Tomashi Jackson: Moon Folk: Passages Toward Greater Understanding Exhibition Friday, March 18, 2022 All Day St. John's Terminal 550 Washington Street, New York, NY, USA Media Inquiries: adam@culturalcounsel.com RSVP Children’s Museum of the Arts partners with public art organization ArtBridge to present Moon Folk: Passages Toward Greater Understanding , a new mural by multimedia artist Tomashi Jackson located in Manhattan’s Hudson Square . The mural is accompanied by artistic responses to Tomashi’s work by NYC youth ages 3-12 . The final exhibition is presented outside Google 's new campus at St. John’s Terminal , located at 550 Washington Street , developed by Oxford Properties . The exhibition is meant to suggest the possibility of outpourings of radiant and peace-filled communication, and to provoke discourse, documentation, and new designs on the subject of peace for and by children. The partnership between CMA and ArtBridge highlights the Museum’s continued commitment to inspiring global conversations and fostering meaningful ties between the children of New York and the greater artistic community. The installation is produced by ArtBridge with support from Google and Oxford Properties. Made possible by City Canvas, an initiative of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs that transforms the city’s temporary protective structures into sites for the display of art driven by collaboration between local artists and communities. 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

1/27/24 Activities 3 Valentine's Day Art Activities by CMA Artist in Residence Ciana Malchione Start your year off on a sweet note with three art activities for home, school, and everywhere in between. Click to expand media gallery. Clever Caption Valentines Collage Kit Draw Heart Valentine NEXT Emergency Exhibition: New Training for Future Artists and Art Lovers Take a Virtual Tour on Bloomberg Connects Donate Now

See More Children's Museum of the Arts 7/17/23 Reflections Sculpture Takeover Inspired by Yinka Shonibare NEXT IN

See More Children's Museum of the Arts 12/19/23 Artists in Schools Patterns and Painter's Tape Dispatches from CMA Resident Artist Niousha Kiarashi's elementary school class at Sid Miller Academy. NEXT IN

3/15/22 Reading Lists Celebrate Women’s History Month with These 10 Children’s Books Artist in Residence Ciana Malchione compiles her favorite children's books in honor of Women's History Month. Ciana Malchione Click to expand media gallery. Let’s hit the books! CMA Artist in Residence Ciana Malchione compiles her favorite children’s books in honor of Women’s History Month. Who learned to read at the age of 116? Which doctor was arrested for wearing pants? Find out below! Nina: A Story of Nina Simone Traci N. Todd and Christian Robinson This illuminating and defining picture book biography tells the story of little Eunice who grew up to become the acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy. Love in the Library Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Yas Imamura Set in an incarceration camp where the United States cruelly detained Japanese Americans during WWII and based on true events, this moving love story finds hope in heartbreak. Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers Juliet Menéndez In this collection of short biographies from all over Latin America and across the United States, author Juliet Menéndez explores the first small steps that set the Latinitas off on their journeys. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read Rita Hubbard and Oge Mora Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation’s oldest student who did just that. Mary Wears What She Wants Keith Negley This charming picture book is inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing 19th-century doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants. Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein Linda Bailey and Júlia Sardà The inspiring story of the girl behind one of the greatest novels (and monsters) ever, timed for the 200th anniversary of the publication of Frankenstein . Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles Patricia Valdez and Felicita Sala This fascinating picture book celebrates a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles. Danza! Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México Duncan Tonatiuh Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh tells the story of Amalia Hernández, dancer and founder of El Ballet Folklórico de México. Viva Frida Yuyi Morales Frida Kahlo’s life was filled with laughter, love, and tragedy, all of which influenced what she painted on her canvases. Distinguished author and illustrator Yuyi Morales illuminates Frida’s life and work in this elegant and fascinating book. Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills Renee Watson and Christian Robinson Featuring a moving text and colorful illustrations, Harlem’s Little Blackbird is a timeless story about justice, equality, and the importance of following one’s heart and dreams. NEXT Emergency Exhibition: New Training for Future Artists and Art Lovers Take a Virtual Tour on Bloomberg Connects Donate Now

