Design rendering for Star Studio.
I imagine the next week will feel very much like the countdown for a NASA space shuttle mission. “T-7 days and counting. Activate all personnel. Review discussed layout. Load in tables, chairs, and art supplies. Backup and review tech systems. Complete preliminary security and housekeeping inspections. T-0. Unlock the doors.” Admittedly, this is both exciting and terrifying. After nearly a year of planning and preparation, Star Studio will reopen to the public on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 11 am sharp with a very different vibe.
And so the story goes, on a cloudy day in March, a team of museum educators drafted a dreamy vision statement based on results gleaned from the 2012 IMA Family Study: “Inspired by the IMA’s collection, its resources, and related aspects of the visual arts, programs and activities in Star Studio encourage families to imagine, explore, create, share, and collaborate with art in new ways.” We asked both members and non-members to test activities based on these five overarching themes during a set of focus groups.
In each section, adults are provided with the tools to teach fundamental art concepts such as color, line, shape, and texture, to children under the age of twelve in fun and innovative ways. In the first section, Imagine, visitors are invited to think creatively about the art-making process. Rules, instructions, and templates are absent. Visitors are encouraged to create art from a set of traditional and non-traditional media, including paint, drawing materials, and clay, but also twist ties, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. The second section, Explore, includes a tactile table designed to stimulate the senses, promote creativity, and assist in the development of fine motor skills. For the third experience, visitors are invited to Create. They can use the iPad Free Draw Station to create their own works of art. Upon completion, visitors may email their drawings to themselves, friends, and family. Another activity in this section invites young visitors to engage in imaginary play. By donning a construction hat and pretending to be construction workers kids help build R. Indiana City using an assortment of building blocks. Share allows visitors to write or draw responses to a phrase on a large-scale chalkboard wall. Additionally, Share includes an interactive photo booth, giving visitors the opportunity to capture images of the works they created, which are also projected on a wall. And lastly, Collaborate encourages participants to socialize with other patrons by working together on a community art project.
Bonus! A series of facilitated programs are now offered in the classroom on Wednesdays and weekends. For more information, please check out our calendar.
Filed under: Audience Engagement, Education
