Imagine a garden of giant toys created by young hands

Posted 4/30/14

Opening of children’s garden at Woodmere last year. The summer program is designed to bring together kids from diverse backgrounds.[/caption] by Ruth R. Russell  Every summer, children from …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Imagine a garden of giant toys created by young hands

Posted

Opening of children’s garden at Woodmere last year. The summer program is designed to bring together kids from diverse backgrounds. Opening of children’s garden at Woodmere last year. The summer program is designed to bring together kids from diverse backgrounds.[/caption]

by Ruth R. Russell 

Every summer, children from different neighborhoods meet at Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill to celebrate art and community.

In keeping with this year’s theme, ‘Kids in Toyland,’ youngsters will design and construct oversize alphabet blocks, a magical hopscotch grid, and more, reported Emma Hitchcock, Woodmere staff member.

The finished artwork will be installed in the Museum’s Children’s Garden, adjacent to the George D. Widener studio building.

This is the ninth year that Woodmere will be building new communities through its Children’s Community Art Program and Garden, which brings together children ages 8-18 from diverse regions of Philadelphia to design and construct a collaborative work of public art.

The resulting artworks are installed in the outdoor children’s garden, adjacent to the George D. Widener studio building. The fun and nurturing environment of the community program allows children of different ages and backgrounds to work together in creating art for public display and enjoyment, according to Hitchcock.

Each summer, a theme inspires and guides the children’s creativity. Recent themes include ‘Fanciful Tales,’ ‘Between Earth and Sky’ and ‘Monsters, Myths and Magic.’

Theme of the Children’s Community Art Program and Garden is ‘Building community through the exploration of art and nature.’ The schedule follows.

Kids in Toyland, ages 8-18, will meet four times a week; students may sign up for one or any of the weeks. K8A Week 1, July 8-11; K8B Week 2, July 15-18; K8C Week 3, July 22-25. Time is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the cost is $75 ($65 members) per week

Hitchcock stressed that Woodmere appreciates the generous supporters who have helped underwrite the expenses for this program.

Woodmere is located at 9201 Germantown Ave., at the corner of Bells Mill Rd. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

To learn more about summer programs and classes for all ages, call 215-247-0476 or visit woodmereartmuseum.org.

garden-festival, news