OnLine art for little kids from the National Gallery
I just spent a long weekend at a mini-family reunion in Vienna, Va, right outside DC. I had two wonderful visits to the Smithsonian museums that have been dear friends for many years. I grew up in the DC area and have been going to the Smithsonian for most of my life. It was such a treat to see so many families with young children on the Mall. I know it takes a lot of effort and dedication to travel with young children. Despite the heat, so many moms and dads were relaxed and enjoying their kids, sharing this great national treasure with their children.
When I lived in the DC area I got down to the museums regularly and had my kids with me for many of those trips. I was a great fan of the Folklife Festival an annual summer event, around the 4th of July.
My daughter loved the Family Days at the Corcoran Museum of Art, especially the Presidents’ Day Family Day. As a little girl she was very interested in the Revolutionary War period of American history. So she was delighted that Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were at the Corcoran that afternoon. Their Family Days feature activities all over the museum that got kids creating art with a wide variety of materials.
If you aren’t in Washington you can still participate. The National Gallery of Art has some online activities that even the youngest children can enjoy. Jungle lets kids create a scene using elements from French artist Henri Rousseau. Collage Machine II lets you do just that. Brushter is like a little kid’s verision of Photoshop. Have fun.