Art is an experience. A visit to an art exhibition at a local gallery can cause patrons of all ages to feel something when they view pieces on display. But this viewing experience is just the beginning, as you can come to understand more about art at any age. There are incredible ways for families and educators to teach children how to engage with art. Beverton’s Grey Raven Gallery shares tips for families throughout the country to help their children gain art literacy.
How to Help Children Engage With Art During a Gallery Visit
As a parent, caretaker or educator you may be eager to share your love of art with your kids, and the following tips can assist you.
Know Before You Go
Attending exhibitions and events at your local art gallery are great outings for all ages any time of year, and for any reason. Prepare by looking up information prior to going to the art gallery. Some galleries prepare a series of helpful questions or topics to help patrons engage with their art (these are typically found on a gallery’s website). Some galleries offer child-specific times and events, but you don’t have to wait for a special day.
Ask Your Children About Art
Talk with your children to find out what types of art they may already be aware of, or what art activities they like to engage in. If they love paintings or sculpture, for instance, find a local art gallery hosting a local painter or sculptor with age-appropriate works. Look at art online to help give them an idea of different media, and ask what they’d like to see.
Age-Appropriate Discussions
When you’re visiting an art gallery, it’s important to adjust conversation and questions to be age-appropriate, so that all children will feel comfortable and involved in the experience. Galleries and museums are indeed educational, but this exploration doesn’t need to feel formal or “gradeable.” Helping kids of all ages discover language connected with art builds their vocabulary and art literacy skills. It also assists in learning history, and so much more.
Get Active With Art
Art comes in multiple formats, and a visit to a museum or gallery doesn’t have to be a stuffy experience for children. Sculptures, drawings and paintings can show people, animals or mythical creatures in varied poses. Have your children try to emulate the ones that appeal to them most for a keepsake picture, as it can help them learn about movement and symbolism. Have a scavenger hunt by asking your kids to find specific items in art like keys or birds. This helps them look intently and engage the work in a different way.
Make Memorable Art
If it’s OK with the gallery, take paper and pencils to have the kids sketch their favorites. Or after the visit, find art lessons online to give your children the opportunity to express what they’ve learned at home. Discuss what you saw at the gallery to keep that conversation going, and to plan your next art gallery visit.
As you can see, there are multiple ways to help children learn and engage with creative works at local art events. Parents and educators need not be established aficionados themselves, as the trip is intended to be a learning opportunity for everyone.
Visit Beaverton’s Kid-Friendly Art Gallery
Portland’s arts community is thriving and committed to helping children understand how fun it is to engage with art. Grey Raven Gallery is at the heart of this, with proceeds from exhibits supporting free online art lessons for kids. Visit us to begin or continue your art literacy journey. For current exhibit details call us at (503) 596-2187, or shop our available art.