9/5/23 Reflections On Exploring Galleries in Chelsea Bloomberg Studio Institute interns Eva and Mikey explored Chelsea’s gallery district on the first day of their internship. Together, they reflected on how galleries can create new contexts for experiencing art despite their imposing presence. Click to expand media gallery. Mikey and Eva: On our first day as interns at Children’s Museum of the Arts, we spent the afternoon visiting art galleries in Chelsea. These visits wouldn’t be for the simple reason of looking at artwork on display, but also to examine the gallery itself and how it interacted with the public. Our experience changed how we look at galleries in the future. Eva: Galleries have been a part of who I am since childhood. My parents introduced me to the world of art the moment I came out of the womb. Growing up, they would take my sister and I to different shows and events, which built the foundation for my love of artwork. The first time my parents took us to a gallery, I was overwhelmed by the creativity, as well as the tidy area surrounding the vibrant artwork. That fascination has remained with me throughout the years, but it has become replaced with curiosity. Instead of solely looking at the colors and beauty of the work, I began to question the formatting of the galleries and the purpose behind the work. When CMA asked us to visit one of the many galleries in Chelsea, I was excited to not only view the work, but to also consider the area and feelings I experienced during the trip. When we reached the first gallery, I immediately thought, “Should I be here?” The building seemed to loom over us, sleek and tall, surrounded by glass that reflected the buildings around it. The building was a symbol of superiority and a constant reminder of the power of wealth to shape the world around us. In this split second of realization, I snapped back into reality and wondered, “Do I belong here?” Once my fear of entering the building subsided, I built up the courage to push the door open, wondering what would happen next. I heard a loud clunk — I had failed to open the door! I stopped for a moment confused, thinking the door was locked or that we weren’t allowed in the building. Suddenly, an older woman (with much prestige in her walk) exited the building, and that’s where I realized my mistake. I had pushed a “pull” door. Once I pulled on the door, another obstacle emerged. “These doors are insanely heavy”, I thought to myself. It felt as though I were trying to move a boulder out of my way! I understand that the heavy doors are meant to prevent theft and maintain temperature balance, but these doors in particular became an obstacle for a person to simply enter the space. Despite my momentary struggle with the door, the artwork was breathtaking. I was surrounded by vibrant colors, mesmerizing brushstrokes, and masterful composition. I was taken aback by the beauty, creativity, and passion of these artists. I could tell that these artworks touched on societal conflicts, emotions, and the artists’ personal experiences. While I felt honored to be able to witness that work, I wondered if the gallery’s imposing presence prevented people from witnessing this astonishing work. As a whole, galleries are a terrific place to experience an artistic environment in addition to the artwork itself. There is always something new to discover – the way artists express themselves, the areas they choose, and the formatting they decide for their art. Seeing different cultures and perspectives is an amazing way to get insight into the artist’s point of view. Though it might seem like there are barriers to entry, visiting galleries is an amazing, unforgettable experience that I will always recommend to others when in Chelsea. Mikey: I found this experience to be helpful and enlightening, especially for someone like me who doesn't visit galleries very often. I have only ever been to museums, which is why I think this experience was important for me. Galleries had never been a large part of my life, as my pursuit of art was usually explored through the internet. However, physically interacting with art and art installations in a gallery context has helped me to gain a new perspective on the art world. NEXT Emergency Exhibition: New Training for Future Artists and Art Lovers Take a Virtual Tour on Bloomberg Connects Donate Now

6/25/24 Artists in Schools Windows on Hudson Guild: A Neighborhood Perspective Dispatches from CMA Resident Artist Maria D. Rapicavoli's after school class at Hudson Guild. Click to expand media gallery. Next time you're walking down 26th Street, swing by Hudson Guild 's Elliott Center and check out the life-size silhouettes of Maria's after school students in the window! This culminating project draws upon the idea of the window as both a functional object and a metaphor to represent how children perceive and understand reality. Maria's students at Hudson Guild find themselves in a unique scenario – although they live in one of the city's wealthiest neighborhoods, steps away from world-class art, many of them are disconnected from their immediate surroundings and don't even know this art world exists at their doorstep. Drawing upon the idea personal and communal identity, especially within the context of the Eliott-Chelsea Houses, Maria's project aims to foster a deeper connection between children and their surrounding neighborhood. Over the course of the spring semester, students considered the idea of the 'window' from multiple viewpoints — first they created observational drawings of what they see out their window , then they represented what they wanted to "get rid of" or "bring into" in their lives. With the silhouette project, students discovered how their individual contributions can be translated into a communal project that reflects and represents their unique viewpoints. They worked together to trace each other's body outline on reflective material, then cut out and installed the silhouettes on the street-facing windows. Together, they discovered that artmaking truly is a collaborative process — when converged, different points of view can create a broader horizon and expand our sense of reality. 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

