Taking children to a museum isn?t like it used to be.
Nationally, art museums began reaching out to children about 20 years ago, says Beth Schneider, board member of the National Art Education Association. In local museums, the concept has taken hold.
The Walters Art Museum has developed new programs to attract young audiences.
“The museum has done a 180-degree turn. It traditionally was not known as a family museum,” said Kathy Nusbaum, manager of Children and Family Programs at the Walters.
Now, the museum offers formal programs for children of all ages, plus plenty of informal experiences. One example is ArtCarts, from which children can choose free in-gallery activities like books, puzzles, drawing kits and more.
The museum?s Saturday drop-in art programs are also a big hit. Guided by trained assistants, children make art projects in the museum?s Family Art Center. Just outside the studio, kids can plop on big pillows and read books or try on costumes.
“It?s about creating art together and having a good time doing it. It?s the linchpin of everything we do,” Nusbaum said.
There?s also the more traditional art experience. The Walters recently implemented family tours called Walk, Wonder and Create, which, Nusbaum emphasizes, are not lectures.
“They?re geared toward discussion,” she said.
So too are many of the works of art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, said Marcia Gregory, the institution?s docent and tour program manager of education.
“We want the art to start a conversation among family members,” she said.
Children can?t help but react to what they see, Gregory notes. In the BMA?s Sculpture Garden, “The Hundred Yard Dash,” by Alexander Calder, is a favorite among kids.
“It?s a big, red, wonderful sculpture that springs from the earth,” Gregory said.
The Visionary Arts Museum, at the base of Federal Hill, doesn?t intentionally gear its art toward children.
“When kids come, they stay in their kid mode. There?s a lot of pointing and ?wow? expressions on their faces,” said Maggie Sweeney Muth, the museum?s education coordinator.
Tips for successful museum experience with children
» Limit the outing to one or two exhibits
» Open a dialogue about the art
» Take frequent breaks
» Relate what children see in the exhibits to modern-day life
» Encourage repeat visitation
Source: compiled from interviews with Kathy Nusbaum and Marcia Gregory
