11/30/23 Artists in Schools Maria's Reflections: November CMA Resident Artist Maria D. Rapicavoli on her November projects at Hudson Guild. Click to expand media gallery. This month was all about color and collage experiments. First, kids learned about achromatic colors by turning a colorful Paul Klee painting into an achromatic drawing. Next, we moved to monochromatic colors, focusing on Picasso' s Blue Period. I asked the students to create a self-portrait expressing their emotions, mainly sadness. A critical moment took place during this lesson. Two students walked into the class crying and very annoyed. They didn't want to work. When I introduced Picasso, I said he used blue to express his feelings. I then invited them to think of those moments when they were unfortunate and to try to release their sadness by transferring it into a monochromatic self-portrait. I mentioned that sometimes art could help us express our feelings, and because sorrow is so strong, it can generate intense paintings. It gave me joy to see that both students were somehow inspired by the lesson and made a lovely self-portrait, and at the end of the class, they were both happy. We also learned how to create value with color combinations. Taking inspiration from paintings by Matisse , Klee , and Josef Albers , and street art by Phillip Saunders , students created paper collages with construction paper. I introduced them to abstract art and discussed the difference between hue, tint, and shade by blending tempera paint colors. The last class of Foundations of Color was inspired by Sam Gilliam 's colorful canvases – the children created a collaborative rainbow by coloring a long line of paper. This project was a big success because students loved working on a large-scale project and painting together to build a common project. They were very enthusiastic about Gilliam's work and life and loved freely moving around the tables and using colors. It was therapeutic and fun at the same time. Our first two-dimensional design activity centered around frottage collage and the work of Max Ernst . Students experimented with the frottage technique, which consists of placing a sheet of paper on top of flat objects and rubbing it with a pencil or crayons to pick up the texture of the object beneath the paper. Students were also fascinated by Ernst's work and surrealism in general because they found it absurd and new. One student was inspired by Ernst's drawing, The Fugitive , and drew a fictional animal that was a mix of a wolf, a porcupine, and an eagle. The last class of the month was all about Dadaist collage. The students created a collage by selecting and cutting images from newspapers and books. I showed them examples of Dadaist and surrealist collages and asked them to make a "nonsense" collage of images with unusual proportions and combinations. I was happily surprised to see how students responded to dadaism. They loved going through all the images that I provided to them. It was interesting to see their selection for their project; some were very rigorous, some very creative, and some lacked rules or schemes entirely! We also worked on symmetry and made "squishy" paintings. Students were so enthusiastic that they wanted to do it repeatedly, so we used paper and colors. The element of mystery was a big part of the fun. We used strings to make it more challenging. Fourth and fifth graders were more capable of working with strings, while second and third graders found it frustrating. I wish I had only shown the strings technique only to the older ones, but that was a great moment of learning! Maria's work at Hudson Guild is supported by the Emergency Arts Education Fund , which provides free arts education to NYC school communities whose art programs have been decimated by recent budget cuts. Children’s Museum of the Arts’ three Residents Artists are currently implementing ambitious arts curriculum at each of our partner sites throughout New York City: Hudson Guild in Chelsea, Sid Miller Academy in Crown Heights, and Children’s Workshop School in the East Village. Come spring, our residents will showcase their students' work through exhibitions and installations across the city. Learn how you can support the work of our residents here . NEXT Emergency Exhibition: New Training for Future Artists and Art Lovers Take a Virtual Tour on Bloomberg Connects Donate Now

Open Studio at Pier 57: Set Design Workshop with NYC Children's Theater [August 31] Free Community Artmaking Thursday, August 31, 2023 3 PM to 5 PM Pier 57 Pier 57, 11th Avenue, New York, NY, USA Media Inquiries: adam@culturalcounsel.com RSVP Help design the set for the upcoming production of ¡Corre, Abuelita, Run! and see your work come to life on the big stage! Kids will use felt and paint markers to decorate cardboard blocks that comprise individual set pieces. They'll take inspiration from each borough's distinct personality to create designs representing the urban landscape of New York City. All participants will receive free tickets for an upcoming performance and see their contributions officially recognized in the playbill. About ¡Corre, Abuelita, Run! It's the first Sunday in November, and Emily’s Abuelita is running in the NYC marathon! Emily made a sign that reads “¡Corre, Abuelita, Run!” that she wants to hold up as Abuelita runs through the finish line but she needs your help to travel through the five boroughs and get to Central Park in time to celebrate! Conceived, written, and directed by Sammy Lopez, ¡Corre, Abuelita, Run! is an interactive bilingual (Spanish and English) performance that uses language, music, puppetry, and movement to take your youngest audience members on a journey through the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of New York City. ¡Corre, Abuelita, Run! celebrates and explores the power of community, the joy of intergenerational family relationships, New York City, and the importance of language and traditions ¡Corre, Abuelita, Run! will be visiting neighborhoods across the city in September and October 2023. This production is best suited for ages 2-5. Run time is approximately 30 minutes. About New York City Children's Theater New York City Children’s Theater is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote children’s literacy and social development through sustainable, accessible professional theater productions and arts in education programs. Their programs cultivate children’s growth in the areas of emotional intelligence, community building, and responsible decision-making. The result is empathetic, creative, and independent thinkers who make a positive impact on their world. For 27 years, New York City Children's Theater's arts in education programs and professional theater productions have served over 400,000 children and adults across all five boroughs and surrounding communities in the tri-state area. 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, First Republic Bank, The LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Google Community Grants Fund, Amazon, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harriet Ames Charitable Trust, The Cowles Charitable Trust, Hammitt, and the Viniar Family Foundation. Additional support is provided, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Donate Now

