Capping a successful Holiday Gift Fair and Triton Free Friday Performances, the Triton Museum of Art held its final Family Art Day on Dec. 6
With four art projects reflecting the current museum exhibits and season, children could paint, draw, cut, paste and tape various materials to create original works of art.
Beginning with the museum’s “pop up” Margaret Keane exhibit, children drew faces around large sets of eyes. “We’re learning the anatomy of the face, with large eyes,” said Liz Unpingco. “The interesting thing is that the faces that the children end up making usually look like the child.
Children made backdrops and pressed painted leaves onto paper in the museum’s seasonal activity. “It’s a two process project,” said Nikki Franklin. “They’re creating a background, using warm colors – so it’s about warm and cool colors and they’re printing on top with autumn leaves. They’re learning about printmaking. It’s a multi-dimensional project, really. They’re creating backgrounds and then printing on top. It’s about laying colors and textures. This is really great because a lot of kids don’t have a chance to learn printmaking.”
Two activities reflected the Holly Van Hart “Possibilities Abound” show. One gave children the opportunity to create their own nest by taping pieces of construction paper together in order to build a nest. The other, run by volunteers from community partner Santa Clara Parents Nursery School, had youngsters rolling painted marbles to create a nest on paper.
“The kids made a nest with the paint and then the second step is to put the eggs into the nest,” said Lisa Martinez, president of SCPNS. “They use these little sponges to get the 3D effect.” Martinez mentioned that the partnership with the Triton came through efforts from the school’s publicity chair. “It’s a great way to meet other families and it’s a great way for our kids to start exploring the arts … It’s a great little museum. I’m so glad we have it.”