Official Kids Mag is specifically written for kids ages 5 to 12. It contains activities and stories ranging from kid heroes, cooking, gardening, STEAM, education, fun facts and much more every month.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1490320
By Steve Peterson Special to Official Kids Mag If you think of museums as stuffy places filled with old things, the staff at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum — RAM — wants to prove you wrong. Sure, RAM has photographs and art in a variety of media from decades ago on display. It also has a number of pieces — paintings, sculptures and more — made by area students just like you in its large Student Gallery. "What museums do is take you places and teach you things in a fun way," said Julie Moncrief, development director at RAM. For example, RAM also includes a special Touch Gallery, where visitors of all ages are encouraged not just to look at art, but also reach out and touch it. This gallery was recently reopened after the pandemic, according to Daleana Vaughan, RAM education director. The Touch Gallery offers an immersive experience filled with wood and bronze carvings as well as paintings, Vaughan added. The gallery also provides a wonderful experience for visually impaired museum patrons. "Kids really enjoy it," Daleana said, "although adults are still a bit hesitant. How we have it set up, it's low enough that even a small child can reach the displays." Need more proof of how fun RAM can be? The museum hosts RAM Saturdays, a make- and-take art event held from noon to 3 p.m. most Saturdays. These events, open to children — and adults — of all skill levels allow participants to learn about art and creativity in a fun environment, Daleana said. "RAM focuses on creativity," she said. "We avoid being critical of what they make. This is just for fun." That seems to be a winning combination for at least one Fort Smith girl. Pilar C., who goes by the nickname Peaches, is 6 years old. Peaches has been attending RAM Saturday events nearly every Saturday since she was 2, according to her mother, Laidy. "She loves coloring and painting," Laidy said. "She's very creative. Everything she does at RAM, we keep it. They do a really great job there." "I like to do crafts and being crafty," said Peaches. Peaches talked about a recent holiday- themed RAM Saturday where she and other participants made festive decorations, clothespin reindeer and holiday cards. "I made one (holiday card) for my mom," Peaches said, adding she used lots of glitter because her mother likes glitter. The craft ideas for that event were based on popular holiday designs from the 1950s, Daleana said. "They were so excited," Daleana said of the event participants. "I've never had any child, or adult even, not be excited about (the events and the crafts they make). Even if they don't like their own piece or how it turned out, they enjoy the process of creating. Kids really get into (the programs); they just get super excited." At other past RAM Saturday events, Peaches recalled making paper dolls, maracas, Halloween-themed decorations, rain sticks and clay bowls. "I love it," Peaches said of the RAM Saturday events. "I want to be an artist when I grow up. I want to work at RAM." raM events keep creativity alive & fun 26 • February 2023 • www.officialkidsmag.com