Did you know that Andell Family Sundays changes themes every month? One of the program goals is to introduce families to the diversity of art at LACMA that spans centuries, cultures, and media. For families whose origins are in Latin America, this month’s focus on the spectacular exhibition Painted in Mexico, 1700–1790: Pinxit Mexici may spark a feeling of home. This groundbreaking show is devoted to 18th-century Mexican painting, and includes many works restored for the exhibition, alongside many that haven’t been seen in a museum setting before.
Families may want to start their visit in the galleries. Gallery experiences this month are led by educator Sofía Gutiérrez. Sofía has a special love for art from this period. Not only has she studied it, but she also lived in Mexico City before moving to the States when she was seven. Sofía is excellent at engaging all members of the group, no matter what age (even preschoolers!), in conversation designed to make personal connections, provoke playful interactions, and incite curiosity. And it’s in both English and Spanish! Sofía has included a special drawing activity for the tour. Don’t miss out—Sofía will meet families at the Andell Family Sundays welcome table at 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
In artist Sandy Rodriguez’s workshop Painted Portraits, young artists are asked to imagine themselves or a family member as a figure from one of the portraits in the exhibition. These portraits were of well-to-do people in Mexican society and were called by the honorific “Doña” or “Don.”
Here is the portrait of a young artist:
The Virgen of Guadalupe is the most significant icon of Mexico and Mexican identity. In Los Angeles, images of her are everywhere—on murals, T-shirts, and more. The first paintings of her were made during the same period explored in this exhibition. In his art workshop, artist Jesus Mascorro decided to focus on the virgin’s mantle. The stars on her mantle or cloak symbolize the heavens. In the workshop, participants reimagine the Virgen’s mantle as they draw constellations.
At the Toddler Tarp, ceramist Beatriz Jaramillo leads the little ones in an exploration of clay as a material, and helps everyone shape symbols from the exhibition, like stars and flowers, or to make a portrait.
Your family can participate in these workshops as part of the Andell Family Sundays program from 12:30–3:30 pm on three upcoming Sundays: February 11, 18, and 25.
Don't miss next month’s Sunday programming for families—the theme will be Waterlilies, Cherries, and French Landscapes.