowing students and visitors to take a break from their daily routines and enjoy some stress relief through pet interactions.
Throughout the museum, WHUS provided live DJ music, adding an upbeat soundtrack to the night’s festivities. The music complemented the various creative activities available, including a Valentine’s Day card-making station, where guests could craft their own designs. Additionally, attendees picked up collectible art stickers and participated in an art scavenger hunt, which encouraged them to explore different exhibits and engage with the museum’s collection in an interactive way.
The museum gift shop offered a 20% discount on all items throughout the day. This provided an opportunity for visitors to purchase art-related merchandise or books at a reduced price.
The event concluded at 7 p.m., offering attendees an evening filled with creativity, relaxation and community engagement.