January Andell Family Sundays activities are inspired by Rauschenberg: The 1/4 Mile—a massive and multifaceted artwork, that is, literally, a 1/4 mile in length. (Fun fact: it is the distance between Rauschenberg’s studio and his home.) It’s easy to become overwhelmed in The 1/4 Mile. Colors and shapes, stacked books and shirts seemingly float and surround you. There is so much to see! The family activities this month are designed to help navigate this monumental work! We’re taking a hint from Rauschenberg, who said of his art, “They’re just open invitations.” In the spirit of an invitation, the workshops and gallery activities this month are all about experimenting with different facets of The 1/4 Mile.
At 12:30 and 2:30 pm, join artist Sarah Leddy on a dance caravan from the Andell Family Sundays tents outside to the Rauschenberg exhibition on the third floor of BCAM. In the galleries, collaborate with your own dance collage inspired by the shapes and objects in the art. You might even learn a new move along the way. Don’t worry if you miss the caravan—you can go directly to the gallery and join in!
If performing is not your thing, artists Lorenzo Baker and Damaris Garcia will invite you to sit on the floor and sketch from the exhibition using viewfinders. Even if you aren’t shy about performing, who's to say you can’t do both activities?
.JPG "Visitor adding to artist Shannon Green's collage, My Long Art Project.")
Playing with the idea of the length and materials of Rauschenberg's work, artist Shannon Green’s workshop, My Long Art Project, invites participants to collage and draw on a long and narrow piece of paper. He reminds everyone to balance the composition by repeating colors and shapes, but also to keep it interesting by adding surprising elements.
Artist Julianna Ostrovsky’s workshop Miracle Mile Collage asks participants to collaborate. Each group is given a large (human-sized) piece of paper. One member of the group lays on the paper, others trace them. Once there’s an outline, everyone can collage all sorts of materials into the shape, such as fabric and shiny paper.
.JPG "Educator Gloria Westcott engaging with visitors in Rauschenberg: The 1/4 Mile.")
Responding to art through making is a fun family activity and educator Gloria Westcott also makes talking about the art super fun. Gloria is genius 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. In English and Spanish!
Your family can participate in these free activities as part of the Andell Family Sundays program on three upcoming Sundays: January 13, 20, and 27. Bilingual tours are at 1, 2, and 3 pm. Dance Collage starts at 12:30 and 2:30 pm. All other activities are continuous from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Rauschenberg: The 1/4 Mile is on view through June 9, 2019.
Join us in February for activities focused on Outliers and American Vanguard Art!