Art Month Sydney | Youth and Families

Last night we attended the opening evening of Art Month Sydney 2015 at the National Art School. The family program is full of architecture, photography and art experiences for your young ones. It is also wonderful to branch out the family program for older children.

Art Month Sydney - March 2015
various venues

The Walking Neighbourhood | Art and About Sydney

The Walking Neighbourhood is a concept that premiered in Brisbane in 2012 and involved children leading tours in their own neighbourhood - giving people a rare insight into the world of kids living in inner city suburbs.

 

Today we took The Walking Neighbourhood tour in Kings Cross that is running within the Art and About program. We all met in the Departure Lounge in the Rex Centre and selected which tour we wanted to take.  The departure lounge is an interactive waiting station where you can view the gallery of found items from previous tours, draw on the large map of Kings Cross, learn more out the tour guides and share what you love about Kings Cross. We all decided that the Underground Mystery tour was the one for us. (There were many other tours to choose from) Our tour guides Finn and Nick (aged 11) were confident and proud of their neighbourhood as they lead us around their underground hangouts.

The Walking Neighbourhood moves to Redfern next week. To  book tickets (free) or to get more information visit: Art and About Sydney.

Thanks Finn and Nick for sharing your world.

Cai Guo-Qiang | Falling Back to Earth

Over the last weekend of the school holidays my youngest son (10) and I went to Brisbane to spend time with family. One of the highlights was our time at the Gallery of Modern Art to visit their exhibition of artist, Cai Guo - Qiang.

We were very lucky to be the first in to see the exhibition that morning and walking into the room of Heritage 2013 featuring 99 animals from around the world drinking from a single watering hole was exhilarating.

A large Eucalptyus tree which was earmarked for clearing for an urban development (Eucalyptus 2013) sits patiently as visitors explore its colours, shapes and textures.  Children (and adults) are invited to sit and draw. 

'By placing a tree in a gallery space, Cai references the Chinese literati tradition in which artists and poets would commune with nature to gain their moral and spirtual bearings, and represent the landscape as a reflection of their experiences and values.'

Head On 2006 (inspired by Berlin's turbulent history) allowed the children to walk amongst the pack of 99 wolves throwing themselves towards a large glass panel. 

My son and his cousins (8 and 11) spent over an hour within Cai Guo - Qiang's children's project Lets Create an exhibition with a boy named Cai. They created explosion events, gunpowder drawings, and built tress, boats and animals.

If you live in Brisbane do not miss this exciting exhibition and if you are interstate do whatever you can to visit.

Another must see when visiting the gallery is the  exhibition Everyday Magic which 'focuses on how the everyday - both material and situations - can be transformed into art'.

Cai Guo-Qiang | Falling Back to Earth

Gallery of Modern Art - Brisbane

until 11 May 2014

* Free admission for children 12 years and under

Arts Rocket Friday Finds

Image: Lotta magazine

• Documentary I am Eleven screening 25th March focuses on fifteen 11 year old children from around the world
• Ad free magazine  Lotta Magazine  for kids aged 5 - 10 years. We love their Place in a Case pictured above. 
• Also check out their blog!
• Stop-animation and claymation fun at the Maritime Museum 
• Jitter - Illuminations  - Special screenings of Australian animation featuring Shaun Tan and Adam Elliot
• Japanese Cinema Week -  Free screenings from 16 - 20th April - including Studio Ghibli's Porrco Rosso
• Fun ideas over at Classic-Play

My Art Journal Giveaway

This giveaway has ended. Thank you to everyone who entered. The winner has been notified.
Our friends at the Gallery of Modern Art in Queensland have given us a copy of the 'Drawing Life for Kids: My Art Journal' to give away.  The journal is inspired by Matisse's love of drawing and contains over 100 pages of activities.

My daughter (aged 10) uses her journal in bed before she goes to sleep. The book contains beautiful images and questions that prompt children in using their imagination and thinking outside the box of their everyday life.  The journal is great for kids who love to draw and kids who need encouragement.

