2023 Cutco Family Day — A Viking Epic
Sponsored by a generous grant from the Cutco Foundation, Cutco Family Day, open to all at no charge, is an annual event that invites families to the Quick Center for games, art activities, museum tours and more.
Cutco Family Day | Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 | Noon to 3 p.m.
The day includes a free family day performance of "Vikings in Vinland," a presentation of Kit's Interactive Theatre.
- Hear ancient epics of Norse and Scandinavian fantasy, folklore, and mythology in our story circle.
- Try divining your future or play a game of chance by throwing some Viking runes.
- Forge your very own long boat and fortify it by crafting a shield.
- Design a custom leather punch piece in our tannery and create a wish bottle to help you avoid any troublesome trolls.
Produced, written. choreographed and performed by Kitty Jones, a professional actress from New York, Kit's Interactive Theatre combines history, dance, music, improvisation, and a great deal of humor in each of 16 different imaginative and educational shows.
The family friendly performance of "Vikings in Vinland" is recommended for ages 5 to adult.
Dateline: Greenland – 993
Ten years after Leif Ericsson's return to Greenland from Vinland (North America), all the Vikings of
the settlement are gathered for a celebration. The show begins with an introduction of Eric the Red, Leif's father and the "founder" of Greenland.
Next, the great Leif Ericsson appears and his famous journey is then recounted. With Ericsson, we meet Bjarni Herjulfsson, the man who charted the western islands years before. Next, Leif loads his longship with provisions contributed by various settlement
folk.
We then set off in search of land to the west. Ericsson's first sighting brings him to "Helluland" (Baffin Island) and the flora and fauna of the region are recorded by Tyrkir. Using the runic alphabet, Tyrkir was the only Viking among the crew who could
read or write. It is then off to "Markland" (Labrador) where the skraelings (natives) are encountered.
Finally the crew find themselves in Vinland (Newfoundland) where they settle in for the winter. They entertain themselves with Norse tales, wrestling matches and energetic stalwart dances to pass the long winter nights.
The program concludes with Leif's return to Greenland and the marriage of his brother, Thorstein to Gudrid.
Art Teacher Professional Development Day
The Quick Center hosts an Art Teacher Professional Development Day each year. It's an opportunity for art teachers from the region to share lesson plans and best practices, learn about new practices and techniques, and hear from interesting and accomplished speakers.