What’s New in the Studio: April

Side chair, c. 1903

April’s Studio Creations activity is based on the special exhibition Gustav Stickley and the American Arts and Crafts Movement, on display through May 8. Gustav Stickley (1858-1942) was an American furniture designer and manufacturer whose work was key to the American Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century.

The exhibition features many great examples not only of Stickley’s furniture designs but also metalwork, lamps, textiles, and even architectural drawings. There is even an interactive dining room display within the show that truly gives you the sense of what it would be like to live with these objects.

When planning your visit to the Museum and the exhibition, a great warm up for your family is to make furniture diaries. Have your kids name their favorite piece of furniture at home. What do they like about it? How would they describe it to someone else? Now have them imagine that the piece of furniture is like a character from a story. What is its personality like? Have them write a journal entry from a day in the life of this object. What events has it seen? How has it changed over time?

When you arrive at the Museum, pick up a free Family Gallery Guide at the Art Studio in the Center for Creative Connections on Level 1 to take with you into the show. It has questions and activities for your family to share while you explore the gallery. When you are finished, return to the Art Studio to make miniature furniture based on your experience! We even have an amazing model house that’s being built by Jana Barger, one of our wonderful Junior League volunteers, that you can add your furniture to:

Finally, a nice juxtaposition to the Stickley show is to take your family up to the 4th floor where you can see the exhibition Form/Unformed: Design from 1960 to the Present; it’s very cool to see the difference in design and form. And yes, that chair IS made from stuffed panda dolls.

Tejo Remy, "You Can't Lay Down Your Memories", 1991

Fernando and Humberto Campana, "Banquete chair with pandas", designed 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Studio Creations is a drop-in art-making activity for families. Offered every Saturday and Sunday (with exceptions) from 1:00-3:30 p.m. Volunteers are on hand to help your family create unique art projects. All materials are provided and the program is free with paid admission. Discover a new activity each month!

Posted by: JC