In The Art Loft, children learn to create visual art that is meaningful to them using both authentic and unconventional art-making tools and materials. Guided by program specialists, children engage in unique visual arts projects that support their exploration of ideas, development of skills, and ability to perceive aesthetically. Experiences offered in The Art Loft change regularly and may include drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, or sculpture. Parents and caregivers can expect to spend about 30 minutes in The Art Loft assisting children in the art processes.
Experiences in The Art Loft are designed for children ages 4-10. Older and younger siblings are also welcome in The Art Loft. However, the tools and processes used may not be developmentally appropriate for younger children. We encourage families with 2 and 3 year olds to visit the Art Studio in The Wonder Cabinet, where experiences are designed specifically for them. Please note that The Art Loft closes at 4:00 pm each day to allow staff time to clean.
The Art Loft Hours
For ages 4 - 10 and their caregivers; siblings welcome
Visual arts experiences in The Art Loft honor the artistic traditions of the many cultures present in Silicon Valley, both in the context of celebrations and in everyday life. Past activities have included tissue paper blossom trees (Hoa Mai) from Vietnam, Chinese paper lanterns, Mariachi instruments, and the decoration of skulls (Calaveras) for Day of the Dead.
Engagement in the visual arts can expand how a child understands and relates to others and the world perceptually, intellectually, culturally, and spiritually. The art-making process encourages children to stretch their minds in ways that other subjects may not – using invention, imagination, and emotion. The knowledge and skills they acquire through the arts can transfer to new ways of understanding traditional academic subjects, like science and math.
Experiences in The Art Loft are open-ended. Children use the tools and materials available to follow their own artistic visions and communicate meaning through art. The art processes are designed to support a child’s ability to intuit, symbolize, and express ideas visually.
Activities
For ages 4 -10 and their caregivers; siblings welcome
through May 5th:
Using watercolor paint in combination with pencils and crayons, children are invited to paint a still life of objects gathered from the natural world.
May 7th - June 3rd: Pictograms
Native Americans are one group of people who used pictograms in the past to convey stories and ideas without writing. Pictograms are now considered a form of Native American Art. Children are invited to paint on stone with clay and charcoal, telling stories about their pictures.
June 4th - July 1st: Floating Sculptures
In H.A. Rey’s The Boat Show, Curious George is able to construct a boat that floats. Curious children are invited to build floating sculptures from assorted recyclable materials and to put them to the test! Float your sculpture in water, and add more and more weight to see how much it can handle.
Meet the Artists
David Imlay and Ana Carolina Pesce-Imlay
Sunday, April 28th in the Art Loft
12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon for CDM Members only)
Visit the Art Loft for a live demonstration of color-mixing and painting techniques featuring Bay Area painters David Imlay and Ana Carolina Pesce-Imlay. David received technical training and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from San Jose State University, and now works full-time as a painter from his home studio in San Francisco. His work debuted in Toronto, Canada in a show presented by Modern Book, and is regularly featured in solo and group exhibitions at galleries in San Francisco. Ana Carolina received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University SENAC in San Paulo, Brazil, and now works independently as a graphic designer and illustrator from the home studio in San Francisco that she shares with her husband.
Art Gallery
through June: 2013 Discovery Youth Photography Showcase
Opens Monday, April 8
View prints of digital photographs taken by participants in two of the Museum's signature programs serving youth: Discovery Youth (DY) and DYSCI.
For more information, please e-mail: artloft@cdm.org, or call: (408) 298-5437, ext. 272.
Previously in The Art Loft
Using weaving tools designed by Travis Meinolf, children were able to contribute to one of Meinolf’s works-in-progress.
Travis Meinolf
San Francisco-based textile artist Travis Meinolf joined us in the Art Loft for weaving demonstrations. Meinolf shared insights into his creative process and talked about his motivation for developing low-cost weaving looms. Meinolf’s work seeks to promote a different economic model, based on giving. Meinolf received his BA in Industrial Arts from San Francisco State University and an MFA from California College of the Arts. Meinolf has an exhibition on view now at the Vancouver Art Gallery in Canada with artist Kai Althoff.
