Crystal Bridges Keeps Kids Busy with Summer Progams

Crystal Bridges is building bridges with the artists of tomorrow.  Summer Youth Programs are planned for this summer for kids of all ages.  Pre-schooler play dates have already kicked off, and will continue once a month through August.

Janelle Redlaczyk, the public programs manager says the group has a theme each month.  When we visited the theme was crazy horses.  Marshall Mitchell the singing cowboy visited kids that day.  There was a tour of the gallery offered, as well as a stick horse rodeo.

But they didn’t forget about the older kids. You know, the teenagers who can get bored in a hurry.  That’s why they’re offering programs for kids of all ages and artistic abilities.  Coming to Cyrstal Bridges means not just looking at art, but also getting hands on experience.

Redlacyk says they’re going to have classes running Wednesday through Friday.  The classes are for kids from six to eighteen years old.  “They’ll be doing everything from pop art to wearable art to drawing, natural journals, working inside and outside,” said Redlacyk. “There’s even one called oooey-gooey art where they can get messy.”

In June, there’s a painting techniques class for 10 through 13 year olds, and pop art classes for the older teens.

“We’ve got a wonderful teacher Whitney Johnston is teaching that one. She’ll teach it in our 20th century gallery. They’ll study works by Andy Warhol. They’re going to be learning about pop art and then creating their own works inspired by things they learn in the museum. All of our classes are like that. They involved looking at the art, learning about the art, and then making the art themselves,” said Redlacyk.

If its art your family craves, this summer is going to be fun at Crystal Bridges.

Most classes are long enough where the parents can tour the gallery or take a walk around the grounds while their kids are having a blast and learning at the very same time.

Crystal Bridges is also offering a family Sunday program June 16 and August 26 from Noon – 5 p.m. 

For more information on Crystal Bridges summer programs click here.