When was the last time you visited an art museum? There’s so much to enjoy about an art museum beyond learning the history of the artists, the compositions, and the significance. Turn a trip to the art museum into your next artists date.
Materials:
- Canvas bag or backpack
- Art journal (you may want to choose a small or medium sized one)
- Folder or large manila envelope
- Black sharpie or gel pen
- Glue stick
- Colored pencils or charcoal pencils
- Bottled water
- Snack (to eat outside of the museum)
- Plastic bag for any trash that you might need to discard
Pack your bad with all the materials listed above. Add in other items that might make the trip more enjoyable. For example, if you plan to have a picnic lunch outside the museum (if there’s a park nearby) you may want to bring a blanket along. Don’t forget to leave plenty of room in the bag for items you will be collecting while at the museum.
There are plenty of places to sit and reflect in most art museums. While you’re at the art museum, take some time to sit and enjoy the art that you’re surrounded by. Soak in the moments, write about them in your art journal, and allow yourself to be inspired by those who are also occupying the space.
While journeying through the art museum, pick up every piece of literature you can get your hands on. Many art museums offer free post cards, pamphlets, newspapers, and brochures. Some of these things may not appear appealing while you’re looking through, but don’t forget it’s possible to alter or cut up just about anything.
Don’t forget to glue items into your art journal, such as wrappers and receipts, to preserve the memory. If you don’t feel comfortable making a permanent piece in your art journal, place these items into the folder or large manila envelope along with the rest of your collections. If possible, do some rubbings of plaques and other interesting textures using the colored pencils.
Variations:
- There might be some very interesting architecture outside, so don’t forget to take a camera along so you can use these images in your mixed-media work. Take pictures of trees, leaves, flowers, and shrubs as well.
- Visit the gift shop, if there is one, and purchase a small gift for yourself to commemorate this artist date.
Above all, have fun. The point of this artist date is to connect with that part of yourself that might be missing out on these type of field trips.
