Caught in the Art
Getting your kids to appreciate fine art isn’t as hard as it seems. We found out a few simple tips to cultivate your kiddos’ artistic minds.
Watercolor Me happy It’s the 48th year that the Springfield Art Museum has held the annual Watercolor USA exhibit, which puts artists from all over the globe on display from June 6 through August 2. More than 600 water-media artists participate in the exhibit, and the work is judged by staff from the museum. The exhibit coincides with the Japan Watercolor Federation exhibit, in which watercolor artists chosen by the Watercolor USA National Honor Society will be put on display at the museum. Next year, a selection of U.S. artists will be put on display in Japan. What: Watercolor USA exhibit |
Before they’re introduced to the wide world of art, it’s hard for kids to imagine what lies beyond the 64-color box of Crayolas or the f nger-painted flowers taped to the refrigerator. But getting your children invested in art can be as easy as a trip to the Springfield Art Museum. “Just exposing children to the fine arts will make them appreciate it,” says Dan Carver, the museum educator at the Springfield Art Museum. “It may just be an understanding, not necessarily a liking.” Children will learn to observe their surroundings and develop critical thinking skills. But parents will have to work a little, too. Read on for Carver’s tips on how to raise a little arts patron.
- Tell your child he or she will be seeing many diff erent artists and many different styles. Assure them that they won’t or don’t have to like everything they see.
- Make sure your child understands and respects the rules for any museum. Not touching the artwork is especially important.
- Play a game together by exploring the artwork. Determine which pieces have certain lines, colors, shapes, textures and patterns.
- Keep up-to-date on local exhibits, and take your child to any activities and special events, like the Springfi eld Art Museum’s Watercolor USA exhibit starting June 6.
- Sign your child up for an art class. The Springfield Art Museum summer session is from July 7 through August 7, and registration ends June 26. Your child can choose between art introduction, pottery, drawing and painting, multicultural art and more.