5/3/24 Artists in Schools Clay Magnets Part 1: Creating Form Using Armature Dispatches from CMA Resident Artist Noormah Jamal's fifth grade class at Children's Workshop School. Click to expand media gallery. As the end of the school year nears, Noormah Jamal ’s fifth graders at Children's Workshop School are creating works of art that will last for years to come! This week, students began sculpting their own refrigerator magnets. During the first lesson, they constructed their magnet out of clay, creating such forms as a mouse drinking a soda, an ice cream sundae, and even a ladybug (or dare we say spotted lanternfly?) During the next lesson, they’ll paint their forms and adhere the magnet to the back. Noormah stressed the importance of using wire to secure their form, especially since their sculptures will not be fired or dipped in bisque. It’s no surprise that students quickly became armature masters. One student even made a standing figure using only wire and clay — no base! Noormah’s work at Children’s Workshop School 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

6/18/24 Artists in Schools Celebrating a Year of After School Arts Education at Hudson Guild Children's Art Triennial is on view from June 14 through July 26, 2024 at the Hudson Guild Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan. Click to expand media gallery. Children’s Museum of the Arts and Hudson Guild Gallery joined forces for Children's Art Triennial, a year-end exhibition showcasing artwork created by students aged 4-12 from Hudson Guild ’s After School and Early Childhood programs. Throughout the 2023-24 school year, these Pre-K through sixth graders participated in biweekly collaborative after school art classes led by CMA Artist in Residence Maria D. Rapicavoli . Rapicavoli and her students explored the elements and principles of art, as well as mediums and techniques such as observational drawing, frottage, paper mache, collage, mosaics, abstract painting, air dry clay, and two- and three-dimensional sculpture. Projects drew inspiration from artists across the ages, including mobile sculptures inspired by Alexander Calde r, monochromatic self portraits inspired by Pablo Picasso , graffiti and street art inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat , frottage inspired by Max Ernst , polychromatic sculptures inspired by Pipilotti Rist , and fabric collages inspired by Faith Ringgold . By foregrounding artists of different cultural backgrounds and generations, students gained an expansive knowledge of art history and their place within it. By seeing their artwork hung in a professional gallery, students gain the recognition and support they deserve as artists, hopefully motivating them to pursue their interests in the arts. The exhibition will be on view from June 14 through July 26, 2024 at the Hudson Guild Gallery located at 441 West 26th Street in Chelsea, Manhattan. Hudson Guild's Director of Arts Jim Furlong with a young artist 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. 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

10/5/23 Interviews "I think about artmaking as a way of staying close to the beautiful and mysterious things in life." Artist Stephen Bron on using art to process the world around you. Click to expand media gallery. Great artists make artists. And to prove that point, over 70 of today's greatest have contributed their work in support of Children's Museum of the Arts' Emergency Arts Education Fund , establishing utterly ambitious art programs in New York City schools that need them most. Bidding for the online auction concludes Thursday, October 19 at 12 PM EDT . Bid now. Bid often. Bid here. Below, meet auction artist Stephen Bron . Stephen making artwork as a child What advice would you give to young artists who wish to pursue an art practice? Making art should ultimately bring you joy. At times it can take effort to maintain this joy but it is essential to protect your practice. I think about art making as a way of staying close to the beautiful and mysterious things in life. Art also helps me process the world around me – if I go in with a bad attitude the results will read as such. This being said, I pay little attention to if things make sense, but rather if they feel good. How does working with children inspire you? With children you can see them actively learning while playing. As adults, we don't do this as much. But we should. Stephen Bron Pink Atlantic oil paint on linen Bid Now NEXT Emergency Exhibition: New Training for Future Artists and Art Lovers Take a Virtual Tour on Bloomberg Connects Donate Now