The first class that we're offering for the little ones is “My Own Sea Monster,” from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 9.

Children's classes coincide with Moby Dick: Heart of the Sea exhibition

by Stacey Sauer, Stacey Sauer, Education Coordinator, Rockford Art Museum

Let's face it: the novel Moby-Dick, although considered one of the great classics of American literature, is a tough read. Rockford Art Museum's current exhibition Moby Dick: Heart of the Sea, however, has inspired me to pick up this tome.

This exhibition is a must-see, whether you have read the novel or not. The artwork by Chicago artist George Klauba, both beautiful and dramatic, allows the viewer to easily follow the story, from the introduction of our narrator Ishmael to the final confrontation with Moby Dick. Printmaker Kathleen Piercefield's characters contain overlapping images of various cultures and natural objects, while Robert McCauley's 3-D artwork provides a sculptural element to the exhibition.

Want to stop by the exhibition, but don't know what to do with the kids? Why not bring them to one of our Moby Dick: Heart of the Sea classes? These classes are a wonderful way to introduce children to the story of Moby Dick.

The first class that we're offering for the little ones is “My Own Sea Monster,” from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 9. This class, for ages 3 and older, will begin with a quick tour of the exhibition to introduce children to one of the most famous sea monsters of all—Moby Dick! Using images of various sea creatures, from hammerhead sharks to penguins, children will then create their very own sea monster by cutting and reassembling an animal never before seen! Once assembled, animals will be decorated and introduced to the world.

Do you have a child who is fascinated by pirates? Then our next class is for them! Saturday, May 30, join us from 2 to 4 p.m., for “A Pirate's Life.” We will meet in the Art Annex to create some pirate gear and then head into the galleries to view Moby Dick: Heart of the Sea. Children will have to find a raft to hold onto as they hear stories of mythical sea creatures like the Loch Ness monster, mermaids and the Kraken. These pirates will find land and head back to Art Annex to create their own nemesis—the creature they will battle at sea!

Our exhibition programming concludes with “My Travels at Sea,” from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 20. Children will follow the path of the whaleship Pequod as it searches for the white whale in Moby Dick: Heart of the Sea. We will stop at three different ports along the way, and explore the three cultures we encounter. Children will create a project at each stop. In the end, children will design a “tattoo” that chronicles their journey.

Do you have a child who would be interested in one of these classes? If so, please call (815) 972-2874 to register. Each class is only $8; all registration deadlines are one week before start date. For more information about the exhibition, log on http://www.rockfordartmuseum.org.

Contact RAM Education Coordinator Stacey Sauer at ssauer@rockfordartmuseum.org.
From the May 6-12, 2009, issue
Copyright 2002-2009 The Rock River Times

 

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