Topeka families will have the chance to meet a few robot friends at the Mulvane Art Museum’s ArtLab Family Day from 1 to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 7. No admission is charged.

Visitors can explore “The Art of the Robot” exhibit, create their own robot friend and meet Stephen Johnson, artist and award winning author.

Johnson will be autographing his children’s books, which are available for purchase at the Mulvane Gift Shop at 20 percent off during the event.

Much of Johnson’s work is characterized by an interest in the alphabet and language, which began with his book, “Alphabet City,” a Caldecott winner and  New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. His most recent engagement with the alphabet is the ongoing series of “literal abstractions” featured in his book, “A is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet,” published by Simon & Schuster.

ArtLab Family Day events are free and open to the public. The ArtLab is located in the lower level of Garvey Fine Arts Center at 17th and Jewell Streets.

Museum, ArtLab and gift shop hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. No admission is charged. The museum is closed major holidays.

The Mulvane Art Museum is located on the Washburn University campus at 17th and Jewell Streets, adjacent to White Concert Hall. Free parking is available in the lot west of the museum.

For additional information, call 785-670-1124, e-mail mulvane.info@washburn.edu or go to www.washburn.edu/mulvane/.

[July 2010 | courtesy Mulvane Art Museum press release | image courtesy Mulvane Art Museum]