At least 90 days out of the year, my Texan husband asks me, "Why do people live in Michigan?" My answer is always, "SPRING!" When that weather finally breaks, and the warm arms of the sun reach down from a blue sky, I am overwhelmed with renewal, optimism, energy and inspiration. Seriously, you may spot me twirling atop the green mounds of Ah-Nab-Awen Park (watch out, Julie Andrews).
I can't be the only one who bursts with a motivation to create this time of year. If your like-minded family needs a release for the energy-inspiring spring, visit these West Michigan havens for hands-on creative activities.
Spring Break Activities: Friendship and Community in Art
April 6-10, 10a.m.-3p.m.
Admission: $8/$5 (Adults/ Kids 6-17 yrs.)
Grand Rapids Art Museum Education Center
101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids
artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000
The education team at the GRAM's family studio pride themselves on art activities that reach all ages. They design "projects that are actually really cool" and encourage "multigenerational engagement," promises John Carfagno, the education director.
This is definitely true of its Spring Break family art activity. Egon Schiele's poster for the Vienna Secession inspired the project. Your little artists and you collaborate to create a representation of your family, collage-style, using photographs of each of you (bring them or take them in-studio), colored paper and pastels. Like Schiele's piece (pictured, left), the focal point of your collage is a large table, with items positioned around it. Once the subjects are in place, discuss which items should be pictured on that table to complete an image of your family-ness. Museum educator and creative genius Miranda Krajniak adds a bonus for parents, "We use lots of really messy items and unique media but you can make a mess and don't have to clean it up."
Finish your masterpiece, then stick around to explore the permanent studio highlights like the Share Your Story journal, the tiny wrapped table for toddler experimental free-form drawing and the Family Drawing Wall. "I've yet to find a kid who doesn't want to draw on the family drawing wall," Carfagno said.
Most popular is the Calder Experience area. Donning Velcro-covered lab jackets, your Calder kids and you stick on felt geometrics and choose Calder-esque head gear. Arrange yourselves into a human mobile then pose for a photo that is sent to your e-mail within a week of your visit.
Global Cultural Festival Japan Themed Activities
April 6, 7, 10 & 17, 10-noon
Admission: $5 (registration required)
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
400 Culver St., Saugatuck
sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399
Saugatuck Center for the Arts has a full lineup of children's activities to supplement its Global Cultural Festival: Japan exhibit.
The Fresh Art + Fresh Film activity is perfect for ages 5-8. Professionally filmed shorts focus on an aspect of Japanese culture and inspire a hands-on craft following the viewing. 1000 Paper Cranes plays on April 6 and the April 7 show is Japanese Folklore: Fan Painting. Afterwards, the kids make their own origami paper cranes and paint Japanese fans.
On April 10, professionally trained calligraphy artist Michiko Yoshimoto leads children ages 8-10 in basic calligraphy strokes. Each participant leaves with his or her name in the beautiful Japanese script. Although parents and older sibs usually drop off the little ones, they are invited to stay and participate if they wish.
Tour the Kimono exhibit, viewing men's, women's and children's cultural dress on April 17.
To top it off, executive director Kristin Armstrong encourages families to take part in "an amazing cultural experience" on April 24 at 8 p.m. when Nagata Shachu Drumming Ensemble from Toronto performs. "Kids are just bug-eyed" during this loud and exciting demonstration. Admission is $35 for adults and $10 for children.
Deanna's Playhouse
11172 Adams St., Holland
Mon.-Sat., 10a.m.-3p.m.
Admission: $5
deannasplayhouse.com, (616) 396-7566
This 15,000-square-foot indoor play area offers an open space for preschool kids to blow off steam. With a tiny road through a miniature Holland, they drive push vehicles to bank at a baby Macatawa, shop at a mini Meijer and cruise around a big red lighthouse.
A music room, arts and crafts room, infant and toddler room and stage are all available for romping time. When parents need to take a breather, plop down with the kids in the sensory room on the padded seating area. Professionally designed to calm over-stimulated rugrats, it's a perfect place to just chill while focusing on the sparkly, star-like overhead lights and color-changing fiber optics.
Plan your visit on Tuesday or Thursday at 11 a.m. to take advantage of Arts and Crafts Day and Amazing Activities Day. In honor of Easter and Earth Day this month, the tots create take-home projects like Easter bunnies made of plastic eggs and recycled crafts on Tuesdays and participate in themed egg hunts and sing-alongs on Thursdays.
