Kids discover Chagall is for all
When it comes to artwork, most exhibits only allow viewers to just go up and look. But what if you were allowed to touch the works, interact with them or even make something new?
The “Chagall for Children” exhibit has returned to the Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview with 14 different works by world-famous artist Marc Chagall. The exhibit presents the artwork with unique, interactive activities geared toward youngsters, which allow them to experience the artwork through different dimensions.
Chagall's work spans throughout the 20th century. His fame came mostly from his ability to capture emotion, stories and characters through different types of artwork. Along with paintings, Chagall also made book illustrations, stained glass, stage sets, fine art prints and even large-scale paintings.
The Chagall exhibit was created by the museum 16 years ago with children's development in mind. Since its introduction, the exhibit has traveled far from home, touring throughout the country.
Sheridan Turner, president and CEO of the museum, said the key to the exhibit's success comes from making the artwork more accessible to younger viewers.
“When you bring your kids to an art museum, they usually must remain quiet and are not allowed to touch anything,” Turner said, “but here they can touch it, feel it and interact with it however they want and it brings a lot into the imagination.”
With each component of the exhibit, young viewers can transport themselves into the work through an activity that allows them to view it in different ways. According to the “Chagall for Children” exhibit website, every station “encourages the visitor to explore and work with specific art principals such as color, composition, light and texture.”
For instance at “The Blue House” station, Chagall's work becomes a backdrop in which youngsters can create and play with Lincoln Logs and make their own three-dimensional blue house.
“At the Circus” provides an opportunity to literally become part of the artwork. Visitors are given a cape and can stand in front of a video camera to see on a monitor how they are incorporated into the artwork.
At the “Paris Through a Window” station, young visitors can move around tiles on a whiteboard to create their own view of Paris. Then at “The Concert,” youngsters create their own musical songs by blending sounds together like Chagall blended colors together in his artwork.
Sheridan said Chagall's work has a way of resonating with everyone. “His art is whimsical — there's a lot in the pictures that people can connect with,” Turner said. “Kids have a wonderful time interacting and learning through his work.”
“Chagall for Children”
<b>Where:</b> Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, through Sept. 2. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org
<b>Hours: </b>9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
<b>Admission:</b> Members and children under 1 year old are free. Adults and children: $9.50; grandparents and seniors (55 and over) $8.50. Tickets can be bought online.