Growing Up With Art

One of the challenges of advising clients who have young children is to persuade them about the great opportunity they have in allowing their kids to grow up with art. For example: I had been pressing a client to purchase a beautiful, huge, drawing by Robert Colescott. The buyers were reluctant because they believed it to be too graphic, controversial, and sexual. They were concerned about the kinds of questions the drawing would prompt. 

I assured my clients they would be surprised to learn that children are more sophisticated and open then they imagine. Fortunately, the parents did buy the Colescott drawing, and later told me they’ve had many meaningful conversations with their daughters about the piece. They especially love overhearing the discussions about the drawing between their children and their own friends.

I was confident all would be well in that household because my own sons grew up surrounded by art. Openings at the DuSable Museum, The South Side Community Art Center, and the Art Institute of Chicago were regular occurrences in my family. Sometimes, the boys acted annoyed and uncooperative, but that didn’t stop them from making smug insights about art to their friends.

Now, as a grandmother and artist, I enjoy introducing my grandchildren to museums.  I’m amazed and gratified by their curiosity and insights. When my oldest grandson was about three, when he entered our apartment, I immediately explained “Gaga's” art collection and reminded him  "art is for looking and not touching." 

Because some art in my home does look like toys, I could understand his disappointment. But, as my grandchildren have gotten older, they’ve all become respectful -- and highly opinionated -- about Gaga's eclectic collection of paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculpture. And, I’ve learned much from their insights.  I especially enjoy the free-ranging conversations their perceptions inspire. Quite a gift to “Gaga.” (Also known as Grandmother Madeline.)

Image: This series always engages my grandchildren. Lorna Simpson's “Combination Platter” addresses the issue of gender, a subject that spurs many comments and questions.