Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

Name: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Item: Nerman Museum
Author: Margaret Sarver

by Margaret Sarver

June 1, 2010

midnight

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

12345 College Blvd

913.469.3000

Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat: 10:00-5:00

Fri: 10:00-9:00

Sun: Noon-5:00

Closed Mondays and all JCCC Holidays

As I was growing up, my mom signed my siblings and me up for art lessons at the St. Louis Art Museum each summer. Not being that artistically inclined, I can’t say that I really enjoyed the lessons. In fact, my brothers and I remember one of “the best summer days ever” as the one where mom’s car broke down and as a result we a) couldn’t make it to art lessons and b) got soda pop in a bottle from the service station. Chances are my mom doesn’t share our same fond memories of that day. Now, as an adult and a mom myself, I see that she was trying to instill an appreciation of art in us and I’d like to do the same for my girls.

We are fortunate to have several museums in the area to visit. The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is located on the campus of Johnson County Community College and is a wonderful place to introduce your children (and maybe even you) to contemporary art. The Nerman is a manageable size that won’t tire your kids and can easily be seen in one visit. The museum boasts several “must-sees,” especially the giant picture of a sunset and a coat made entirely of dog tags.

If your children are anything like mine, they love to do arts and crafts. While I love for them to express their creativity, I don’t always enjoy cleaning the mess. The Nerman offers some wonderful classes for children of all ages. Visit the Nerman Museum website for all the details.

Don’t live near JCCC? No worries! Make a field trip out of your visit. There is a café inside the Nerman and several fast food options available nearby. Save room to stop by Shakes for frozen custard treats.

Tips for Your Trip to the Nerman

Ask your children what they see in the abstract pieces. Choose one of their answers and create a story around the piece.
Ask lots of questions: What do you think they used to make this? What tools were used? Be sure to pick up the maps-the last page is filled with great questions.
Discuss which piece is everyone’s favorite and why.
Bring sketchpads and let the kids try to draw or copy a piece they see.