The “Art Speaks” exhibit is now open at Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa. Photo: Facebook.
Scrabble. Crossword puzzles. Magnetic words. They’re all popular with families who enjoy playing with language — who will find plenty of word-based artwork in a new exhibition called “Art Speaks: A Way With Words.”
The exhibition opened Friday at the Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa, and runs through Jan. 19.
It’s the last exhibition you’ll see there before the museum completes its transition to a new identity — the i.d.e.a. Museum — early next year.
After ”Art Speaks” closes in Mesa, it will become the i.d.e.a. Museum’s first traveling exhibition.
“Art Speaks,” which spotlights the art and science of language, features works of art with word-related themes, intriguing information about language and hands-on activities.
Those who attend can explore Braille, calligraphy, word games, collage art, creative writing and more — and will likely leave inspired to try new art- and language-based adventures at home.
After seeing word-embellished chairs created by Rhode Island artist Boris Bally, your kids might want to try their hand at painting words on a piece of furniture at home. Steer them toward an unfinished stool at your local crafts store or a simple table from a resale shop — then turn them loose atop a drop cloth with acrylic paints, decoupage supplies and such.
Language is something most of us take for granted, but “Art Speaks” is a playful reminder that words matter — even amidst today’s trend of conveying simple words such as ”you” and “are” with a single letter.
Falling in love with words is a wonderful gift we convey to our children by reading with them, conversing with them and more.
Consider the impact one simple note tucked inside a lunchbox or backpack can mean to a child having a tough day, and you’ll appreciate anew the power words have in our lives.
Words are all around us, so it’s easy to incorporate them into simple family games.
Fun with art and letters at AMY summer camp. Photo: Facebook.
Next time you’re driving, see who can be the first to find a sign featuring a particular word. When it’s pouring rain outside, gather around the dining room table with scissors, poster board and a stack of discarded magazines for making collage art.
Have everyone in the family make their own alphabet picture books using construction paper and markers. You’ll be surprised by the variety of words different family members choose.
Remember too that Arizona Museum for Youth presents several special events in coming weeks and months, including a papermaking class for ages 8 to 14 on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Others feature edible art, kitchen science, fashion design and holiday-theme projects (for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
While you’re in Mesa, make time to enjoy additional family-friendly destinations including Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Grande Cultural Park, Mesa Historical Museum, Mesa Public Library and Mesa Arts Center.
East Valley Children’s Theatre performs “The Secret Garden” at Mesa Arts Center through Sunday, Oct. 6.
The Salzburg Marionettes (from Austria) perform “Alice in Wonderland” at Mesa Arts Center Wednesday, Oct. 13 through Friday, Oct. 15.
Mesa Contemporary Arts presents its fifth annual “10 x 10 Show and Benefit Sale” on Thursday, Oct. 10. One hundred artists from Arizona and beyond created works for the event, which benefits the museum’s exhibitions and education programs. Budding artists age 18 and under were invited to create 5 x 5 works on canvas, which will sell for just $25.
Explore the RAISING ARIZONA KIDS calendar in print and online to find more family-friendly events around the Valley and state.