The journal is also a wonderful keepsake.... I love this introduction: 'This art journal is about you. Take your time and make each drawing special. When it is finished, your journal will be full of your childhood memories. Treasure it for life!'

Our favourites in the book are "What would your family look like if you were all superheros and think of five things that are absolutely impossible.

To win your own copy in 25 words or less 'what your favourite time to draw is and why.' before 31st Jan 2012 to info@artsrocket.org . Winner will be notified by email on the 1st Feb 2012. Prize value :$19.95

The journal is available to purchase at the Gallery store or online at www.australianartbooks.com.au

Rocks Moonlight Markets

This is a fantastic find. The Rocks have gone to a lot of trouble to provide quirky and fun entertainment for everyone, in a family friendly environment. Plus there are stalls and pop up shops for present buying.

Arran and I had a great time. It started with a street lined with chamber musicians, which led us to explore a couple of laneways.
Next we were enticed into an intimate (secret) laneway performance. So we can't tell you what we saw! There are a few shows and they last for around 3 minutes.

After that we passed through quirky book readings to the puppet theatre which alas, was not age suitable for under 18's (which they did tell us before we went in).

We were even a little spooked by the curious tent, as we hadn't taken along a present ... Enough said, again, you need to see it for yourself.

In between grabbing a bite to eat from the market stalls, we also had a boogie at the silent disco, watched some swing dancing and live music in the square. Plus there were Hula Hoop lessons and hairdressing and makeup.

It was such fun. We are going back next week and have even booked in for a hairdo! Apparently next week is "Urban", the look this week was swing.

A great, fun way to spend a few hours. Definitely worth a visit.

Forgot to mention, all the activities, except the puppet show were free. Absolute score for the Rocks!

Opening hours - 5.30pm - 10pm
Friday nights
4 November - 23 December
The Rocks, Sydney

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Joanne Kee

Outpost | Cockatoo Island

We are planning to check out Outpost at Cockatoo Island after friends came back from the Opening weekend raving about the event. Over 4 weeks until the 1oth Dec - Outpost will transform the island to a wonderland of urban art with the help of 150 artists sourced from around the world.

There are plenty of kids programs to make the trip for the whole family worthwhile and you can also pick up a kids activity guide or take a family tour.

Pack the camera in for the kids so they can explore and document their discoveries.

More info visit http://outpost.cockatooisland.gov.au/

Little Sydney Lives - Art and About Sydney 2011

source: http://ffffound.com/image/044c27c4de762087ee46ea1911a1c245ca840f0d

Art and About 2011 are after children aged 3 - 11 years to capture Sydney through their eyes in the kids version of the photography competition and exhibition - Sydney Life.

Little Sydney Lives has been introduced to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Art and About Sydney.

The top 20 photos will be enlarged and exhibited in Hyde Park as part of the Arts and About festival from 23 September to 23 October.

Entries close 22nd July - so make the most of the school holiday time and get the kids out of the house to snap away.

For more details, entry form and conditions visit: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/artandabout/

Art Adventure | Art Month | 1- 31 March 2011

I am in the process of updating the look and features of Arts Rocket....our blog will be back to normal next week. (my apologies for any bugs!)

In the meantime, there is a week left to check out the kids (and adults!) programme for ART MONTH Sydney 2011.

Download the Art Adventure Gallery Guide designed for families to explore various galleries around Sydney.

Get Reading! 2010

Popping up in some of our cities' most idyllic locations during August and September are the Get Reading! Outdoor Reading Rooms.

For a gold coin donation to the Indigenous Literacy Project, you can enjoy comfy furniture for adults and children, great reads and author appearances at popular outdoor spots.

Outdoor reading Rooms:

Sydney: 27–29 August 
Nagoya Gardens, Hyde Park 
Corner of Elizabeth & Market Streets, Sydney 
10 am – 4 pm daily

Brisbane: 1–5 September
Maiwar Green, Southbank Cultural Centre 
State Library of Queensland 
Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane 
10 am – 4 pm daily

Melbourne: 10–12 September 
The Amphitheatre, Federation Square 
Flinders St, Melbourne 
10 am – 4 pm daily

14–15 September: Wagga Wagga 
Wagga Wagga Library Garden 
Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga 
Tues 14 Sept 9 am – 4 pm 
Wed 15 Sept 10 am - 4 pm

Visit the Get Reading Website for Free Book offers, Kids room and author details : http://www.getreading.com.au


The Kids Room: http://www.getreading.com.au/the_extras/kids_room/index.php

Take your time - BUT hurry up before it closes

CLOSING ON SUNDAY 11th APRIL - OLAFUR ELIASSON

This weekend grab the kids and head down the MCA to catch the wonderful exhibition from Olafur Eliasson - Take your time.

Suitable for kids of all ages this exhibition explores light, shapes and colour in an interactive environment. When we first walked in the kids rushed to the large communal table filled with small pieces of white lego and constructions that had been built by creators before them. Every room within the museum captures the imagination.

This is not to be missed!

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About the Exhibition

The MCA presents the must-see contemporary art event of the year, Take your time: Olafur Eliasson. Gathering works from major collections worldwide, it spans Eliasson’s diverse career from 1993 to the present, including installations, sculpture and photography. It is the first large-scale exhibition of works by this Danish-Icelandic artist to be presented in Australia.

From light-filled environments to walk-in kaleidoscopes, Eliasson’s unique, experiential works explore the intersection between nature and science, and the boundary between the organic and the artificial.

Raised partly in Iceland, Eliasson has drawn his inspiration from that country’s landscape and spectacular weather. He recontextualises elements such as light, water, ice, fog, arctic moss and lava rock to create works that shift the viewer’s consciousness and sense of place.

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Adults $15 Children under 12 Free

MCA details

Exhibition Website

Bring it on - 2010

Toumani and Symmetric Orchestra (Youri Lenquette) Paris

Lots of exciting theatre, music, art and film for kids and their families in the New Year.

The Kids in the House program has another eclectic mix of Australian and International performances for all ages to enjoy...the usual baby proms, Little Big Shots and other highlights include Helena and the journey of the Hello...from Terrapin Puppet Theatre directed by the talented Frank Newman, Hansel and Gretel from Danish Theatre Company - Gruppe 38 (we caught their beautiful production of The Little Match Girl), Salt Bush ( A journey through Aboriginal Australia) and so much more...check out the program for full details.

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The Sydney Festival also has a great program in January...Music Alive: Zeeko, One Small Step by David Hastings, The Arrival inspired by Shaun Tans beautiful book and a big favourite amongst families... Circus Oz

Exhilarating performances within the festival include> Toumani Diabate , The Manganiyar Seduaction, Bale de Rue...

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Masterpieces from Paris Exhibition opens at the National Gallery of Australia and runs until April 2010.

Showcasing 112 Post Impressionist masterpieces from artists including Van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Cezanne, Seruat and more, all from the Musee d’Orsay in Paris.

The gallery is also hosting a wide range of childrens activties to compliment the exhibition.

Check out the programs, see a few shows and enjoy what is going to be an exciting year.

Helena and the Journey of the Hello Highlights

Local Colour - The Newtown colouring-in book

Inner west local artists Fiona Roderick and Maggie Stein have created an original and fun colouring book for kids (and adults) capturing the essence of Newtown. The Newtown colouring-in book has easy to colour illustrations of familiar locations including King Street, local parks and The magic yellow bus.

This would be a fantastic book for children familiar with Newtown and surroundings and would also act as a fun guide to the area on a day outing for non - resident families.

Would be great if every suburb had version!

To find out more information on how to get your copy

Contact fionasusan@hotmail.com | stein.maggie@gmail.com

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Sydney Children's Festival

Kick your heels up at the Sydney Children’s Festival Opening Party on Saturday 3 October. The celebration will be led by Georgie Parker and the Sydney Children’s Festival Choir, who will have every foot in the house tapping. The celebration will continue with a huge dance party where kids can go wild and parents can enjoy a flashback to their partying days. Plus, there’ll be a sneak preview of Erth’s Amazing Room for curious kids.

