The Vero Beach Museum of Art was abuzz with activity during its annual Children’s Art Festival which, following several years of modified versions, returned to a full day of glorious creativity.
In the studios, budding artists poured over their work with intense concentration, assisted by museum staff and volunteers on a variety of projects, including ‘A-Door-Able’ designs, inspired by the painting “Surrounded by Others” by the late Francis Sprout, where youngsters decorated cut-out doors, complete with sparkling ‘gemstone’ doorknobs.
Giggles of laughter emanated from the interactive Children’s Art Zone, as little ones drew their own designs for the Sketch Aquarium and gleefully followed their creations as they ‘swam’ across the lifelike aquarium.
Clarinets – two B-Flat and one each Bass and E-Flat – were the featured instruments in two ‘Once Upon an Orchestra’ performances by members of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.
“I wanted to feature local composers, so I started commissioning them to write music for ‘Once Upon an Orchestra’; short, small pieces with music and narrative,” said Aaron Collins, artistic director and conductor. The piece they played that day was “Golden Goose,” composed by Vero resident Michael Daugherty and based on the fairy tale.
As the concerts were meant to be experienced and enjoyed by young children, Collins reminded the audience that they could get up and dance, adding, “You don’t have to be quiet.”
VBMA docents engaged youngsters in the galleries with various activities inspired by the Vero Collects: Hidden Treasures Revealed exhibition.
Referencing the Thomas Hart Benton painting “Shooting the Rapids,” Sue Sharpe had viewers making up stories about what adventures the canoers might face; Cynthia Callander tasked young artists to sketch their own versions of an abstract by Charles Joseph Biederman; using colorful scarves, Maryanne Bohlinger, Kate Walsh and Susan Burns promoted music and movement with art; Toni Hamner encouraged children to view paintings through ‘telescopes’; and Marion Berry showed youngsters how to make mobiles.
Throughout the day, visitors could view the IRC Student Art Exhibit, and local youth groups – including Panther Performers, Imagine South Vero Tangerines, Moonshot Academy, the Osceola Singers and Explorer Ensemble, Vero Classical Ballet, and Rhythm and Soul Dance – performed for appreciative audiences.
“I think we’re going to break the 1,200 or 1,300 record,” said Alicia Quinn, watching the steady stream of visitors wandering about the museum. “There are good crowds, lots of things happening, and everyone is engaged. That’s what it’s all about.”
For more information, visit VBMuseum.org.
Photos by Mary Schenkel
