The University of Wyoming Art Museum recently started incorporating pre-school programming into their weekly children’s activities called ‘Art Explorers.’
Every Thursday, parents in the Laramie community are able to bring their pre-school-aged children to Centennial Complex to enjoy an hour-long learning experience that is designed to allow children to engage in sensory material play and to discover how to express themselves through art.
“It can be hard at this age to be able to go to things like art museums, and they make it very easy for the kids to engage with the artwork,” Tara Papas, a local artist who enjoys bringing her two young sons to the program, said.
Papas’ eldest son, who recently celebrated his fifth birthday, was seen happily gluing paper and images from a National Geographic magazine to his collage project. Her younger son, who is getting ready to celebrate his second birthday, said that his favorite part of the program is getting to play with markers.
“I think what’s really unique is the children’s encouragement to connect their art projects with exhibits. And for the students to see contemporary art and historical art. That is a gift,” said Sharon Mathiesen, a program educator for Art Explorers.
The Art Explorers Program was implemented in the Art Museum in the Summer of 2022, and begins every week with an educator giving children and parents a tour through the museum, typically focusing on one piece of art. That piece of art is then used as inspiration for the children’s project that week.
“This is my favorite job I’ve ever had. It’s such a fun community. I make art, plan art classes, and help with field trips. It’s just super fun,” said Faith Lind, a UW student and Art Explorers educator.
“What’s nice about this is we’ve had the same people coming consistently. When we first started, the parents didn’t talk a whole lot. Now, we’ve gotten to a point where there is just so much lively conversation. It’s clear that this isn’t just something you do to take your kids to do art, it’s our own community of parents and children.”
Emily Conner, the coordinator of all of the children’s programming at the museum, said that funding for programs comes from grants, as well as public and private donations.
“The gallery is really cool. I would probably be really nervous bringing my kids there by myself, on our own, so this makes it so much more approachable and age appropriate,” said Becki Fulton, a Laramie resident who brings her daughter, Gwenna, to the program.
“I am having fun. My mommy helps me with my projects,” said Gwenna.
The majority of parents learned about the program through social media platforms, such as Facebook groups for parents.
While today, December 8th, was the last day of the fall semester for Art Explorers, programming will begin again in mid-January of 2023. Art Museum staff welcomes parents of young children to get involved with Art Explorers, and to join their art community.
