Kids & Art Galleries
I LOVE visiting Art Galleries. When I hit a creative slump or need new ideas, I find that an afternoon at the Nelson-Atkins (or Kemper, or Nerman, or evening at First Fridays in the Crossroads... ALL of which are FREE) can get the creative juices flowing again. There is just "one problem." I have three children under the age of 5 and they are with me 24/7 (except for the occasional date night with my husband).
But wait? Is that really a problem? Children are allowed (and WELCOME) at local art galleries and I have a great opportunity to pass on an early appreciation and comfort to my children.
When my oldest was born, I'd frequently take her to the Nelson in her stroller as I'd peruse the galleries. When the second came, I began to devise games for the oldest to enjoy galleries. And now, with three... my list of art gallery games has grown!
Here are some games we like to play at the Gallery (these all work well at the Nelson with their large collection, some of them work at smaller galleries as well):
1) I use clipart on my computer to make a list of things for my daughters to find. They search for objects like: a cat, a boat, a rose, a hat, a boot, a bowl, a fish, an apple, a doll, a boy, a piano, a violin, an ear of corn, a hammer, etc. I make certain to choose objects I know we can find at the gallery (all of the samples listed work at the Nelson, or visit www.Nelson-Atkins.org for an online sneak peak to inspire your list). We check off the lists and the reward is ice cream at Winstead's or a picnic on the lawn of the gallery.
2) We'll go on an "Alphabet Hunt." You can do this one of two ways. a) Start with the letter A and work through to the letter Z to find objects for each letter of the alphabet, or b) Choose one letter of the alphabet and see how quickly you can find 10, 20, or more items that begin with that letter.
3) Play "I Spy."
4) Choose one work of art and look at it closely, then create a story about what you imagine may have happened in the picture.
5) Bring a camera and let the kids take photos of the artwork (digital is cheap). Make sure you observe Gallery policies, but most local galleries do allow photography.
6) Bring a sketchbook and let them draw pencil sketches of the artwork.
7) Choose a theme like "animals" or "hats" or "musical instruments" and see how many works of art show items within your theme.
8) Just talk! Go through the rooms slowly and ask your child questions about the artwork. i.e. Which painting in this room is your favorite? Can you guess how the artist made this piece of art (sculpture, paint, chalk, etc)? What is your favorite color in the artwork? What do you think is happening in this picture? What do you dislike? What do you like?
9) Play Memory! On your NEXT visit see how many objects your child can find/remember from their previous visit.
AND REMEMBER... Timing is everything! I take my girls to the gallery after breakfast, before they are tired. We only visit for 1-2 hours and leave before they get tired or cranky. Having made gallery trips with the girls since birth, I now have a four year old who BEGS for a day at the art gallery and I'm thrilled!
Written by Kristina Light