Getting organized…
It has been years since Nigel and I celebrated New Year’s Eve so when a tour came up, I decided to do it. This was at 2:30 which is not a widely attended time. I actually figured it would be a very slow day, but the parking lot was fairly crowded. I thought I just might have some takers for my tour! I had arrived about 20 minutes early because that’s protocol. It also gives me a bit of time to tour the galleries, after checking in, and drum up some business. The Lume was still running the special for children…buy an adult ticket, get two children’s tickets free. I noticed a young couple wandering around, looking a bit lost. I asked them if they were here for the Lume. The man said they were, but they sat down and waited.
No takers, but, wait…
I wasn’t able to find anyone to take my tour with the exception of a young man who volunteers at the museum almost every afternoon and evening. I love it when he comes along because he’s been on so many tours over the years. He often will interject a comment, or I look to him for clarification sometimes. If no one shows up for your tour, you just turn it into a Gallery Conversation (which I love). As I was getting ready to head into the galleries, I noticed the young family was still seated. I went over and asked if they were here for the Lume or the tour. It was at that point I realized English was not their first language. They were here for the tour! This wouldn’t be the first time I’d had young children on a tour, but you just never know how that’s going to play out.
A Night at Newfields…
I had come up with a fairly good theme, if I do say so myself. We were going to look at three pieces of art featuring nighttime. We started out at Charles Alston’s Harlem at Night. I talked a bit about the artist, then asked something along the lines of “How does this make you feel?” I was unprepared for what happened next! The kids, ages about four and six, popped up with their answers right away. We had the best conversation about why it made them scared, what were some of the things that frightened them, and talked about the colors and lines. We laughed and talked some more about the painting. The parents, I could tell, were willing to let their kids take the lead on this tour. And, I was, frankly, thrilled! We had a blast talking about Harlem at Night. Then, we moved on to Constance Richardson’s Streetlight. This time, I asked them what they saw in the painting…not strictly a VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies) question…but the kids again came through with all kinds of things they saw in the painting. We talked and talked about the little person in the street and why they were there. We then talked about the lights and where they came from. These kids were on it! The parents occasionally would say something, but, again, I think they were more than happy for the kids and I to take this tour. They were just following along.
Finally…
Finally, we came to William Scott’s Rainy Night. This painting gives strong Impressionist vibes, but I’ve yet to find something definitive on that. When I asked the kids what was going on in the painting, we had another wonderful talk about the rainy streets and the lights shining. When I asked how they could tell it was rainy, the little girl replied, “You can see the reflections in the street.” How’s that for perceptive? We talked about the way the paint was thickly applied to the painting and the color choices. We also talked about what it would look like in the daylight. And, with that painting, my tour was over, but I talked with the children and the parents for a little bit before they left to wander around the museum a bit more.
The outfit…
I decided to really dress up since it was New Year’s Eve. Isn’t it funny the last few posts I’ve done with clothes have featured black? I bought this Brilliant Dot maxi skirt from Talbots when it went on sale. They had some additional percentage off so I got it for a bargain. I love polka dots, but I wasn’t sure about this after reading the reviews. Notice the placement of the polka dots right across my stomach? Yeah, it’s not the best placement, and you can’t unsee it once you see it. But, when you’re moving, I don’t think it’s noticeable. This skirt really is gorgeous, and I’ll wear it for years. It’s even lined, and, oh, glory, glory, it has pockets! Last year, Angie from Your True Self wrote about turtlenecks and mentioned cashmere ones. I had donated mine a few years ago. It was from Casual Corner…remember that store? Anyway, after reading her post, I added this beautiful cashmere turtleneck from Talbots during the Red Door Sale last year. It’s so soft and fairly thick for cashmere. I haven’t linked to one because they only have a few colors in extremely limited sizes. I am sure they will have them again next year.
The Lewk!
You are not imagining things. These are, indeed, my Miz Mooz Leighton boots which so comfortable that I reach for them over and over, especially if I’m going to the museum. I wanted to be especially sparkly so I actually wore two necklaces for my tour. I didn’t remember how I’d gotten them to go together so I just put on the most statement-y one. I added these J Crew blingy hoops even though they aren’t always seen through my hair.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I haven’t given a lot of tours yet, but I have to say this was the most fun I’ve had so far. I really wasn’t sure how it was going to show with two small children and the particular art I’d chosen. Thank goodness I’d been a teacher and knew how to talk to kids. As I said earlier, English wasn’t the parents’ first language, but it was the children’s. We had no problems in talking about art and their experiences that related to the art. Now, I’m leading you to believe the parents didn’t talk at all. They did, but only to ask questions about the artist or something more technical. I was so sure I’d be spending the time walking the galleries, and I ended up with one of the best tours ever! So, can we talk? What did you do for New Year’s Eve (if you can remember that far back)? Have you ever gone to a museum on NYE? Do you enjoy talking with kids? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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How lovely that those children enjoyed the art so much and felt comfortable opening talking about it all.
It was my favorite tour so far! We just had so much fun but still talked about the art. I could tell these children were used to talking to adults, too.
