[image]
[title]Citing enormous growth in the demand for their programs, the folks at CMA have decided to expand. Their new, 10,000-square-foot home at 103 Charlton Street is more than three times the size of their old Soho location, and has plenty of room for extra gallery shows, on-site instruction and special programming for the city's youngest artists. "We want kids to have a place to make a mess where no one complains," says David Kaplan, CMA's executive director. "Now we'll be able to serve children as young as one and as old as 15 simultaneously." Families looking for a full-immersion art experience at the new facility won't be disappointed.
Celebrate the kickoff
CMA is hosting a on opening weekend (Oct 1, 2). Head to Charlton Street between Greenwich and Hudson Streets from 10am to 5pm for live music, magicians, workshops and public art displays.
Check out the permanent collection
Children's artwork from the 1930s to the present will hang throughout the new facility—it'll also be projected on a wall near the entrance. Make sure to point out the colorful drawings made in 1963 by Harlem public school students.
See the opening exhibit
"Make Art (In) Public," displayed in the museum's enormous 2,000-square-foot gallery ("Our entire old building could fit in it," says Kaplan), features artists who worked outside conventional studios. Don't miss Keith Haring's large canvases, Christo and Jeanne-Claude's sketches, or street artist Remed's colorful geometric mural.
Paint next to acclaimed artists
"We're both an art museum and open art workspace," says Kaplan. "If you come and just look at the art, you're missing half the experience." Kids will have the chance to sculpt, paint and draw in the main gallery—even creating wall art next to the masterpieces of famous artists.
Become a media maven
The site's new media lab is equipped with the latest technology—lights and cameras dangle from the ceiling. Teens can try their hand at stop-motion animation, moviemaking and radio-show hosting.
Get active
Kids work their bodies as well as their minds on the museum's second floor. There they'll find interactive art displays and a ball pit.
Take a breather
The Quiet Room, filled with custom-made foam furniture, lets families relax in between art projects.
Inspire the youngest artists
Parents of kids ages five and under will want to make a stop at the WEE (Wondrous Exploring Experience) Room. All activities there—structured music classes, storytime, art projects—are geared to the youngest set.
Enroll in a class
Instructors will lead free-with-admission daily art sessions (think basket weaving and hat making) in the museum's studios. Kids with specific interests can sign up for a variety of specialized classes—sculpture, costume design digital photography and more (fall session begins Oct 3; 11 weeks $375--$500).
The Children's Museum of the Arts opens on Oct 1.