SHARING OUR STORIES

Inspired in part by his own childhood, this gorgeous picture book from Jim LaMarche tells the story of one stubborn boy’s unexpectedly wonderful summer on the river.  This is an imagination-sparking story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world and the people in it.  It is also about discovering and exploring one’s own talents. … Read More

POLKA DOTS AND PUMPKINS

What’s the best way to introduce our children to Yayoi Kusama?  Start with dots, of course! That’s what MOMA curator Sarah Suzuki has done in Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity, the children’s book that teaches our young artists about the legendary Japanese artist’s life and work. Yayoi Kusama From Here to Infinity Sarah Suzuki – Author… Read More

Through Georgia’s Eyes

The natural world is a giant, open-ended learning laboratory. Our children are innate scientists and love experiencing the sights, scents, sounds, and textures of the outdoors. Nature provides countless opportunities for discovery. “Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven’t time, and to see takes time – like to have a friend takes… Read More

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT – A KEYSTONE SPECIES

Elephants are among the most intelligent of the creatures with whom we share the planet.  Across Africa they have inspired respect from the people that share the landscape with them, giving them a strong cultural significance. They are icons of the continent. They are also a keystone species, playing an important role in maintaining the biodiversity… Read More

The Art and Symbolism of the Nest

SUZANNE SIEGEL and THE ART OF COLLAGE I am very pleased to introduce you to Suzanne Siegel.  I love Suzanne’s work, and when I saw her “Nest in Place IV”, I wanted to get to know her better.  So, I wrote to her, and she graciously agreed to both share her work with us and the… Read More

THE NATURE OF BEAUTY

Our wide range of life experiences help shape our values.  We may know specifically what they are, or perhaps we just live by them without realizing it.  Our values in their simplest form are our principals about what in life is important.  This children’s book poses two important questions for all of us.  What gives a… Read More

SONIA DELAUNAY – A LIFE of COLOR

Although some may regard art education as a luxury, simple creative activities are some of the building blocks of child development.  Learning to create and appreciate visual aesthetics is important to the development of our children as the grow up.  Remember, what your children do with art is more important than what is made. *************** Learning in… Read More

MARY BLAIR’S CASTLES

Mary Blair was an American artist, animator and designer.  She was prominent in producing art and animation for The Walt Disney Company, drawing concept art for such films as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Song of the South and Cinderella.  She is also remembered for her wonderful castle art.              … Read More

GRANDFATHER TANG’S STORY

Why should you play Tangrams with your children?  They look so simple!  A bunch of shapes assembled and reassembled to form newer ones!  But don’t be fooled, they are not easy.  Tangrams offer children an excellent opportunity to test out different geometric manipulations and become familiar with the properties of the shapes they use. ********** This… Read More

A LIFE MADE BY HAND

When we tinker … we think with our hands.  A Life Made By Hand “An artist is not special.  An artist is an ordinary person who can take ordinary things and make them special.”  Ruth Asawa “In Ruth Asawa’s hands, simple wire turned into graceful sculptures as light as air.”  Inspired by the world around her, … Read More