MuseumChick | Danee Gilmartin

CUPCAKES- that’s what drew my attention to the table in Barnes and Nobles. In an odd spot- right between Martha Stewart Cupcakes and a Lidia Bastianich Cookbook was The Jackson Pollock Box- a children’s book and art set. I’m always looking for fun and different holiday gift ideas for my friends’ kids. I can be relied on to always give something creative that promotes a cultural and art education- so, don’t expect a barbie from me.

This Jackson Pollock Artist Box/Book is by Helen A. Harrison, the director of the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center. She designed it to introduce Pollock the person and the artist along with providing projects that will put kids in touch with his unique creative process. Using his techniques, read about in the book, kids can invent their own images using the art supplies that come with the box set.

FYI-I didn’t receive any compensation for this book review. I personally stumbled upon this book and liked it so much that I wanted to share it with you. I think that it is something parents and kids will find entertaining, as well as being educational.

©2011 Danee Gilmartin All rights reserved

Why 13? I’m not sure, but this informative and engaging kids’ book “13 Sculptures Children Should Know” is one in a series of children’s art books by Angela Wenzel, a museum educator in Germany. I spend a lot of time in the MoMA bookstore and found this there but you can also find it on Amazon. These books are for kids that are more interested and educated in art than the average because of the depth and amount of the information, about age 10-13. It has a more dry and informative undertone and does not come across too childish but the colorful way the information is displayed is fun to follow- great for children with a growing knowledge and curiosity for art (I actually learned a few things too)!

There are a broad range of sculptures pictured, from classical to modern and …

…from museum pieces to large outdoor sculptures. I’ve never seen this sculpture, Cloud Gate (below) in person but the warping reflection is so intriguing that it makes me want to take the trip to Chicago to see it!

The time-lines across the top and fact sheets along the sides of the pages make this book particularly informative and easy for children to follow.

I’ll feature more of the books in the series in the future. The whole set together would make a memorable birthday gift for a child!

FYI-I didn’t receive any compensation for this book review. I personally stumbled upon this book and liked it so much that I wanted to share it with you. I think that it is something parents and kids will find entertaining, as well as being educational.

©2011 Danee Gilmartin All rights reserved