International Dot Day 15th Anniversary at the MFA
Mark your calendars! This coming September 15th, join us for free activities at the MFA Boston to celebrate the 15th anniversary of International Dot Day, a global celebration of the children’s book The Dot. Author Peter H. Reynolds is a New York Times best-selling children’s book author and illustrator.
All ages and abilities are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Weather permitting, outside activities are free for all; indoor events are free with a general admission ticket. No registration required.
This year is the 15th anniversary of Dot Day. Whether this is your first year celebrating or your fifteenth, you are always invited to create, design, and explore. Explore online resources and stay up to date with this year’s events on the International Dot Day website, and check out the highlights from last year’s event below!
Events and Activities
StoryWalk
10 am–4 pm
Begins on Huntington Avenue Lawn (rain location: starts in Lower Rotunda)
Walk around the Museum to read The Dot on a unique series of signs featuring pages of the book. The story reads from the Huntington Avenue Lawn to Forsyth Way, to the Fenway, to Museum Road, back to the Huntington Avenue Lawn. In case of rain, the story reads from the Lower Rotunda to Sharf Visitor Center; to Shapiro Family Courtyard; to Art of Europe, Level 1; to Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art, Level 1; to Art of Africa Galleries; back to Lower Rotunda and Sharf Visitor Center.
The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Drop-In Art Making
10 am–4 pm (last entry at 3:45 pm)
Huntington Avenue Lawn (rain location: Shapiro Family Courtyard)
Connect the dots and make your mark! Use provided watercolors and drawing materials to create colorful artwork inspired by The Dot and join the global movement of rediscovering the power and potential of creativity in all that we do.
Book Reading and Film Screening
11 am
Remis Auditorium
Join Peter H. Reynolds for a reading of his children’s book The Dot, the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.” What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing. A short animated film of another book from The Creatrilogy will be shown following the reading.
Free ticket required. Tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Remis Auditorium box office beginning 60 minutes in advance of the program.
ASL Interpreter
Book Signing
12:15–1:15 and 3–4 pm
Huntington Avenue Lawn (rain location: Druker Family Pavilion, Room 156)
Meet Peter H. Reynolds, the New York Times best-selling author and illustrator of The Dot, and have him sign a book! A selection of his books will be available at the MFA Shop inside the Huntington Avenue Entrance. Pre-signed copies will also be available.
Free ticket required. Tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Huntington Avenue Lawn (rain location: Room 156) beginning 60 minutes in advance of the program.
Book Reading
2:30–3 pm
Huntington Avenue Lawn (event will be canceled if it rains)
Join Peter H. Reynolds for a reading of his children’s book The Dot, the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.” What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe.