I often share with you some
really fun ways to take in art as a family. I’ve shared artsy vacations and daytrips, family fun programs at SUNY New Paltz and plenty of fun artsy things todo at home. But last week I realized I don’t often share fun ways to experience
art on our own.
Last week I had a really fun
experience attending a Ladies Night Out event in the Village of Saugerties. It
was a unique way to see some new local shops and visit some new art galleries. It was a rare chance to enjoy art all by myself without the kids. And I got to walk through some pretty
amazing shops filled with pretty (breakable) things.
The experience:
At the beginning of the event I checked
in and was handed a list of selfie tasks for a selfie scavenger hunt. The
mission was to take a selfie at each location according to specific directions
at each stop. For example, take a selfie tasting a new flavor of ice cream, or
take a selfie with a mannequin. It was silly and adventurous. But the coolest
for me was stopping into the art galleries to look around. Our task was to take
a selfie with a favorite piece of art. Since we were so pressed for time to get
all of our tasks complete before the start of the DJ dance party, we had to
make some snap decisions. I usually like to take my time with art and
understand the materials used and find a connection to the theme, or title.
Since we did not have that kind of time we had to go completely on instinct or
gut reaction to a painting or sculpture. The first gallery was easy as I saw
something right away that I loved. I snapped my shot and snagged my free
champagne and edibles before dashing off for our next assignment.
The take away:
This kid free experience got me
thinking. Why do I only limit my art intake to when I am with my kids? Why have
I never planned a visit to an art gallery alone before? First of all, I forgot
about the amount of champagne and yum-yums available during special events.
Second, as a mom I am so programmed to seek out kid friendly experiences. I
forgot too that I can enjoy taking in art just for my own benefit. So here are my thoughts on why moms should go without kids to an art gallery.
Reasons to go solo at the art gallery:
1. There
is champagne there. No really, if you watch galleries for new installations, or
special events they often celebrate with wine and cheese, or champagne. This is
a definite perk for moms who typically finish off kid left overs and swig apple
juice from the bottom of their kid’s juice boxes.
2. It’s
quiet. Most people aren’t bringing tots to a gallery filled with expensive
things. You can enjoy a thoughtful space void of shrill squealing and the
pitter patter of running feet. For the record I love kids and they make joyful
sounds, but sometimes as a mom I crave moments of quiet stillness. Not having to follow a crashing sound in a panic to find my kid just feels way more relaxing.
3. It
connects us to something beautiful. Motherhood has its own kind of beauty, but
viewing a canvas deliberately splattered with paint that you don’t have to
clean up can feel like a beautiful thing.
4. Gets
us outside of or our stale routines. I don’t know about you but every day with
kids is planned out. I have to plan around my kids lunch time and chores and coordinate
activities. Every day can start to feel the same and even mundane. Spending
time solo at the gallery can help me forget about all of that, even for just a
little bit.
5. Sometimes
they have wine and cheese. I think that’s worth mentioning again.
If you are looking for local
galleries, but don’t know where to find one search your county’s Chamber of
Commerce page, or local Arts Council for a list. Then find each gallery on
Facebook to stay in touch with their special events. You can find out info
about what kind of art is on display before planning your visit, and most
importantly when they’ll be serving champagne. You deserve a few hours alone
surrounded by breath-taking creativity.
Do you every go solo to an art
gallery?
The Whatever Mom is a full-time wife and twin mama living on coffee and wine. She enjoys the pure rush of cleaning the BIG potty between loads of laundry. It is her dream that moms everywhere accept and embrace the Whatever Mom philosophy which can be found here. You can also find her musings and popular shares on Facebook and Twitter. Stay up to date with her creative ideas and outings on Pinterest.
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