12/21/23 Interviews Meet Betsy Falk, the Puppet Artist Behind Hattie the Halloween Hero Betsy Falk discusses the inspiration and process behind her larger-than-life monster puppet, Hattie. Click to expand media gallery. Nothing brings us more joy than watching young artists work side-by-side with professional artists. And seeing their collaboration come to life on one of New York City’s biggest stages? Well, that’s just the icing on the cake. This Halloween, Children's Museum of the Arts teamed up with expert puppet builders Betsy Falk and Richard Gomez of Monkey Boys Productions to construct Hattie (short for Manhattan!), a larger-than-life monster that became the centerpiece of our float in the Village Halloween Parade . A born-and-bred New Yorker just like ourselves, Hattie sprung to life with hundreds of tiny monster “scales” created by kids at our Halloween Party. Below, expert pupeeteer Betsy Falk discusses the inspiration behind her now-famous Halloween icon and her journey to becoming an artist. What was your inspiration behind Hattie and how did she come to life? I designed Hattie in conjunction with my co-workers at Monkey Boys Productions. We were looking for a way to highlight the inside-out part of the theme, and came up with the idea that New York City is like a big monster, filled with people that are each their own little monster. As I developed this character more fully, I was inspired by the various creatures and monsters that I have seen. I love working with fabrics, such as fur and fleece, and I knew that would be a big part of the process. I also tried to let the materials at hand guide my choices. All of the fabrics and paints I used for Hattie were leftovers in our studio from other projects, which helped drive the project toward a more eco-friendly end product! Describe any memorable experiences of working with children during the workshop. One of my favorite moments was when one young artist brought up three mini monsters they had made and handed them to me one at a time. As they got to the last monster, they looked at it and said,"this one needs to come home with me." I think all artists can identify with that need — some art is for the world, and some is just for us! I also remember one family who came up all together — at least six or seven family members, and we posted their monsters in a group. They didn't speak much English, so I don't know exactly what they were talking about, but they were very excited. One of them looked at me and pointed at their monsters and said, "family." It was a beautiful moment as they all took photos together with Hattie and their mini monsters! Where are you from and what is the arts community like there? I am from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and I have always been surrounded by the arts. My parents ran a community theatre program my entire life, and I always took part in it. I can remember many evenings when my dad would be making props or costumes in our living room late into the evening. Our greater community really embraced the arts, and there is a lot of music, dance, and art to be found there. Do you have a favorite memory of making art as a child? My favorite memories of making art as a child all center around stitching with my grandmother. She was a professional-level seamstress and taught me how to sew as a child. I would spend an entire week with her every summer so we could sew together. I loved making clothing, stuffed animals, and puppets! Can you describe a formative experience visiting a museum, gallery, or theater? The very first piece of professional theatre I saw was Phantom of the Opera. I was absolutely transfixed by the music and the performers, but especially the costumes! Such lavish and amazing fabrics and outfits painstakingly put together and stitched. I was absolutely hooked. Interestingly enough, when I was an adult I worked at a costume shop in New York that was making replacement costumes for the Phantom of the Opera tour, so I got to be a part of making those amazing costumes. It was quite the full circle moment! What advice would you give to young artists who wish to pursue an art practice? JUST START! It's so easy to get caught up in doing it "right" that we don't want to even begin. Puppet making, creature creation, and all art practices have to start somewhere. If painting intrigues you, pick up a brush and give it a try! If sewing seems interesting, grab yourself some fabric and some thread and make something. You will only get better through practice, and it's ok to be bad at first. Just start — you never know where it will take you! How does working with children inspire you? I have always loved working with children. I actually have a teaching degree and spent many years teaching children in the arts as a dance teacher, art teacher, and theatre director. There is something incredible about introducing children to new concepts and new materials and seeing where their minds go. It's also so much fun to see that spark of understanding and pride when something goes right. Working with children inspires me to try new things and to find new ways of using old materials. It gives me new eyes on my work and helps me to think in innovative ways. When did you first know you were going to be an artist? When I was six years old, I got a chance to be in my first show. I knew then that I was destined to be in the arts. I had no idea I would end up working in costumes and puppetry, but I knew that I needed a creative outlet to feel whole. And I still do! I also think it's important to note that someone can be an artist even if they are not doing it full time. Everyone who creates art is an artist — even without formal training, even when they have a "day job," even when they only find time for it occasionally, even when they are not excessively high-skilled. I know I need to create art to feel like myself. And therefore I am an artist. Love what we do? Learn how you can support our programs (including free events like this one!) here. NEXT Emergency Exhibition: New Training for Future Artists and Art Lovers Take a Virtual Tour on Bloomberg Connects Donate Now

