Museum Day
“I am so glad that you are able to do this event! You were the first artist that I thought of as being a good fit for this theme and exhibit! I love these events because we are able to promote and support amazing local artists. It will be a fun day!”
~ Amy, Public Programs Coordinator for Grand Rapids Public Museum
A trip to the Grand River (conveniently located behind the venue) was needed for water collection & grounding before leading others in art-making. Six jars were filled for our activities, which turned out to be less than enough. I was still happy to include a natural element in our process.
Stormy was my lovely assistant for the day and took lots of the pictures!
Finny, the skeleton of a real fin whale found in Florida and shipped to Michigan, is the ‘unofficial mascot’ of the museum. When deciding my subject for a community painting I didn’t have to think very hard.
For a few days I dove into researching these giant creatures. They are one of the largest animals on earth, only second to blue whales. Fin whales are the fastest of all whales. One fin is larger than a human. They can weigh over 150,000 pounds and could theoretically open their mouths wide enough to swallow a school bus- although they much prefer krill.
For anyone who wanted to learn more about these big fish I made an informational poster with the best pictures I could find.
After researching, measuring, sketching, and painting an outline, this is what I brought along to the museum for people to add to.
This event was for everyone. All ages and skill levels were invited to play with watercolors and try a new style. We had parents, grandmas, & grandbabies join in. Everytime a kid was too short to reach the easel I lowered the clipboard on a chair and held it steady while they added their color of choice.
This young artist had an amazing style.
Everyone was provided with a size one brush like the one I use.
Some left their paintings behind accidentally or purposefully. This girl said “Thank you Mr. Matthew” as she handed me her original.
Our event was part of a larger, traveling exhibit called The Nature of Color which is put on by The Museum of Natural History.
A highlight of the day was overhearing someone say that she wanted to buy paints afterwards so she could paint at home.
After it was all said and done, this is our masterpiece!
