What can children learn in a museum? What new ideas can they understand from works of art? We are pleased to report that this past Wednesday’s Preschool Art Enrichment Program was a great success. Children of four and five years of age, along with their parents joined us for play and learning at the Owsley Museum of Art.

Children were introduced to the idea of abstract art with the museum’s painting, Right Bird Left, by Lee Krasner. The program was led by docents Barbara Alavarez Bohanon and Suzanne Walker using discussion, songs, and art activities to enhance the children’s
learning and creativity.

“One of the benefits of working in a museum is seeing the range of talent volunteers have,” commented Tania Said, director of education. “Docents Suzanne Walker and Barbara Alavarez Bohanon really understand the needs and interests of preschool children, and you could see the delight in their faces when the four and five year olds were looking at Lee Krasner’s ‘Right Bird Left’ and during the art activity they did.”

Painting with paper activity example.

The parent of a child in the program said, “The program was great! It was just enough
substance and just enough fun. It was run by people who know how to work with children.”

“I really believe that any of us, and children certainly, construct knowledge based on their personal experiences and the input of new information. And art is one of those avenues that children respond exceedingly well to.” –Sharon Shaffer, former executive director, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center

Children and parents both enjoyed themselves with this hands-on, interactive learning experience. We hope to have more preschool art enrichment programs in the future, so be sure to look for future programs in the fall.

Also, DOMA will be hosting a  story time for preschoolers and their families on the third Wednesday of every month this fall with Barbara Alavarez Bohanon selecting a related a story to travel the world and enjoy the art in the galleries. Registration is not required, but is encouraged if participants wish to receive parking and directions information.