Children's Museum of the Arts facts for kids
The Children's Museum of the Arts (CMA) is a special place in Manhattan, New York. It's a museum where kids can learn about and create art! Kathleen Schneider started the museum in 1988. In October 2011, CMA opened its new, bigger space.
At CMA, kids from babies to 15-year-olds can work with real artists. They get to make all kinds of art, like drawings, sculptures, sound art, and even stop-motion animation. The museum wants all children to experience art. So, it has special programs for kids with learning differences, kids in foster care, and children whose families are experiencing homelessness.
The museum also has an amazing collection of over 2,000 pieces of children's art. This art comes from more than 50 different countries and dates back to the 1930s!
What Art Can You See?
The Children's Museum of the Arts often has exciting art shows. When the new building opened, the first show was called “Make Art (in) Public.” This show looked at art that you can see in public places. It included sketches, photos, and art pieces by famous artists like Keith Haring and Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
Other cool past shows include “Beyond the Refrigerator Door” and “The Black Book of Colors.” In 2017, artist Ian Berry created a popular art piece called 'Secret Garden'. He made a whole garden using only denim fabric! Another artist, Ellen Harvey, showed her work called 'Ornaments and Other Refrigerator Magnets' in 2017.
Get Creative: Programs and Workshops
CMA offers many fun art programs and workshops. These programs help children and their families express themselves through art. They are designed for different groups of kids.
For example, there are programs for children with autism. There are also programs for families who are working to reunite. Kids living in temporary housing can also join in. Some programs help young parents finish high school. These art activities happen both at the museum and in other places around the city.
