Family Day at the Frist

Thanks to my friend Angela, Hailey and I spent this afternoon at the Frist Center in Nashville – for free!  (Thanks, Angela, for letting me know about this!).  Today was Family Day at the Frist.  In addition to the exhibits in the museum, there was juggling, music, story time, films, and art activities for the kids. 

The Frist Center has been open for several years, but I’m ashamed to admit that this was my first visit.  I am definitely going to have to go back!  We were there for three hours today, but we needed another three to see and do everything.  We just barely had time to buzz through the special exhibit Monet to Dali: Modern Masters for the Cleveland Museum of Art.  Most of our time was spent on the second floor of the museum seeing the Aaron Douglas exhibit and creating our own art in the ArtQuest children’s area. 

I was not familiar with Aaron Douglas, a Harlem Renaissance artist, but now I am contemplating facing the insane amount of paperwork and red tape it takes to go on a field trip.  I love reading Harlem Renaissance literature with my junior students, and seeing Douglas’ artwork in person woud be an amazing addition to our reading.  Many of the pieces of art I saw today were illustrations for or were paired with poems my students read. 

Hailey, of course, loved all the hands on art activities in the the ArtQuest room.  She painted, drew, printed, and created a hat.  The amount of staff and supplies that were available to all the visitors was incredible.  Everyone was so kind and helpful and informative and patient. 

Hailey at the Frist

 Hailey and Beth at the Frist