In Conjunction With Opening Of New Exhibition—

A Day Of Family-Style Activities At Barnum Museum

BRIDGEPORT — An appearance by the popular Midway Caravan’s Backyard Circus, along with window mural painting, art projects and clown face painting, are among the family day activities scheduled for Saturday, September 23, from 10 am to 3 pm. The ongoing activities are planned for the opening day of the museum’s latest special exhibition, “Life’s a Circus!”

The fine art exhibit, featuring the unique works of New York artist Marilyn Cohen, depicts family life in the American circus. It will be on view through January 21.

At 10:30 am on opening day, Backyard Circus will provide circus costumes for children and adults to don and participate in an impromptu circus show. Midway Caravan’s family circus has appeared previously at the museum as part of the monthly Bridgeport Hospital’s “Breakfast at The Barnum” series.

Following the Backyard Circus performance, children can join New York artist Michael Bryan in painting a circus mural on the museum’s storefront-size windows.

Throughout the day, children will also have the opportunity to learn about and try their skill at artist Marilyn Cohen’s unique style of creating works, which she describes as “paintings that are collages and collages that are paintings.”

Another attraction at the family day opening will be face painting for children provided by Linda Jo “Tootsie the Clown” Cardwell of Stratford. A clown for several years, Tootsie is a member of the Stratford-based Sawdust Clowns, Alley 66, which is the local chapter of Clowns of America International, Inc.

In addition to the new fine art exhibit, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the museum and view the long-running exhibit, “P.T. Barnum Presents the Divine Jenny Lind,” which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the singer’s 1850 American tour, one of Barnum’s most successful promotional efforts.

The Barnum Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday from noon to 4:30 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and college students, and $3 for children ages 4 through 18.  Children under 4 are admitted free.

The museum is at 820 Main Street; signs are posted from I-95 and the Route 25 Connector. Call 203/331-1104.