Kids in Art Galleries

I’ve encountered some pretty frustrating situations when visiting art galleries with my kids. I’ve been stalked by security guards who glare at my children, been hassled because of my stroller (it’s small, I promise), and been booted out over a lollipop.

Seriously people, our children need to be in art galleries from a young age. It is so important.

I have always brought my kids into art settings. They are loud and run around but they feel comfortable there. We stop and look at artwork for twenty seconds before moving onto a new piece. The attention span is short but their memories will be long.

My four year old daughter has actually made many observant comments about the artwork she sees. And she is not afraid to speak her mind and tell me when she thinks something is ugly. I love this. Sometimes we adults get stuck in trying to be polite or thinking art must be viewed and understood a certain way. Kids don’t get stuck in these sticky issues.

My kids are always laughing, smiling and having a great time in art galleries; I think they are fueled by the colours, images, shapes and open space. Of course they want to touch everything, heck so do I, but I’ve taught them to be respectful and if they misbehave they know they’ll be carried or put in the stroller.

As a mom I love it when art galleries have areas for kids. Our regulars, the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Phoenix Art Museum, have child friendly and interactive areas. The Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, another favorite of mine, does something brilliant. When my husband and I visited there with our kids last summer, they gave my kids a pencil and a little stack of paper taped together like a book. My kids felt honoured. My daughter in particular was sketching the entire visit.

I believe art is such an integral component of a healthy culture – and family. It’s tougher to make an art lover out of a resistant adult, but a child – they are wide open, curious and creative. I encourage art galleries to welcome children with open arms. If you are scared kids will break something, put the work on higher plinths – but do not discourage children from visiting and please do not make parents feel anxious with their kids in your space. And parents; please expose your children to as much art as possible, it is one of the greatest teaching opportunities you can give them.

Here are some photos from my family’s recent visit to the Art Gallery of Alberta.