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Taking the Kids: Exploring the most kid friendly art museums

Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on

Genshaft noted that the kids will help create the audio story.

“I get so much from the kids,” she said, as she showed us around the new Martin Building, recently opened as part of the museum’s large expansion.

Family Central offers drop-in activities. Kids can act out stories in costumes based on the museum exhibits, build sculptures, and create their own artworks to fit in a miniature museum. They can learn about the design process in the design studio and create their own button. Sometimes there is a long line, the activity is so popular, Genshaft said.

They can meet the native artist-in-residence and contribute to a project about Denver; design a box after seeing the beautiful Korean lacquer boxes. Customize details of a jacket in the Thread Studio or create jewelry designs in the Western Studio.

“What is so unique here is that the family programs aren’t an afterthought,” Genshaft said. “We get to claim a spot in the gallery from the time an exhibit is designed.”

Genshaft noted that art helps kids with early literacy and developing critical-thinking skills. It helps them develop empathy. “When you ignore kids,” she said, “You are ignoring a massive population.”

It would be interesting which image kids might want to jump in here — or if they have a favorite, another good question to ask. If they could choose an artwork they’ve seen to take home, what would it be?

Perhaps the larger-than-life Mud Woman Rolls On by Roxanne Swentzell which shows a Native American female figure holding her four children, in the style of Pueblo Storytellers who pass knowledge down through the generations.

 

Genshaft noted that there are “treasures” inside the sculpture, including rocks and feathers that had meaning to the artist. New Art Venture tablets eventually will allow kids to see inside Mud Woman, and other interactive activities enabling them to gain more insight. “Technology enhances their experience and makes them see things they wouldn’t otherwise see,” she explained.

Meanwhile, if you haven’t been to an art museum in a while, you may be surprised at what you will find to engage the kids—and yourself—as art museums work hard to welcome all visitors no matter how young. After all, they are the future of art museums, says Genshaft.

“Have a discussion with the kids about art,” she urged. “There is nothing better.”

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia and The Kid’s Guide to Camping are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)

©2022 Eileen Ogintz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


(c) 2022 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

 

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