Contemporary Arts Center Offers Children’s Programs

Did you know that nestled inside of the Contemporary Arts Center in downtown Cincinnati there is a museum for children?  Would I lie to you?? 😉  I’m talking about the UnMuseum. Located on the sixth floor, the UnMuseum brings art to life in a fun, imaginative and educational way.  To quote my boys — “They have really cool stuff!”

While the UnMuseum offers art and a variety of programing for children, we recently received news from them announcing their Thursday Art Play & Family Saturday program schedules. If you are looking for a fun way to expose your children to the arts, we highly recommend you check these programs out.

Thursday Art Play ~ is a program where children (preK-8yrs) can tap into their imagination and creativity while learning through a unique, multi-layered experience with art. Led by professional art educators, this program is scheduled for one hour and the projects are tailored to each child’s ability and adaptable to the various ages within the group. Come to one session or come to them all, Thursday Art Play is every Thursday 1-2pm all summer long. Cost: Free for Members; Others: CAC Admission price

June 10 • 1–2pm
The Dot Book: Make an original folk art project with dots using recycled materials.

June 17 • 1 – 2 pm
Experimenting with Paint: CAC artist Pat Steir experiments with paint to create large-scale paintings. Try your own hand at painting using a variety of fun, experimental techniques and earth-friendly materials.

June 24 • 1 – 2 pm
Underwater Activities: Create your own puppet from reused materials and join in this watery puppet show.

July 1 • 1 – 2 pm
Celebrate America’s Birthday! It’s America’s birthday! Celebrate our nation’s special day with red, white and blue, and stars and stripes recycled party favors.

July 8 • 1 – 2 pm
Misfit Toys: What do you get when you combine parts of a doll and the head of a dinosaur? A new toy! Join us to learn how to make an original toy from found objects.

July 15 • 1 – 2 pm
Soft Sculptures: CAC artist Ernesto Neto creates soft, stretchy installations. Make your own soft sculptures using repurposed fabrics that you can carry home.

July 22 • 1 – 2 pm
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Save a tree and learn how to make a self-portrait without the use of paper!

July 29 • 1 – 2 pm
Gardening Fun! Summer is the best time for picnics. Create a plate of your favorite summer treats inspired by local gardens. Then make your own seed bomb to make the earth a little greener.

August 5 • 1 – 2 pm
OBEY Mother Nature! Stickers are a fun way to share with your friends. Create your own Shepard Fairey-like stickers inspired by his environmental posters.

August 12 • 1 – 2 pm
Print Making with Strange Objects: Did you know that you can make art with fruits and vegetables? Join us and learn how to make your own prints and frame them by recycling newspaper.

August 19 • 1 – 2 pm
Earth Art: Summer’s winding down so enjoy one last day at the beach with some sun and sand. With a little bit of help from the sun and the earth, create prints and rubbings.

August 26 • 1 – 2 pm
Weeds as Art? Forget going to the art store to buy paints – learn how you can use the plants in your yard, like dandelions, to create beautiful works of art.

Family Saturdays ~ Drop by the UnMuseum anytime 1-4pm on the fourth Saturday of every month for special demonstrations, instructor-led projects and hands-on activities. Come at your leisure and enjoy art play without the worry of cleaning up afterward! Cost: Free for Members; Others: CAC Admission price

June 26 • 1–4pm
Street Art: Join local artists from ABLE Projects as they demonstrate how to make your own street art inspired prints.

July 24 • 1 – 2 pm
Totally Totes! Are you tired of carrying boring canvas grocery bags? Let the CAC’s education staff show you how to make a personalized tote bag using printing techniques, fabric markers and other fun materials inspired by Shepard Fairey’s art.

August 28 • 1 – 4 pm
Splash! Did you know that you can make a painting by blowing into a straw, adding salt to a painting or pouring out paint? Learn how artists like Pat Steir use unusual painting techniques to bring the element of chance to their work.

Please note, parents are required to stay with children while they are participating in these programs.