Nicki Dogan Pogue
Parents, how do we do it?! (Pause for sip of coffee so I have the energy to type this next sentence.) Sleep-starved nights, Mickey Mouse anthems on repeat, and public tantrums when you don't let the toddler drive the SUV home—all these hardships melt away when you witness wonder on a child's face. This month, bring the whole family out to regional museums for opportunities to admire art and create some yourself. These are gifts you'll unpack for a lifetime.
Alexandria Museum of Art
October 26—Family Art Class: Kinetic Sculpture
Families are invited to create spinning, whirring art together in the spirit of kinetic sculpture artist Lin Emery—whose work is on display in the AMoA's parking lot. 1 pm–3 pm. $20 per family (up to five people); Free for members. Space is limited, so register at themuseum.org or call (318) 443-3458.
Arts Council of Baton Rouge
October 7–December 16—Youth Arts Classes
Teaching artist Gelin Craighead and musician Jena Vangjel will lead classes for students ages 5–17 in visual arts and music, respectively. Held in the Arts Council's Firehouse Gallery, Visual Arts classes will take place on Mondays at 9 am for ages 5–11 and 10 am for ages 12–17. $230. Music classes will be held on Saturdays at 10 am for ages 5–8 and 11 am for ages 9–12. $225. Registration is now open at artsbr.org. For more information about Youth Arts Classes, contact Leea Russell at 225-344-8558 ext. 227 or lrussell@artsbr.org.
Knock Knock Museum
All month long—Cardboard!
Youngsters are invited to make corrugated and courageous works of art at Baton Rouge's hilltop oasis. Come for cardboard canvases, creations, and even city planning, all centered around the Art Garden and Makers Workshop. Visit knockknockmuseum.org/events/2019-10/ for details.
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
October 6—First Free Sundays
Every first Sunday of the month, guests can enjoy free admission to all art galleries and reduced admission to unlimited planetarium shows at LASM. 1 pm–4 pm. lasm.org.
October 12—Studio Saturdays: Color Theory
Louisiana Art & Science Museum hosts a hands-on workshop for kids with an eye for color. In this exploration of color theory, kids will make two different projects related to the fantastic exhibitions on view in Harmonies in Color. Materials are provided. Suited for children ages 8–14. 2 pm. Pre-register by the Thursday October 10 at lasm.org.
October 26—Halloween Day at the Museum
If you're part of the small, quiet handful of people who've read those Harry Potter books (you can't see our managing editor, but she's waving her hand wildly like Hermione Granger in Potions class), head to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum for a day that whirls together art, astronomy, and The Boy Who Lived. 10 am–5 pm, culminating with live presentations of The Astronomical World of Harry Potter, Fright Light, and more. Be sure to don your dress robes (or any costume, really) for a chance to win a basket full of magical surprises. Even a Muggle will enjoy himself! Regular admission applies. lasm.org.
LSU Museum of Art
October 2—Neighborhood Arts Project
Neighborhood Arts Project is a free community art program designed for all ages. Join the LSU Museum of Art for creative, engaging art-making at Gus Young Park, 4200 Gus Young Avenue. If you want your little ones to explore their creative capacities, bring ‘em out! 2 pm–4 pm. lsumoa.org.
October 6–Free First Sundays
On the first Sunday of each month, the LSU Museum of Art welcomes all to enjoy its exhibitions free of charge, promising special family activities, live music, and more. 1 pm–5 pm. lsumoa.org.
October 12—Stories in Art
Children ages 0–6 and their care-givers are invited to a bilingual reading of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are/Donde Viven los Monstrous at the Pennington Family Foundation Education Gallery in the LSU Museum of Art. Make a scary (or sweet) mask, just in time for Halloween. 10:30 am–11:30 am. Free. lsumoa.org.
New Orleans Museum of Art
October 5—Studio Kids!: Grayscale Collage Workshop
As part of this fall's Studio KIDS' "Text and Textures" art classes, this month students ages 5–10 will learn about the techniques of grayscale collage—using found words and images in black, white, and shades of gray—inspired by the art in NOMA's galleries and sculpture garden. 10 am–noon. $30; $25 for members. Register at noma.org.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
October 17, 24 & 31—Baby Artsplay
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art invites the tiniest tikes and their caregivers to spend an educational, fun-filled trip to the Museum on Thursdays for Baby Artsplay. Thirty-minute workshops encourage exploration, observation, and investigation through song, dance, and movement experiences. Ages four months to three years with a caretaker. Free, but space is limited. ogdenmuseum.org. Register at yabap.eventbrite.com.
Paul & Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
October 2—Toddler Time
Stimulate your tinies with the Hilliard University Museum's Toddler Time program, promising story time, songs, finger play, and a hands-on-art project—as well as the opportunity to explore the museum after the program. Free. Reserve your spot at hilliardmuseum.org.
October 5—Play Day: Fly Me to the Moon
In honor of International Observe the Moon Night, the Hilliard has partnered with the Lafayette Science Museum for an evening of gallery activities, singing under the stars with the Music Garden, and arts and crafts with Melissa Bonin, whose work is currently on exhibition in Songbirds: Nature as Metaphor. Once the sky darkens, join experts outside for a special telescope moon viewing. Don't forget a blanket for proper stargazing. 4 pm–8 pm. Free. hilliardmuseum.org.
R.W. Norton Art Gallery
October 3—Mommy and Me Yoga
On the first Thursday of the month, R.W. Norton Art Gallery opens its galleries to mothers and their tikes for a morning of singing, storytelling, and yoga taught by Little You Yoga. Mats available for first come, first serve. 10 am–10:30 am. $5 per mom and baby. rwnaf.org.
October 4 & 18—Twilight Talkies
Enjoy free Friday showings of family friendly films on the museum's front lawn. Bring your chairs and blankets for a starlit evening of singing, dancing, and together-time. Local food trucks will be on site with a variety of fun eats. Movies begin at dusk. On October 4, the museum will feature Little Shop of Horrors and on October 18, Hercules. Free. rwnaf.org.
