When did you last relax to live music, muse over the Sunday papers and get creative with the younger members of your family? If you can't remember, or it seems like a good idea, First Sundays at The Forum hosted by the Sainsbury Centre, could be just what you're looking for. "First Sundays have been running at the Sainsbury Centre for more than five years so it's great that we've been able to keep them going, even though the centre is temporarily closed for refurbishment," said Nichola Johnson, director of the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. "There's always a lovely atmosphere on a First Sunday with children getting creative and adults relaxing, reading the Sunday papers provided and everyone tapping their feet to the live music," she added. Newcomers to the event can be hesitant at first, but it doesn't take long to make new friends and get the artistic juices flowing. "Some of the children, especially if they've never been before, start off feeling quite shy but they soon get into the swing of the activities," said Nicola.  | | Time to bring out the glitter |
"Last month one boy started tentatively to make just one model, but by the end of the session he had representations of his whole family, including the pets! "We also have quite a few grandparents attending with their grandchildren. It's lovely to see people of different generations getting interested in art and spending time together," she added. To help the event go with a beat, First Sundays always take place to the sound of live music. "The music really adds to the easy-going Sunday afternoon mood," said Pippa Yuill of the Sainsbury Centre. "We try to book groups with a world music influence to reflect our permanent collection which includes objects from all over the globe," she added. First Sundays events Sunday 1 May: Where I Live Create a self-portrait and, with the help of artist Marilyn Mann, put yourself well and truly on the map... not any map, but a map of your own environment. Work created in this session will be featured in a gallery on this website. Music by Andy Kirkham. Sunday 5 June: Newspaper Dolls Artist Sarah Florence will show you how to design and sculpt amazing figures using newsprint and tape, then decorate them with exciting collage materials. Music by the Dave Pullin Trio. Sunday 3 July: Get Animated Explore the world of animation and learn how to create a storyboard of your own with animator Ian Nettleton. Music by Treble Clef. Activities begin at 2pm and 3pm and last one hour. The price of activities is £2 per child, including free entry to the Origins exhibition when accompanied by a paying adult. Places at the activity table are limited and are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. To find out more, email scva@uea.ac.uk or call 01603 593199. | 