I remember taking my nephew’s two children to the Tate Modern for a whole day – they were 10 and 12. They’d never been to an art gallery before and amongst other artists we went to a Miro exhibition. They were amazed at what ‘art’ might be and really got Miro. I almost had to restrain them as they wanted to get right up and close to the paintings and when I showed them a Jackson Pollock they couldn’t believe how much they were worth! It was the first time they realised how ‘art’ could express so much with so little. It was such a great experience for us all so I really get how lovely it was to have those two children ask questions throughout your tour.
I absolutely love that skirt.
Thanks, Penny! I surely do wish we were neighbors as I have so many skirts you could borrow! We don’t have Pollock (that I know of), but we do have one by his ex-wife. It’s quite beautiful. I’m just beginning my journey appreciating contemporary art which is why I joined the Contemporary Core. That’s a group that meets once a month and discusses specific pieces. I’ve already learned so much!
I’ve never thought of visiting a museum on NYE but I have definitely taken my kids to lots of museums and art museums are no exception. I love that this family basically had a private tour! I bet that is a memory they’ll keep for a very long time. Your outfit is lovely.
Thanks, Joanne! I didn’t even realize the museum would be open on NYE! But, gosh did we have fun. I don’t usually have more than six or seven people on a tour so most of them end up being a private tour.
Marsha, you look positively lovely! The larger polka dots on the skirt are so eye catching and artsy! I love you styled it so chicly.
What a great tour story you have, it sounds like the teacher in you made it so easy for the kids to feel excited and comfortable participating. I bet that will go down in your memory as one of your best tours!
xo,
Kellyann
Oh, my goodness! Thank you so much, Kellyann! It will definitely be one of my best tours because we looked at the art, talked about it, and laughed the whole time while still being serious. I was just so glad that family was there. I do think being a teacher helped me roll with the punches though they do warn us that having kids on a tour can change it. That’s probably more for the docents who aren’t used to kids.
So many time the kids are less reserved and that makes it SO fun. What a great time.
And that skirt is incredible. So what if the polka dots go across your stomach…I want to know why it’s bad to have a stomach, LOL
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I don’t mind the dots at all. It was just strange that I really didn’t see it in the mirror, but you definitely notice it in the photos. Oh, these kids were not reserved at all, but they weren’t out of hand, either. We just had three really great conversations about art!
That sounds a great tour. Sometimes a small group that is really interested is so much better and getting a different point of view from children who just say what they think and don’t try to maybe impress or sound smart sounds even better!
I like the outfit and at first I didn’t even get what you meant about the dots. Then I saw it and to be honest, I wouldn’t mind.
Thanks, Cat! I didn’t really notice the dots in the mirror, but I could see what the reviewers were saying in my photos. It’s just a funny phenomenon! That’s exactly what happened. They both just said what they thought. I do think we all went home having enjoyed the tour!
It sounds like the tour was a success! I love it when children feel comfortable enough to really share their thoughts and opinions! That skirt is fabulous on you!
Thanks, Laura! I think I will have this in my closet for years! I was really kind of surprised at how perceptive these two little kids were. But, they really did have insightful things to say. I really enjoyed having them on the tour.
Yes, really eye-catching your polka dot skirt in black and white. I think for me the dots would be a bit too big. But it fits you.
Have a good time and all the best
Violetta
Thank you so much, Violetta! I wasn’t sure about the skirt, but my husband loved it! He rarely says anything so that’s how I know it’s a keeper!
I love this skirt! Thanks for sharing this tour you did. Sometimes we need to look at life (and art) like children. Your post was a wonderful reminder!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I honestly had so much fun with these two little ones. They were very intelligent and insightful. On the first Thursday of the month, the museum is free. So, we get lots of kids then, too. I worked this past Thursday, and it’s so exciting to see kids actually looking at the art. I had a few conversations with kids then, too.
I love that those parents are exposing their young children to art and that they were so into it, Marsha. And yes, I remember Casual Corner. Until you mentioned it, I had forgotten all about it. You look great, as always!
Thanks, Christie! The museum actually has free admission on the first Thursday of the month. And, it is packed with kids of all ages, especially home schooled kids. I love working that day because you can interact with so many people. Casual Corner was so good until it wasn’t. I also liked Petite Sophisticate (which was the same brand, I think).
Hi, Marsha – This is so cool to see that you bought a new black cashmere turtleneck and wore it in a special way! Thanks for mentioning where you got the inspiration for it and how it was important enough to buy a second time. I believe that is clear to see, the way it looks so classy with this outfit. I love how you combine necklaces; you have a knack. Thanks for taking us on this fun tour! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
You’re welcome, Angie! I honestly bought it right after commenting on your blog! And, thank you so much for the compliments. I fiddled around with those two necklaces, but I just didn’t have the patience the day we took these photos.
Kids are more perceptive than we give them credit for, and it’s awesome that they instantly answered the questions without giving them any thought. I think that adults sometimes might be afraid of giving the “wrong” answer when it comes to art even though there isn’t one. Love that you shared this story! Also loving your outfit!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! You are so right. I know I used to worry about being “right” about the art and what it meant. These little kids were just so fun, and I had a blast!
It sounds like those children had a fantastic time! The skirt is fabulous! Thanks for linking!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks, Emma! We had a fun time. They were so personable and ready to talk about the art!