 ALL IN THE FAMILY
Ring in the New Year
with fun for all ages
By SHANNON HUNTINGTON STANDLEY
Fun for the entire family can be found
around San Antonio as we pass into the
new calendar year. From festivals, family
days and youthful performances to funfilled
educational exhibits and theater
favorites, there are plenty of activities
that families can enjoy together.
It is the Year of the Ox, and the
Institute of Texan Cultures is hosting the
annual Asian Festival on Jan. 31 from 10
a.m. until 5 p.m. Bring the family to learn
about all the cultures of the Pacific Rim
through delicious foods, including
Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese,
Pakistani, Filipino and Polynesian. This
festival also showcases martial arts,
dance demonstrations, Ikebana floral
arrangement, seminars, Asian games
and vendors offering Asian crafts, jewelry,
clothing and more.
Did you know that 50 percent of
your DNA is the same as that of a
banana? I didn’t think so. Find out
more amazing facts like these at the
Witte Museum’s new blockbuster,
Genome: The Secret of How Life Works,
on view Feb.7-May 25. Experience the amazing world of human genetics at
this family-fun-filled educational exhibit
exploring the microscopic world of
DNA, featuring 5,000 square feet of
hands-on discoveries.
People of all ages are encouraged to
learn more about genome mapping and
how it can have a positive impact on
lives. Experience the genomic science of
solving crimes, curing genetic diseases
and improving the production of drugs
and foods.
The art museums in San Antonio dedicate
a lot of energy toward youth education.
Beginning in 2009, every first
Sunday of the month is a Family Day at
the San Antonio Museum of Art. Children
and families have the opportunity to
explore the collections, create art and
share Sundays with the family. Jan. 4 is
dedicated to contemporary art, with
hands-on activities inspired by pieces
found in the collection. Learn about concepts
such as abstract expressionism and
minimalism and participate in a collaborative
project. On Feb. 1 celebrate the
Chinese New Year and practice calligraphy,
make paper lanterns and learn
about the Silk Road.
 On Jan. 25 the McNay Art Museum
presents Family Activity: Acting Out,
where visitors can learn about the
artistry of Czech painter and theater
designer Jaroslav Malina and create a
stage set inspired by his work. Feb. 22
brings Family Activity: Art Now, exploring the world of contemporary art through
materials that today’s artists use; then
families can make work inspired by
what is seen.
The San Antonio Symphony, joined
by students from the North East School
of the Arts dance program, will explore
the relationships between math, music
and dance at Trinity University’s Laurie
Auditorium Jan. 27-29. This Young
People’s Concert, Counting Steps,
provides an opportunity to learn about
the mathematical elements of patterns
and counting, which are also found
in dance.
Feb. 1 is the 40th anniversary of the
Southwest School of Art & Craft’s Saturday
Morning Discovery program — one that
has had an impact on more than 25,000
San Antonio families. Saturday Morning
Discovery is a place where the whole
family can learn the joys of art-making,
including sculpture, painting, weaving
and photography. This free, family-oriented
program takes place every
Saturday morning from 9:30 until 11:30.
Each month-long session requires
advance registration.
In honor of this 40th anniversary, the
Southwest School of Art & Craft is calling
all alumni. All students who came as children
and are now adults, as well as children
currently attending, are invited to
an anniversary party on Jan. 24 from 11
a.m. to 1 p.m.
The long-time family favorite Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang is hitting the Majestic
Theatre Feb. 17-28. Based on the timeless
novel by Ian Fleming, also the creator of
James Bond, this national tour features an
original script and fresh adaptation
directed by Ray Roderick. Its music and
lyrics are by the Sherman brothers, composers
of Mary Poppins. The magical car
that sails the seas and flies through the air
has been a hit since the original motion
picture captivated the world’s imagination
in 1968.
 This year marks the 60th anniversary
of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
Opening Feb. 5 and running through
Feb. 22, this family tradition is still going
strong. Highlights include first-time
appearances by rising stars who are
taking country music fans by storm —
Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Darius
Rucker and Texas sensation Wade
Bowen (Stars of Texas performance). The
rodeo is also welcoming back the much
esteemed San Antonio favorite, Reba
McEntire. Making their first appearance
on the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
stage are the platinum-selling, charttopping
Goo Goo Dolls.
Thinking of something children,
teenagers and adults can enjoy doing
together can be a tough task. Stop and
take a look at all the extras that are programmed
by your community, museums,
institutions and theaters — they all have
family on the mind.
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