“I can’t wait until my child is old enough to go to the art museum.”
Walker Sculpture Garden
We occasionally hear comments from parents proclaiming, “I love museums but So-and-so is just not old enough to go yet. I sure hope So-and-so grows up to appreciate the Arts.”
The best way to get your child interested in fine art is to BE interested in it yourself! Try not to treat the arts as something that requires a certain maturity to appreciate. If your household doesn’t go to museums and if you don’t have art books lying around, then your child isn’t very likely to grow into an art appreciating adult.
Fine art doesn’t require a certain level of education or experience to appreciate. Get rid of the notion that fine art is only for the upper class! Throw out the idea that you won’t be able to understand it. Fine art isn’t scary. Just head out to a museum and see what you like. Even your youngest will have opinions about which pieces speak to them.
Many art museums welcome the public for free or for “donation only” admission, so it is an inexpensive outing that is sure to spur conversation and memories.
We have taken our kids to art museums and sculpture gardens since before they were old enough to walk. Bluey experienced the Art Institute in Chicago when he was six months old. We have tons of books exploring the many genres of fine arts from Degas to Bill Watterson.
Skokie Sculpture Walk
One of the most casual entries into discovering the world of fine art with your family is a trip to a sculpture garden. When art is experienced in the outdoors, there is no need for “library” voices or curbing an enthusiastic kid. People tend not to be crowded together whispering their lofty opinions on the artist. You can run, laugh, and most often TOUCH the art around you.
One of our favorite experiences was at the Minneapolis Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden. We also enjoyed the Skokie Sculpture Walk. Many colleges have outdoor art displays too.
The Beloit College campus
Next time you’re looking for something to do, check out your local art museum.