Chagall for Children at Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Chagall for Children at Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Chagall for Children opened this weekend at Arlington Heights Memorial Library. The engaging exhibit introduces children to the world of Chagall beyond his iconic works by incorporating a range of tactile, audio, scent and visual experiences. The 14 interactive components are set up like an art museum. Children are welcomed to the world of Chagall with beautiful displays:

Building with The Blue House.

Chagall's famous works like The Blue House hang in galleries each with a written prompt, an audio with information about the work and hands-on explorations. Look at the detail including the labeling of the artwork just like in a museum!

Amazing details of the Chagall for Children exhibit.

The Circus includes a magical experience of wearing a cape and becoming part of the painting through video.

The Concert incorporates individual orchestral instrument sounds so children can compose their own piece. A fun exhibit to share!

Creating new images with Paris through the Window.

Paris through the Window allows children to add and move around various elements of a Paris scene to imagine a different world with variations is shape, color and position.

Peeks at some of the elements:

Paris through the Window is particularly fun in the ways you can mix colors and shapes to change the scenes sparking the imagination!

How would you arrange the flowers?

Flowers provides for another fun exploration including allowing you to smell each flower. Plus, you can have fun arranging flowers in a variety of containers.

Light, Shapes and Colors with America Windows:

How would you piece together America Windows?

Of course, no Chagall exhibit would be complete without a nod to Chagall's famed stained glass work America Windows. America Windows provides a unique opportunity for children to explore light, color and patterns. I am sure after exploring, you will be inspired to visit the original at the Art Institute of Chicago!

Exploring Chagall's Life and Inspirations:

Of particular interest for older children and adults will be the timeline of Chagall's life. His life story is quite fascinating and well worth a read. Chagall was born in Russia and spent years before WWI traveling between Russia, France and Germany. Chagall would incorporate his roots as a Jew living in Russia into has art as well as use what he learned from artists in Paris including Fauvism, Cubism and Symbolism. During WWI, he was stranded in Russia after a visit home. He would eventually return to Paris in 1923. During WWII, Chagall's daughter Ida was able to help him procure a special passage to the United States with the help of the New York Museum of Modern Art. This is a very small snapshot but I just wanted to take a moment to illustrate just a little about how interesting Chagall's life was. I think you will definitely find inspiration in his life story. In fact, I am looking for a book about his life myself!

Chagall for Children is perfect for kids ages 2-12. At varying times, a special artist table with have unique Chagall-inspired crafts for kids to engage in. The exhibit will be open through April 7, so it is a great opportunity for exploration during winter! Chagall for Children was created by the Kohl Children's Museum in nearby Glenview. There are 14 different stations, so I have just given you a taste. I found the adventure to be a wonderful way to expose children to an artist through multiple types of experiential elements. This exhibit is definitely worth the adventure and I hope more are developed for different artists!

Sensory Friendly Exhibit Hours

During the exhibit's run, Arlington Heights Memorial Library will provide several opportunities for sensory friendly exhibit visits. Opportunities include:

• February 19 2PM-3PM: Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the exhibit. There will be special sensory activities especially suited for those on the autism spectrum and with sensory processing disorders. Quiet space will be available. RSVPS required by calling 847-870-3295 or emailing programs@ahml.info by February 14.
• March 3 10AM-11AM This is an opportunity to explore the exhibit outside of normal library hours.There will be special sensory activities especially suited for those on the autism spectrum and with sensory processing disorders. Quiet space will be available. Continental breakfast will be available. RSVPS required by calling 847-870-3295 or emailing programs@ahml.info by February 25.
• Assistive device kits are available.
• Tuesdays tend to be lower traffic times.
• You can also check with Kids' World if your party requires other accommodations:  programs@ahml.info or 847-870-3295.