Observation As a Way of Making Inspired by Faith Ringgold Art Class for Children With Autism Saturday, June 4, 2022 9:30 AM to 11 AM Virtual Media Inquiries: adam@culturalcounsel.com RSVP Faith Ringgold Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach 1988 Acrylic paint, canvas, printed fabric, ink, and thread Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York Gift, Mr. and Mrs. Gus and Judith Leiber, 1988 © 2020 Faith Ringgold / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, Courtesy ACA Galleries, New York Discover a new way of looking at the world by studying the narrative quilts of mixed media artist Faith Ringgold . Taking place on Saturday mornings, these live virtual classes led by veteran CMA Teaching Artist Emma Waldman provide a free opportunity for children of all ages with Autism spectrum disorders to participate in a variety of tactile art-making experiences. Classes are specifically designed to help children develop social skills, creative problem-solving strategies, and self-expression through art and storytelling. The program’s supportive environment also strengthens family ties and builds a sense of community for families affected by Autism spectrum disorders. Programs at Children's Museum of the Arts are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Children's Museum of the Arts' Inclusives Program is generously funded by the Rose M. Badgeley Charitable Trust. Additional support is provided by Liselotte and Robin Vince, the Barbara Hunt McLanahan Memorial Fund, the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, the Jennifer & Jonathan Soros Foundation, The Robert Lehman Foundation, the Louis Legacy Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts with support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Donate Now

Open Studio: Character Collages Inspired by Deborah Roberts Free Community Artmaking Monday, September 11, 2023 3 PM to 5 PM Pier 57 Pier 57, 11th Avenue, New York, NY, USA Media Inquiries: adam@culturalcounsel.com RSVP Deborah Roberts, The Unseen, 2020. Mixed media collage on canvas. 65 x 45 inches. Artwork © Deborah Roberts. Courtesy the artist; Vielmetter Los Angeles; and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Image courtesy The Contemporary Austin. Photograph by Paul Bardagjy. Guided by the work of collagist Deborah Roberts , artists will explore the world of mixed media with a focus on individual character stories. With a colorful array of materials at their fingertips – from paper and clay to pipe cleaners and fabric – young creators will blend and shape their ideas into one-of-a-kind artworks, each with their own story to tell. About Open Studio at Pier 57 Taking place Mondays and Thursdays, Open Studio at Pier 57 invites children to explore hands-on projects across a wide range of artistic disciplines. Specially designed for children on the Autism Spectrum but welcoming to all, each Inclusives 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. What To Expect Sessions are led by CMA Artist Instructors Emma Waldman and JT Baldassarre and are inspired by historic and contemporary New York City art and artists. 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 ! 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. 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, First Republic Bank, The LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Google Community Grants Fund, Amazon, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harriet Ames Charitable Trust, The Cowles Charitable Trust, Hammitt, and the Viniar Family Foundation. Donate Now

See More Children's Museum of the Arts 11/29/23 Interviews "It was thrilling to imagine what it would be like to be an artist with such a unique vision." Artist Marcy Hermansader on learning to draw alongside her father and visiting a Giacometti retrospective as a child. NEXT IN

See More Children's Museum of the Arts 10/11/23 Interviews "Children’s curiosity is something we can never get back as adults." Artist Linda Lopez on learning to draw from watching PBS and how viewing her college professor's artwork in an exhibition led to her becoming an artist. NEXT IN

See More Children's Museum of the Arts 3/1/24 Artists in Schools Noormah's Reflections: February CMA Resident Artist Noormah Jamal on her February projects at Children's Workshop School. NEXT IN

NADA Presents: Art Without an Audience: The Case for Children’s Art Lecture Friday, May 6, 2022 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM Pier 36 299 South Street, New York, NY, USA Media Inquiries: adam@culturalcounsel.com RSVP Fabrizio Cavallo Life Age 8 American Embassy School New Delhi, India Permanent Collection, Children's Museum of the Arts Children's Museum of the Arts is pleased to participate in NADA Presents , NADA’s signature programming series of conversations, performances, and events, at NADA New York 2022 . CMA Executive Director Seth Cameron hosts Art Without an Audience: The Case for Children’s Art, an open forum discussion that encourages participants — young and old — to join in on the conversation around children’s art. Using examples from the museum’s open call, audience members are encouraged to ask: What kinds of audiences can children’s art create? What kinds of institutions can children’s art influence? How can taking children’s art seriously reframe our received ideas of the historical canon? And how can we reimagine arts education beyond the bounds of traditional pedagogical hierarchies? Artists of all ages are encouraged to participate. Programs at Children's Museum of the Arts are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Donate Now

Ketter Weissman Associate Director American Academy in Rome Donate Now Since 1988