Art calls upon viewers to engage with their senses, yet there is one sense that we often cannot use when viewing works in museums or galleries – touch! Artists will look at textually intriguing works by Shinique Smith and Yinka Shonibare, both of whom use materials that are personal to their practices but familiar to the public. Artists will reflect on their favorite textures and fabrics and create their own abstract sculptural paintings that evoke similar moods.
About Open Studio
Open Studio at Pier 57 invites children to explore hands-on projects across a wide range of artistic disciplines. Each session introduces children to the elements and principles of art while surveying artists across generations.
Specially designed for children on the Autism Spectrum but welcoming to all, each session is multisensory focused. Participants will explore art materials (such as clay, paper, or textiles) at their own pace alongside movement breaks and ample time for storytelling and social interaction.
Open Studio is recommended for ages 12 & under.
What To Expect
This activity takes place in the Community Classrooms at Pier 57, located just beyond the food hall.
The program’s curriculum is rooted in accessible artmaking practices and Children’s Museum of the Arts’ pedagogy of Look, Make, Share. Take a peek at one of our virtual Inclusives lessons, catered to children with Autism, that families can try at home: here!
Please be advised this is not a dropoff session. While caregivers are welcome to stay with their children, families are encouraged to enjoy the extraordinary setting of Pier 57 in the adjacent Family Living Room for the duration of the session. Caregivers are advised to remain on the premises while children are working.
Image Credit: Shinique Smith, Soul Elsewhere, 2013, artist’s denim jeans, bleach, ink, fiberfill, and rope, 56 x 18 x 12 in. Photo by Jason Mandella.
Children's Museum of the Arts' Open Studio at Pier 57 is generously supported by the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Ruth Foundation for the Arts, William Talbott Hillman Foundation, The LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Google Community Grants Fund,, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harriet Ames Charitable Trust, The Cowles Charitable Trust,, and the Viniar Family Foundation.