There are oodles of fantastic workshops, performances and activities to get involved in throughout the festival. See the amazing Circa perform 46 Acts in 45 Minutes, warm up your vocal chords in free morning singing workshops, or kick start your acrobatic career in a week of workshops with Legs On The Wall!
 
Visit www.sydneychildrensfestival.com  to find out more.

Ready to get Sketchen?

Odosketch is a fun online tool that lets the user draw on the screen as if they were using a sketch book.  Great rainy day distraction!

Odosketch seeks to recreate the decidedly non-digital experience of working with a sketchbook. Its papery textures, variety of brushes and intentional imperfections make you forget you're working on a screen.

What would kids do if they could do anything?

Erth, the creators of the famous dinosaur Petting Zoo, are looking for kids to be part of the creation of the Amazing Room – a new component of the upcoming Sydney Children’s Festival.
Erth are busily designing this crazy, silly play space, and are seeking some input from kids .

This coming Tuesday 21st July at 6.30 pm, come down to CarriageWorks with your child, aged 6 – 12years, and take part in a 1hr workshop where Erth’s Artistic Director, Scott, will be asking "What would kids do if they could do
Anything?". 

Yummy pizza and drinks with be provided. Email scott@erth.com.au by Tuesday to participate.
There's room enough for 10 kids plus their parents to participate and you must register with Scott to attend.

THE ODDITOREUM

Something odd is stirring in the basement of the Powerhouse Museum....

a giant liquorice allsorts shoe, a griffin sculpture, horses teeth.

The Odditoreum is a very unique display featuring a selection of weird and wonderful curiosities from deep within the vaults of the Museum’s collection.

The objects have been carefully selected by the Museum for their own peculiarity, creating a display of oddities not normally seen. These objects have in turn been transformed by children’s author and illustrator Shaun Tan, who has created intriguing stories for each object blurring fact and fantasy.

Holiday program from the 11th July includes

Beasties Robotic Petting Zoo

Ages 4 - 12

Media Mash up

Ages 12 - 16

Full holiday program 

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The Odditoreum

27 June - 13 September

Powerhouse Museum | NSW

Orisinal - Online Games

Easy going non violent online games for young children at Orisonal. Beautiful graphics designed by Ferry Halim.

Visit http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/ to join the fun.

Kids Mail Swap

Keep your eyes peeled for Pigeon Pairs next Kids Mail Swap sign up.

Every child who signs up needs to send a postcard OR letter to 5 other swappers.

Sign up's are open to kids aged 2-12 years & they will be sending/receiving mail from other kids of a similar age.
The mail doesn't have to be over the top, it could be a homemade postcard or one of your hometown. It could be a picture that your child has drawn or coloured in or just a few sentences written by themselves or you depending on their age.
You do not need to have a blog to play along & sign ups are open to everyone, so please be prepared to post overseas.

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For more details visit Pigeon Pair

Yayoi Kusama: Mirrored Years | MCA | NSW

Last school holidays when deciding what to do with the kids ( aged 10, 7 and 5), I lived by the following code:

1. It had to be fun and
2. It had to be free

At first we thought it may be impossible but we were delighted to find that when you digged deep enough treasures do appear.
One of those treasures was the Yayoi Kusama: Mirrored Years at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Discover the work of internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama with this major exhibition that spans decades of her artistic practice.Working across different media and forms that include painting, collage, sculpture, installation and film, as well as performance and its documentation, Kusama creates works that reveal a fixation with repetition, pattern and accumulation.

Expect lots of dots!

Some parts of the exhibition were difficult to prevent my children from touching, as it was just too tempting. They loved the rooms that allowed them to be  enclosed (with a small group)in a room of dots and mirrors or starlights and water(it felt like we were in space) revealing amazing patterns.

If your kids want to learn more about Yayoi and have fun with dots, the Queensland Art Gallery have a fantastic online interactive experience where they can dot to their hearts content.
An education kit is available online to download for older kids.

This exhibition finishes on the 8th June so you don't have long to catch it.

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Yayoi Kusama: Mirrored Years
24 FEBRUARY - 8 JUNE 2009
Cost : Free
Location: MCA
140 George Street
The Rocks NSW 2000
Australia