kid@he(ART)

“The creative adult is the child who has survived.” – Ursula K. Le Guin, author

We all have one.

It’s collecting dust in a closet, lid wobbling precariously on the mountain of its overstuffed contents. In this box are ticket stubs, love notes, birthday cards, or a photo strip capturing silliness in the form of best friends at a wedding.

I recently opened mine.

Buried at the bottom of two decades was a piece of faded Manila paper, folded in half. Upon seeing the drawing inside, I tried to imagine the little girl who so thoughtfully sketched such a poor representation of a duck using crayons in colors of teal blue and macaroni and cheese. I imagine her full of joy, coloring her heart out for no reason other than to create.

Working at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth provides me with the treasured opportunity to connect children and adults to art experiences that incite wonder.

Drawing from the Collection is a free program that allows adults to tap into their inner kid and provides children with an avenue for expression through sketching.

Two sessions are offered, one for ages 5 to 8 and one for ages 9 to 12. Each session is led by an artist who takes participants through informal drawing exercises in relation to works on view. (Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult.) Bring a sketchbook and pencils. Attendance is limited, so early arrival is encouraged. A sign-up sheet is located at the Information Desk.

A version of the program for adults is hosted simultaneously, which gives parents built-in childcare and time for themselves to take an informal drawing class in the galleries with local artists. Bring a sketchbook and pencils.

Drawing from the Collection for Children, 2-3:30pm

August 7: Christopher Bond and Devyn Gaudet

September 4: James Lassen and Erika Duque

Drawing from the Collection for Adults, 2-3:30pm

August 7: Bernardo Vallarino

September 4: Kris Pierce

Images courtesy of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Additionally, most museums of the Cultural District offer free programs designed to build literacy and art appreciation in preschool-age children (4-6). Here is a selection to get you started.

Wonderful Wednesdays/Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

This program includes a story and short gallery project related to works in the Modern’s collection. Registration is not required, but a sign-up sheet is provided at the Information Desk the day of the program. Space is limited.

August 10: Visiting the work of Frank Stella (4-4:45pm)

September 14: Visiting the work of William Baziotes (4-4:45pm)

Pictures & Pages/Kimbell Art Museum

Popular children’s books inspire group conversations and simple art activities.

Space is limited. Maximum two children per adult. To register, call 817-332-8451, ext. 351, or email edassist@kimbellmuseum.org.

August 2 and 3: The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse (10:30-11:45am)

Images courtesy of the Kimbell Art Museum, photographs by Robert LaPrelle

Storytime/Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Bring your family for stories, art exploration, and art making inspired by selected letters in the alphabet. A snack will be provided. No reservations are required.

July 13: Letters QRS (10:30am-noon)

July 20: Letters TUV (10:30am-noon)

July 27: Letters WXYZ (10:30am-noon)

Story Time Children’s Program, Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Images courtesy of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Sonya Cisneros is Membership/Special Events Manager at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Since 2008, she has written for a variety of publications and blogs, including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, DFW.com, Indulge and Fort Worth, Texas: The City’s Magazine, where she served as Associate Editor. Sonya is an alumnae of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication School of Journalism at TCU and continues to write on a freelance basis.