LET’S GET
Crafty IN TAMPA BAY:
Creative ways to introduce your kids to the arts by Laura Byrne
For kids, the act of creating art is not only fun (okay, and maybe a bit messy too), it’s also helping build a variety of skills like fine-motor, critical thinking and problem solving. With each splatter of paint and stroke of the crayon, kids are also mastering language development, self-expression and more. While that craft box at home is a great start, there are so many other ways you can expose your child to the arts in Tampa Bay, whether in person, at a museum or online.
TAMPA BAY ART MUSEUMS We are fortunate that our home of Tampa Bay has fully embraced the arts, giving us access to world-renowned museums where our kids can learn and explore, in person and virtually.
The Dali in St. Pete thedali.org The Dali offers several youth programs, including camps. You can take part in DillyDally with Dali virtually on Feb. 4, 11 and 18 from 5-5:30 pm. Designed for kids ages 6-11, the program will lead your child through a craft inspired by art at the museum. The visiting exhibit Van Gogh Alive! is another must-see. It’s a fully immersive experience where you can step inside the masterpieces created by Van Gogh through high-definition projections on f loor to ceiling screens. You will need to book your ticket and timed reservation online in advance. Tickets for kids 6-12 are $10 (5 and younger are free) and adults are $25. You’ll also want to download the Dali app before you go to learn more about the artist and exhibit. Van Gogh Alive! is on display through April 11, 2021.
Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete mfastpete.org If you’re not quite ready to venture out, the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete has a really cool virtual program for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade called Art Break. Kids are guided through a craft inspired by the exhibits at the museum. Some offerings you can view right now are Shadow Puppets, Flower Still Life and Tissue Paper Flowers. The MFA will also be offering camps, so stay tuned for our Summer Camp Guide next month!
Tampa Museum of Art tampamuseum.org The Tampa Museum of Art is currently offering in-person and virtual programs for kids. The popular Art Spot event is now virtual, with a new video released the first Saturday of each month. You can even access past episodes if you can’t wait for Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. when this month’s video is released. You and the kids will be led through a craft using materials you can find in the house, and you’ll learn a bit about the art at the museum too. There’s also an in-person event for kids hosted outdoors on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. It’s hosted at different parks in the community. This month’s classes are at Rivercrest Park in Seminole Heights. This is best for kids in Kindergarten through fifth grade and can also be attended virtually.
The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St Pete Van Gogh Alive! Copyright: © 2020 Grande Experiences
jamesmuseum.org
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Check out the events calendar at The James Museum for things to do for families each month. This month, kids 4-17 can participate in Open Studio on Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Capacity is limited to eight people at a time. Once inside, kids can create, draw, paint, print and sculpt their very own masterpieces. Open Studio is included with admission. The museum also offers camps and virtual programming, including Mini Maker Space with pre-recorded art classes like Paper Sculptures and Shaving Cream Art Prints.
TampaBayParenting.com FEBRUARY 2021
