The Elf on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition involving a magical elf doll that is believed to have the ability to come alive and report children's behavior to Santa Claus. This tradition, which began as a book in 2004, has since become a worldwide phenomenon, with families all over the world adopting their own Elf on the Shelf. One aspect of the Elf on the Shelf tradition that adds to its mystical appeal is the idea of a magic spell. It is believed that the elf doll receives its enchanting powers through a special ceremony performed by the elf's human family. This magical spell is said to activate the elf's ability to fly to the North Pole every night and report back to Santa Claus about the children's behavior. The details of the magic spell are not specifically outlined in the official Elf on the Shelf book or website, leaving room for individual families to create their own variations.
Mission: The FWMoA Teen Council works to provide activities and opportunities for area youth to learn new skills and ideas by exploring their creative side, thus adding value to their life and work and attracting a more diverse audience to the museum.
Teen Council Members Ash Bushnell, Homestead High School Amrithasai Gussenhoven, Canterbury High School Jenna Jorgenson, Homestead High School Kerrigan Lichtsinn, Canterbury High School Megan True, Canterbury High School Promyse K Williams, Canterbury High School Bayan Yunis, Carroll High School. Teen Council Members Ash Bushnell, Homestead High School Amrithasai Gussenhoven, Canterbury High School Jenna Jorgenson, Homestead High School Kerrigan Lichtsinn, Canterbury High School Megan True, Canterbury High School Promyse K Williams, Canterbury High School Bayan Yunis, Carroll High School.
The details of the magic spell are not specifically outlined in the official Elf on the Shelf book or website, leaving room for individual families to create their own variations. However, common elements of the spell often include reciting a special incantation, making a wish for Santa Claus to bless the elf, and sprinkling a pinch of "elf dust" or glitter on the doll. Some families even involve their children in writing personalized letters to Santa Claus, which they place next to the elf doll during the magical ceremony.
Families and Teens
Keep your teens and families engaged year-round through the Fort Wayne Museum of Art! During crucial developmental stages of your family’s life, art plays a significant role in their social, emotional and mental development. We offer several programs for family members of all ages.
John S. and James L. Knight Learning Center
In the earliest stages of life, visual literacy directly relates to a child’s need for self-expression. As kids learn to talk, they’re also developing the impulse to express themselves and relate to the world around them. The Knight Learning Center was developed to meet these needs in a fun, interactive and hands-on environment. The Center includes artwork from the FWMoA collection curated especially for families, art-making activities, and hands-on engagement stations that teach the elements of art. The Center functions as a classroom for school groups and can be combined with a tour of the museum galleries.
Second Saturday Tour
Join us each month for a special tour of the Museum! Educator-led tours are open to all and will explore current exhibitions with in-depth discussion of selected artworks. On select Second Saturdays, family-friendly tours are lead with interpretation in American Sign Language provided by DeafLink. Three times this summer, we will also host special Story Time tours in the galleries! Enjoy a picture book paired with guided close looking at a related artwork or exhibition.
This program is free with museum admission and pre-registration. Second Saturday Family Tours are specifically for PreK-12 students and their adult companions and will be capped at 20 participants. Pre-registration is required. Tours begin at 10:30 in the FWMoA Atrium and last about an hour.
No upcoming events found.Teen Council
The FWMoA Teen Council is led by and for area youth, providing opportunities for leadership and learning through arts programming. As ambassadors of the Museum, council members work collaboratively with staff to develop creative, community-oriented projects and events. Applications open in the fall of each year.
Mission: The FWMoA Teen Council works to provide activities and opportunities for area youth to learn new skills and ideas by exploring their creative side, thus adding value to their life and work and attracting a more diverse audience to the museum.
We’re collecting feedback! Please complete the short survey here to help shape the future of teen programming at FWMoA.
Teen Council Members
Ash Bushnell, Homestead High School
Amrithasai Gussenhoven, Canterbury High School
Jenna Jorgenson, Homestead High School
Kerrigan Lichtsinn, Canterbury High School
Megan True, Canterbury High School
Promyse K Williams, Canterbury High School
Bayan Yunis, Carroll High School
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is an Affiliate Partner of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a national program sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, which celebrates the art and writing talents of students in grades 7-12. The Scholastic Awards highlight the exemplary originality, technical skill and emergence of personal voice and vision of Northeast Indiana teens.
Our program is one of only 26 in the country to offer the full art and writing program. Our regional participation has grown to include 52 counties in Indiana and Ohio, with many students continuing on to win national awards.
How to Participate
Stay tuned to the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers website throughout the year to sharpen your skills and stay in the know on exciting opportunities to stay involved. Registration for the 2024 Awards will open on September 1st at this website.
Contact Alyssa Dumire at [email protected] to learn more.
Important Dates for Scholastic 2024
- September 1, 2023: Registration Opens at artandwriting.org
- December 19, 11:59 pm: Deadline to enter art and writing online
- December 21: All submission fees must be received
- January 5, 2023: Judging begins
- January 9: Regional Art Awards Announced
- January 15: Regional Writing Awards Announced
- January 17: All artwork received by FWMoA by 6 pm (Museum is closed Jan. 15)
- February 10: Exhibition opens at FWMoA
- February 19: Open House Awards Celebration at FWMoA
- February 26 – March 4: Exhibit closed due to Gala Fundraiser
- March 21: National Awards Announced
- April 7: Final day to visit the exhibition at FWMoA
- April : Exhibition tear-down day, exhibit closed to the public
- April 8-15: Artwork pickup at FWMoA
Educator Resources
The documents available for download here are designed to help educators and their students make the most of their Fort Wayne Museum of Art experience. These resources are designed to be flexible—use them to extend learning before or after a visit to the museum, or to experience the artwork in your classroom if you’re unable to bring a field trip. The scripts are expanded versions of what our docents use to guide learning at the Museum and may be used for self-guided tours.
If you’re bringing your class for a field trip, please contact us to schedule it, even if you don’t want a docent-led tour.
The FWMoA Teen Council is led by and for area youth, providing opportunities for leadership and learning through arts programming. As ambassadors of the Museum, council members work collaboratively with staff to develop creative, community-oriented projects and events. Applications open in the fall of each year.
The magic spell is typically performed on the first night the elf arrives in the house, signifying the official start of the Christmas season. This special ritual not only adds an element of wonder and excitement for the children but also reinforces the belief in Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas. The concept of a magic spell associated with the Elf on the Shelf tradition is just one of the many ways families can embrace the magic and joy of the holiday season. It serves as a reminder of the importance of good behavior and kindness, as well as the excitement and anticipation of Santa's visit on Christmas Eve. Overall, the Elf on the Shelf magic spell is a creative and enchanting addition to the holiday season. It adds an extra touch of imagination and fantasy to the tradition, making it even more memorable for children and families alike. Whether one believes in the magic of the elf doll or not, it is undeniable that the Elf on the Shelf has become an integral part of many families' Christmas celebrations, spreading joy and excitement during this special time of year..
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