Labor Day at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts

I'm going to blame it on how busy I've been, but it is totally embarrassing to admit that I totally forgot... I had my coupon in hand and totalled up the admission for The Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville today but when I told the lady "one military and one on the coupon and three kids for free" she looked back at me and said:

No charge ma'am (cause that's what they say in Nashville!). Today is the last day of the Blue Star Museums Program and that means you all get in for free.

I had to laugh! Here I am, involved with Blue Star Families, and I forgot that there was still one day left in our wonderful Blue Star Museums program! I said thank you as I received the wonderful unexpected gift. And tried not to turn too red in the face.

Our family had an awesome afternoon at The Frist Center but thinking about all of the other military families who had heard the words "free" since Memorial Day added to the fun.

So instead of focusing on my own forgetfulness, I think I was given a special gift today. One that reinforced in my mind what all of the Blue Star Families volunteers are working to do: honor and serve our military families. I felt your hard work today! I want to thank you! And I look forward to making sure even more military families at Fort Campbell get to experience programs like Blue Star Museums next year.

Here's more information for those looking to visit:

Unlike any traditional museum you’ve ever visited, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts has become a magnet for Nashville’s rapidly expanding visual arts scene. With an exhibitions schedule that has new art flowing through the magnificent Art Deco building every 6 to 8 weeks, no matter how often you visit, there is always something new and exciting to see in the spacious galleries. See a list of current and upcoming exhibitions.

The Frist Center was conceived as a family-friendly place and one of the most popular locations in the center is the innovative Martin ArtQuest Gallery. It’s a colorful space alive with the sounds of learning through making art! ArtQuest activities abound for people of all ages. With 30 interactive stations, and the assistance of knowledgeable staff and volunteers, ArtQuest teaches through activity. Make a print, paint your own original watercolor, create your own colorful sculpture!

Janine Boldrin is the new Fort Campbell Chapter Director for Blue Star Families. She lives near Nashville with her three kids and husband, who is stationed at Fort Campbell. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved with the Fort Campbell Chapter, please contact Janine at FortCampbellKY@bluestarfam.org.