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PURCHASE, N.Y. Children learned what goes into making a portrait Saturday afternoon at the Neuberger Museum of Art at Purchase College, SUNY.
The museum hosts art classes the first Saturday of the month. This month, the focus was on portraits, as children and their families were given a tour of the museum and a brief education on portraiture, before being able to create their own with an art teacher. Olivia Kalin, education coordinator of the Neuberger Museum, said the museum invites families to explore art in multiple dimensions.
We give the children a lesson on our theme of the day to give them an idea of what other artists make, Kalin said. It gives them a sense of history, different ideas and techniques.
Art teacher Natalia Leginowicz, a Purchase College graduate, said the children's art pieces at the event focused on three aspects of art: lines, shapes and style.
They are learning what makes art, Leginowicz said. We give them a chance to explore different elements of it.
And the idea of the program is not only to give children an education on the arts but also to give families a place to spend a Saturday afternoon together. Kalin said the program, which has been going on for five years, often brings the same families back month after month.
Ive heard from parents that its difficult to bring kids to an art museum, because they might not know much about art themselves, Kalin said. We try to engage the family so everybody can participate and try to make art more accessible to them.
Kalin said the popularity of the program has tripled over the past two years. Not only do children get to learn and create art, but the museum also has live entertainment for them. On Saturday, a face painter was there, and acts have ranged from music by college students to an '80s cover band.
We have developed a real community for families, Kalin said. Im so happy to see repeat visitors.
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