The Springfield Museum of Art is about to light the fuse on a new era of education for youngsters.

Art IGNITE will showcase the museum’s renewed focus on youth-based education programs.

The program will kick off with a reception and gallery exploration 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Springfield Museum of Art. The event is free and open to the public.

“Springfield children are hungry for art and we’re thrilled to expand youth and family participation through Art IGNITE,” said Ann Fortescue, Springfield Museum of Art Director.

The proposal for Art IGNITE came from research showing students learn best from hands-on activities that engage them. The museum conducted fall workshops with several local groups as a test, with students exploring the museum and then using that inspiration to create their own art, including self-portraits, fiber art and collaborative pieces.

The groups included youths from Springfield City Schools’ Learning Cafe, Springfield Youth Ministries, Catholic Central and others. It’s their works that will be displayed in the Beach Gallery when the program begins at 3 p.m. with a tour of the Art IGNITE Exhibit.

“We’ve been carefully collecting data and feedback from participants to best serve the needs of the community,” said Deb Housh, Museum Educator. “Moving forward, we hope to host and partner with many more school and community groups through our inquiry tours and workshops.”

An introduction and recognition session will follow at 3:30 p.m. with light refreshments. At 4 p.m., guests are welcome to tour the exhibits “Gathering” and “Best of 2013: Ohio Designer Craftsmen”, both of which are closing after Sunday.

They may also explore the new interactive art space in the Chakeres Gallery which includes hands-on art making and informational resources for all ages.

The programs and exhibit are supported by several organizations.

“We encourage the community to come out and support Springfield’s talented young artists and experience our exhibits and programs,” Fortescue said.

For more information about Art IGNITE inquiry tours and workshops, call (937) 325-4673 or SMOA@springfieldart.net.