Art Inspiration: hands-on kits and activities at metro museums - MetroFamily Magazine
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Art Inspiration: hands-on kits and activities at metro museums

Second Saturday at Oklahoma Contemporary

by Lindsay Cuomo

Reading Time: 3 minutes 

Creativity is intelligence having fun.” –  Albert Einstein

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou

Engaging in art-making boosts confidence, enhances problem-solving skills, and builds fine motor skills (art-making is a great precursor to writing!). Plus, kids get to step outside “the rules” and create something out of their own imagination, which can be great for stress relief, something we can all use more of.

These hands-on kits and activities available at local art museums make facilitating your family’s art session a breeze!

  1. Fluid Art Kit from Factory Obscura – This all-ages kit includes everything you need to make four original paintings. The memorizing process lets you experiment with layers of color to create a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece. And, perhaps the best part, no painting experience is needed! You simply shake and pour. Priced at $35, the kit also includes a voucher for a child admission ticket. Coming soon, artists Emma Difani and Malcolm Zachariah are working on a new kit inspired by the immersive new temporary exhibit, Seed Reef, opening in February. With this kit, you can create your own piece of the installation at home with folded paper sculptures of sea life.
  2. Mystery History Box from The Cowboy – The interactive, educational box for kids is designed by museum staff at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to make learning about the West a lot of fun. Retailing for $25, each box includes a mix of items such as an activity booklet, pot paints and canvas, clay, models, a trick and more, but there are a limited number of boxes available. The museum also has free make-at-home craft and art projects on their website that use items you already have around the house. Make a rag doll, suncatcher and more with these easy educational projects.
  3. Second Saturday at Oklahoma Contemporary – Second Saturdays at Oklahoma Contemporary are designed for families and creativity! The whole afternoon features a variety of art experiences such as community art projects, live entertainment and more. This February, take part in an esports tournament, try your hand at virtual reality games and tour the Open World exhibition that celebrates the connection between art and gaming.  In March, all-new activities will move outside into the sculpture garden.
  4. Discovery Packs at OKCMOAAvailable free of charge during your visit to the museum, these activity packs give visitors with children a chance to explore the art on display through fun, hands-on learning! Inside each pack, you’ll find items such as a storybook, an OKCMOA sketchbook with guided drawing prompts (you get to take this part home with you), Match & Discover Cards featuring works of art found in the galleries, sketching materials and more. Packs are available for ages 2-5 and ages 6 & up and are available on each Museum floor. Just return to the front desk when you’re finished!

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