Young at Art

As a former art teacher and current preschool teacher, I thought I would share some of the art resources for children in our area. We have some great museums with free children’s programs.

The North Carolina Museum of Art is the largest art museum in our area. Many years ago, as a UNC undergrad, I had an internship in the education department there. The museum is currently closed as they move into their chic new building. However, when they reopen in May, they will offer a free preschool program on Thursdays called Preschool Playshop. They also offer a free morning workshop on Saturdays for families with children of all ages. In November, fans of Eric Carle’s children’s books (isn’t that everyone?) will be able to see the original illustrations in an exhibition called Fins and Feathers.

Since I was an art major at UNC, I know the Ackland Art Museum on the UNC campus very well. They do not have any programs specifically for preschool aged children, however, they host “Family Fun Tours,” which are geared for children aged six to twelve years old, on the fourth Saturday of the month at 1:15.

While teaching in Durham, I always took my students on field trips to the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke. I also participated in their Teacher Advisory Council which was a lot of fun. They have a “Free Family Day” with activities and entertainment every few months. The next one is scheduled for Sunday, February 7 from 12-4.

More for January

More things to add to the calendar for January. First, I am really excited that LabourLove Gallery is hosting another ArtSLAM! I read about the first one and was really disappointed to have missed it. It sounds like a painter's version of a poetry slam or "Iron Chef" type of competition. The next one is scheduled for 7-9 pm on Friday, January 29. Apparently the Scrap Exchange also held a crafting version of the "Iron Chef" concept in December, so I'll be watching to see if they schedule another one.

Local Durham artist and teacher Malcolm Goff is the featured artist for the 2010 African American Arts Festival at the African American Atelier in the Greensboro Cultural Center from January 10— February 28. His newest work is painting with embroidery and applique with bright, aggressive imagery and graffiti influences.