Free outdoor summer Tai Chi, drum circles, pet fun, and family day at the Norton

The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach is offering a variety of fun free outdoor gatherings for summer 2022: Tai Chi classes, drum circles and pet events. The museum is also free to Palm Beach County residents on Saturdays through Sept. 3.

It’s part of the 80-year-old museum’s new #NortonSummer program, and all are welcome.

Tai Chi classes

Learn the basics of this ancient practice in a free group class on Thursday mornings under the dappled shade of Royal Poinciana trees on the Norton’s property. Sought-after teacher Juying Janowsky, offers Tai Chi classes for all guests, from beginners to experienced practitioners.

Students at the two-hour sessions gather on the grass and learn the forms accompanied by peaceful recorded music provided by the museum.

Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and shoes, like sneakers, that are comfortable but provide support. Bring water. You will have a chance to record the forms so you can practice at home between weekly classes.

The Mayo Clinic reports that the practice of Tai Chi has health benefits including

• Decreased stress, anxiety and depression
• Improved mood
• Improved aerobic capacity
• Increased energy and stamina
• Improved flexibility, balance and agility
• Improved muscle strength and definition

The Yang Style of Tai Chi classes are from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursdays on the north lawn of the Norton, at the corner of Olive Avenue and Jefferson Road just south of Downtown. Metered parking is available east of the museum. Some students park in the lot at Memorial Presbyterian Church, which is northeast of the museum.

About the teacher: Yang Juying Janowsky was born in China and is now a U.S. citizen. She studied with several of the best teachers in her home town, Liuzhou City, in south China.

The classes complement the museum’s extensive holdings of Chinese art. The museum’s collection spans 5,000 years. It has grown from the approximately 130 works given by founder Ralph Norton to more than 700 objects.

Drum circles

On Wednesday evenings, under the starry sky, Abasi Hanif, teaches rhythms, their accompanying parts, and gives drum circle participants a chance to freestyle over a steady rhythm.

Summer drum circles at the Norton welcome everyone to try one of the drums provided (first come, first served) and/or bring their own acoustic instrument. A tambourine. Maracas. Or your own drum. Participants are seated in a circle and follow the rhythm set by Mr. Hanif.

Some believe that drum circles help boost the immune system and promote physical healing. What is known is that drum circles offer an opportunity for physical movement and meditative rhythms, as well as bringing people together.

On the evening we visited, Ericka Squire of the National Movers Foundation was on the scene. She led the participants in a glorious dance in the center of the drum circle.

Drum circles are from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday on the north lawn of the Norton, at the corner of Olive Avenue and Jefferson Road just south of Downtown. Metered parking is available east of the museum. Some students park in the lot at Memorial Presbyterian Church, which is northeast of the museum.

Yappy Saturdays

The Norton and Very Important Paws are joining to offer three mornings of free fun for families and their pets.

Bring your furry friends to this neighborhood gathering on the Norton lawn. You will see other pet owners, local pet vendors and have an opportunity to swap tips and tricks to care for your dog.

Participants are invited to enter a raffle for a three-night stay and bath at Very Important Paws.

Complimentary coffee and breakfast bites will be offered.

The Yappy Saturdays are planned from 8:30 to 10 a.m. July 9, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3 outdoors at the corner of Olive Avenue and Jefferson Road just south of Downtown. Metered parking is available east of the museum.

Games Around the World Family Day

Details are still being finalized for activities at this free ticketed event on July 16. What is known is that they will include performances, projects, storytelling, and tours celebrating traditions from around the globe.

Main events include a bookmaking workshop, the South Florida Pétanque Club, and Palm Beach Chess Club sharing the basics and finer points of their games.

The program is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the museum.

Free Saturday admission

The Norton is offering free general admission on Saturdays for Palm Beach County residents. That’s a substantial savings off the regular $18 admission price.

Parking is available in the Norton’s main parking lot at 1501 South Dixie Highway, immediately across the street from the Museum. Parking is $5 per car, per day. Norton Members park for free.

The free Saturday admission benefit is through Sept. 3, 2022.

Admission is provided by the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation.

Inside the museum, COVID-19 protocols are in effect as of late June.

Masks are required.
Temperature taking is required.
Social distancing is encouraged.
Museum and event capacities are limited.
Vaccination and boosters are encouraged (not required).