Tours - The Banana Factory arts center

ArtsQuest encourages visitors to explore our artistic community center at The Banana Factory! Tours are led by a guide who highlights the gallery exhibits, artists' studios and ArtsQuest Glass Studio, as well as touches on the history of the building.

A fun scavenger hunt is also available for kids or the kids at heart. Tours run approximately 45 minutes and cost $50 per group of up to 10 people.

Historic Bethlehem Walking Tours

1. The Rise And Fall Of Bethlehem Steel-Walking Tour

   Sponsor: Historic Bethlehem Partnership
   Along the Lehigh River: The Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel

   With a trained guide, learn how blast furnaces worked, why men needed brass checks to get in the gate every morning, and which buildings housed which operation on this on-site walking tour that gives visitors a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a steel worker.

   Location: Tour leaves from the SteelStacks Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015

   $12 for adult (13+); $6 for ages 7-12; Free for 6 & under

   Dates & Times: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, May 31 - September 2, 2012 1:30pm. Holiday hours may vary. Please call 610-332-3378 for holiday tours.

   

2. A "Doctored" History: The Bethlehem Apothecary

   Offered Tuesday through Sunday at 2:30pm

   Imagine being prescribed mercury for a toothache. The development of medicine in the 19th century included practices and substances now viewed as detrimental to humans. Drawing on collections in the Kill or Cure exhibit, the tour shows how the use of these toxic cures helped advance the study of modern medicine. Tour includes a special visit to the rarely-opened Bethlehem Apothecary.

Art Activities

Children of all ages looking for a fun, creative experience can take part in a hands-on art activity led by one of our Banana Factory artists. Everyone takes home their beautiful projects as a keepsake of the day! Art activities can accommodate school lesson plans if preferred. Art activities are one hour and cost $100 for up to 10 children, each additional person is 10.

Possible activities include:

• 'Go Green' Sculpture
• Jewelry making
• Mixed Media
• Orizomegami
• Printmaking/Stampmaking
• Wearable Art

Mosaic activities are two hours and cost $200 for up to 10 students, each additional person is $20

There is an art activity 10% service fee on cancelations.

Hot Glass Demonstrations

Our GlassWorks studio offers a special 90-minute glassblowing demonstration led by our esteemed glass artists. This art and education program shows participants the importance of planning, teamwork and coordination in creating glass art. The best part? Your group takes home the wonderful work that's created! $400

Contact

Please contact Elizabeth Wiggins at lwiggins@artsquest.org.

Upon confirmation of booking a Banana Factory tour or art activity, an invoice is sent. Please note that payment is due in advance; no refunds are issued for cancellations made less than one week prior.