Local Family Fun
Cultivating Creativity in OKC Discover innovative outlets where imaginations can run wild BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
Creativity is the simplest form of self-expression as creative activities build confidence and celebrate uniqueness. Maya Angelou said it best: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” The arts are for more than mere amusement. They invite kids to explore new skills and experiences while boosting sensory exploration, critical thinking and motor skills. Creative play also
facilitates imagination and social interaction, which helps build empathy and other interpersonal skills. OKC offers a wealth of creative opportunities for the whole family. Get creative this spring at these innovative local spots! Visual arts Oklahoma Contemporary is a multidisciplinary arts center offering a wide variety of educational art-centered opportunities. Museum admission is always free, plus Oklahoma Contemporary provides free family-focused programming throughout the year. Second Saturdays include art-making experiences, gallery tours, music and movement opportunities and much more. Upcoming events on March 9 and April 13 will focus on tiny treasures and a mystery art lab, respectively. “The mystery art lab is a concept I have wanted to do for a while,” shared Christine Gibson, senior manager of youth and family programs. “We have gathered quite a collection of art supplies, and we want to see what kids and families can make. We are excited to see them go wild!” Teaching artists will be on hand to provide support and guidance. The May 11 Second Saturday event is all about summer camp so attendees can get an inside look at the activities available during summer break. No registration is required. Simply show up and expect to have fun. “We will have a variety of teaching artists on hand sharing what kids can learn about over the summer — ceramics, performance and music, DJing … A little bit of everything,” said Gibson. Gibson loves seeing kids break down barriers and build confidence, especially during Camp Contemporary, which takes place during spring and summer breaks. “Art provides self-expression and collaboration, art helps kids become problem solvers,” shared Gibson. “We aren’t looking for perfection; there is no right or wrong. I am always blown away to see kids grow through art.” Oklahoma Contemporary also offers adult studio classes and workshops. Learn more about their family programming at oklahomacontemporary.org/learn.
KIDS CAN EXPLORE THEIR CREATIVE SIDE THROUGH A VARIETY OF MEDIUMS AT CAMP CONTEMPORARY, INCLUDING DJING WITH TONY TEE. PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA WATSON.
Additional visual arts options: • From jewelry and soap making to quilting, glasswork and mosaic, explore a variety of arts and crafts at The Craft Room in Warr Acres. • Edmond Fine Arts Institute offers art classes for kids as young as age 3 up to adults. • Admission is always free at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art , plus families can print off the FJJMA Art Bingo card for a fun way to explore the art on display. • Norman Firehouse Art Center offers after-school classes in a variety of mediums that encourage kids to express themselves through art. • Make your next visit to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art a hands-on adventure. Pack a sketch pad and some pencils (pens are not permitted) and spend time drawing or writing about what you see in the galleries. The museum hosts drop-in art ac- tivities on the third Saturday of each month. Kids always get in free, and on the second Sunday of each month, adults do, too! • Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation offers a wide variety of arts classes and clubs, from toddler classes all the way up to ceramics for seniors. • Home to 18 galleries, merchants and artists, the Paseo Arts District offers a variety of workshops from pottery and needlepoint to dance. • Try your hand at hand-building, wheel-throwing and glazing at Preacher Pottery . Classes and workshops are available for kids, adult beginners and beyond.
18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2024
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online