You know those adorable drawings your children make: pictures of family, houses or that one eyed creature that lives in their imagination. Most parents hang pictures on the refrigerator and replace them as new drawings are created. The refrigerator in many ways is the family gallery, a way to show and show-off art creations. It has also been a way to encourage budding artists to display their talents.
The Museum of Glass (http://www.museumofglass.org/) has taken children’s art preservation a step further. Children draw pictures at the museum of whatever they imagine. The glass blowing team selects a piece of art work and then re-creates the image out of glass. The re-creation is done in the glass blowing theatre so everyone can sit and watch. The child whose art was selected gets to take home a glass replica of their creation.
There is amazing synergy between child artists and the glass blower. Children have no boundaries or obstacles, no concept that there could be restrictions to creating a piece. Their imaginations flow freely. The artists, grown-up, don’t have the same boundless imaginations however they do have the professional training and amazing artistic skills.
In comments from the parents, one mother said the experience awakened a true sense of being an artist in her daughter and she has not stopped creating. It is beyond the acknowledgement of hanging art on the fridge; it is immortalizing your child’s creation and giving them a sense of great accomplishment.
Since not everyone can get to the Museum of Glass or have their art selected, what can you do?
Here are a few ideas from simple to slightly challenging to immortalize your child’s art:
- Laminate it! While simple, it makes it permanent and special to a child. Select a favorite piece of art; bring it to a Kinko’s or Staples. For a few dollars they can laminate the piece.
- Frame it! Stores like Ikea and Target sell pretty, low cost frames. Select some favorite pieces of art and frame them. You child’s room can become their own personal Modern Museum of Art.
- Take is a step further – bronze it! Remember bronzed baby shoes? Have a favorite 3-D creation bronzed.
- Have an artist re-create it. If you have an artist in the family or perhaps a great friend, ask them to re-make the art with their own medium. They should follow the exact design.
Early in life, while the whole world and all its opportunities lie ahead, anything and everything can be explored and encouraged. Art, just like music, writing and even sport can be a means to express, it can be an outlet, and can grow into a lifelong passion.
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