The Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House invite the public to enjoy a special, after-hours experience during their new series, Art After 5. Happening on the last Thursdays of the month from April to September, every Art After 5 event promises to deliver a unique experience that encourages guests to return each month. The first event will take place on Thursday, April 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free of charge.

During the Art After 5 series, guests can expect to enjoy hands-on art-making sessions, engaging lectures, guided experiences and more. At the Stark Museum of Art, guests can view more than a dozen exhibitions, including their newest special exhibition, "The Color Orange." This exhibition explores the history, uses and effects of one color through works from the Museum's collection. At The W.H. Stark House, guests can enjoy an intimate look at local history and architecture with guided three-floor tours.

"We are delighted to provide after-hours access that emphasizes accessibility to one of the nation's most significant collections of American Western art and the remarkable 1894 Queen Anne style historic home. We hope that this series will bring energy to special evenings in the heart of downtown Orange, celebrating the area as a cultural destination of art and history," said Jennifer Dickinson, Stark Art & History executive director.

To enhance the experience, small bites and beverages will be available for purchase from Free State Cellars Winery at the Museum. These special offerings provide an opportunity for guests to unwind, socialize and savor the evening at a relaxed pace.

"We are thrilled to launch Art After 5 on April 30. For this event, we are drawing inspiration from Pantone, the global authority on color, for our hands-on art-making activity, Pantone Painting. Our color of the year at the Museum is orange, and we're excited to celebrate this color beloved by our community. We can't wait to offer an activity that allows guests to express their creativity and bring their own work of art to life using the universal language of color," said Kyra Hall, studio & public programs coordinator of the Stark Museum of Art. 

The Art After 5 series will continue on May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27 and September 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission to the Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House is free of charge. While registration is not required for Art After 5, guests are encouraged to reserve their guided tour of The W.H. Stark House in advance. Tours will be offered at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tour reservations are available at whstarkhouse.org.