The goal of Art Storytime at the Pérez Art Museum Miami is to introduce children to the world of contemporary art. More than just reading a book about art, Art Storytime engages the child through interaction. The PAMM Art Storytime encourages the smallest visitors’ imaginations, to not only see, but to have an experience with the art in ways perfectly suited for their age and understanding. I was thrilled for my family and I to be invited to visit PAMM’s Art Storytime first hand.
After being greeted by our host, The Little Made Man was invited to make his own name tag and join the other children. They were then given clear instructions about our visit to the gallery:
- No touching. “We only touch with our eyes.”
- No running.
- And we make sure to use our “inside voices.”
We walked down to one of the gallery rooms where the current exhibit is Tàpies: From Within. The children were seated on a bench in the middle of of the gallery. Although the hostess told the children the artist’s name, she did not go into a big, deep discussion as if she were talking to adults. She did not tell them:
“Tàpies’ groundbreaking practice, which fused impoverished materials with symbols of Eastern and Western culture to create dense works covered with graffiti-like gestures. His alchemical practice mixed spiritual and existential questions with unique material investigations of surface, mark-making, and found objects.” (From the PAMM site.)
Instead, she spoke to them in perfect 3-5 year-old speak: “Look at how the artist used unique and unusual materials to create his pieces.”
Our museum hostess then gave each child a square card with an image on it. They were instructed to “find” the art piece that matched their card. Studying the art pieces in the room had now taken on a different interaction than just observing, it was now a game. Little ones squealed when they found their matches. When our hostess asked who found their match, tiny hands shot up in the air.
We returned to the art room and the children sat down and listened to a reading of “The Perfect Square” by one of our family’s favorite authors, Michael Hall.
The Perfect Square
After reading the book, the children were given aprons and set in front of them were papers, glue, different colored sands and tape. They were instructed to create their own art piece, but there were no rules. Anything goes. Rip, tear, glue. “Think about how the artist created his pieces using different types of materials.”
After Art Storytime was over, we had an amazing lunch at Verde, the museum’s on-site restaurant. We finished our afternoon with a little playtime and fun on the outside stairs.
I was so overly impressed with PAMM’s Art Storytime. I loved everything about it and highly recommend it. If you’re local, have children between the ages of 3-5, it’s a must do. If you’re traveling to Miami with kids, this is a great experience to add to your itinerary.
By the way, have you made your summer plans yet? Definitely check out the PAMM Summer Art Camp program for kids ages 6-12. Take advantage of their Early Bird registration discount until May 31st!
PAMM Art Storytime is an early childhood program for children ages 3-5 years old
Tickets: Space is limited. Pre-registration required.
PAMM members: $7 per child Non-members $10 – per child plus general museum admission.
Phone: 305 375 3000 Website: www.pamm.org Don’t miss: Things To Do With Kids In Miami and PAMM Summer Art Camp
PAMM Art Storytime nurtures pre-literacy skills through experiential learning. Children will identify and connect with colors, shapes, and familiar objects in the galleries, followed by a story and an art-making activity based on a shared theme. All three components have a golden thread weaved through them that foster multi-sensory learning. This signature educational program at PAMM hopes to inspire children to learn through the arts.When: Every fourth Saturday at 1pm Where: PAMM Pérez Art Museum Miami 1103 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Florida 33132
Tickets: Space is limited. Pre-registration required.
PAMM members: $7 per child Non-members $10 – per child plus general museum admission.
Phone: 305 375 3000 Website: www.pamm.org Don’t miss: Things To Do With Kids In Miami and PAMM Summer Art Camp
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