I have started taking Zoe to art museums ever since she was a tiny baby (well, she was never really tiny). I used to carry her with me to so many breathtaking exhibitions, she hardly ever complained. When she grew a little so did her nagging… I started looking for the different family activities in the art museums to keep her interest. It was no longer about what I wanted to see. I have discovered an entire different experience in the art museum. A whole new world had opened up to me and Zoe of course. Art museums will never be the same …the efforts and energy that is invested in the children art education by most museums is incredible. As parents we MUST take advantage of it. Intriguing family rooms, festivals, story time, art hunt etc beyond your imagination.
Zoe and me drawing from observation at the Getty Center garden
Zoe is drawing a postcard for Yotam in the Japanese family festival at the Getty Center
I have asked Zoe today what is it that she likes most about going to an art museum? She answered what took me a while to figure out: “It is the details of the pictures that I like... noticing those details... and also the ideas I get for my drawings from looking at the paintings.” In other words: Inspiration and Investigation, attention to details. How can she be so young (almost 6), and have such clear understanding, I was blown away.
I was certain she would say “the brownie”, I am so happy she didn’t.
what is it that you like about going to art museums?
