Art Appreciation

I can draw but I am not an artist.  I am no art critic but as with wine, music and theater, I know what I like and have an appreciation for what I do not.  I love introducing art, artists and art appreciation to our preschoolers.  They are open, honest and receptive to what they are experiencing in art.  This year with our preK students we learned about several artists and I was thrilled to see the excitement in our students as we studied each artist.  Have you thought about a visit to an art museum this summer (or any time for that matter?)  

When my boys were little, we lived near St. Louis, Missouri.  We would often go the St. Louis Art Museum located in Forest Park.  Despite security following us closely (constant reminders of LOOK but DON"T TOUCH from mommy), we  always had a good time.  They fondly remember the exhibit that displayed armor, shields, swords and helmets---a great hook to get my young boys into the art gallery.

Thoughts and ideas to help you with your trip:
*Number one rule is don't touch! Make sure your child understands this before you arrive. Explain to your child that by not touching they are helping make the pieces last longer and be available for everyone. The second rule is walk.  Walking ensures young and old have a pleasant visit and works of art remain safe.
*Let your child determine the length of stay.  A quick visit is a good start.  A long  visit with an unwillingly child is probably not going to have successful results for parent or child.
*Talk. There is no need to be super quiet. Let your child talk and ask questions.
*Have your child talk about and look for colors, shapes, fruit, animals, people, flowers and anything else they recognize.
*Ask your child questions.  What do you like or not like about the picture?  Make up a story about the piece.  Does it make you feel happy, sad, surprised, etc?  Keep discussions fun and simple.
*If you are up for it, make up an I SPY list.  You can use clip art to put on a sheet of paper or 3x 5 cards.  Look for fruit, an ocean, a dog (or any other animal), necklace or jewelry, birds, flowers, a mother and child, a castle, etc.  Add colors and shapes, too.
*If funds allow, visit the gift shop.  Nothing says 'good time' like a souvenir.

Where to go?
Bradley University has an art gallery or check out universities in your area.
http://slane.bradley.edu/art/bradley-university-galleries

Don't forget Lakeview Museum in Peoria.
http://www.lakeview-museum.org/

The Contemporary Art Center is located in  downtown Peoria. http://www.peoriacac.org/exhibitions.html/index.html

Road trip!  The St. Louis Art Museum is close to the zoo and FREE!
http://www.slam.org/

or drive north to the Art Institute of Chicago.
http://www.artic.edu/aic/

Can't get to a museum?  You can visit art exhibits and galleries world wide with the Google Art Project---http://www.googleartproject.com/ 
or explore and search for an artists work online.

More great articles---
http://www.artwithinreach.org/visiting-the-museum-with-your-kids/

http://www.metrokids.com/MetroKids/January-2010/Unlock-Art-Museum-Wonders/

Keep it light. Keep it simple. Have some fun exploring the world of art with your child.