Spend a Couple Hours »Pint Sized Painters

at Frolic!

I’ve been to a few kid classes in my relatively brief  time as a parent but have learned there’s a delicate  balance to making one completely successful.

Sometimes the teacher is great with kids but really awkward with the parents, other times they are too impatient for the age group they teach. Sometimes the activities are a little beyond the kids’ abilities and the focus is too much on a finished activity or project than just having fun.

Pint Sized Painters manages to balance everything really well, thanks in large part to Z, the instructor who also works as an art director.

She’s at ease with kids and parents alike, keeps instructions and slide shows short and sweet (managing to catch toddler’s interest with the work of Hurst (who taught Van the word “dots!” and Rauschenberg!) and the projects are manageable – kids get to dive in as much as they want, but if distracted, can get involved just by pointing to where they want a color, or helping her squeeze paint.

In the end, we end up with awesome art to take home, that you never feel that you created more than your child.

This is the first class I’ve taken at Frolic! and while it’s pricier than many, I’ve loved it and the take home projects are priceless -as is seeing Van swimming in a giant smock.

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Posted on July 12, 2012

Spend a Couple Hours »Fabric Marker Onesies

DIY

Disappointed with art fair onesies, both in price and style, I was inspired to buy some crayola fabric markers and have at it myself.

It was most fun to turn it into an art project with Van, who loves the letter “V” and bulls (the animal, not the sports team) – so I was able to customize with appropriate imagery. Bull onesies aren’t exactly easy to come by in this world. And to be honest, simple quirky dots, stars, stripes and other simple prints are hard to come by too without costing a lot more than I’m willing to spend.

The pens were a little harder to control that I expected (detail isnt really an option) but once my grandiose plans were leveled with realty, it was lots of fun.

While the colors are not super vibrant, they are nice and will only fade slightly in the wash so long as you iron each side for the recommended four minutes.

It’s cool to see your kid running around in something you made.

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Posted on July 11, 2012

Web Sites »Miroco Machiko

Japanese Illustrator

The work of Japanese artist Miroco Machiko has to be some of the most charming I’ve seen.

I found the whimsical childlike illustrations through a friend on Pinterest and can’t stop admiring at them.

I find them very inspiring and want to just let go with paints, markers and crayons one afternoon not over thinking the end result.

Just lovely.

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Posted on May 1, 2012

Laughs »The Rainbow Sponge

Ohmygosh!

If you get off on wiggles, you may want to watch this Rainbow Sponge infomercial in private.

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Posted on March 16, 2012

Web Sites »Monster Brains

A never ending celebration of monsters

What a wonderful world. There’s always something new to become completely obsessed with. I give you my latest: Mexican pulp art which is on display at Monster Brains.

But wait! Monster Brains has even more cool stuff for your perusal. Like: grotesque animals, creepy vintage ads, D&D books, sci-fi covers and other generally disturbing, wild or scary pieces of art.

It’s way excellent!

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Posted on January 20, 2012

Spend a Couple Hours »Art Lab Junior

at Caribou Baby

I’ve been excited to find an art class for Van pretty much since before he was born, bit it’s not easy finding one for younger toddlers. So I was thrilled when Caribou Baby began offering ArtLab Junior.

We’ve been to two of five classes already and explored water and stripes to Van’s utter delight.

Plus I got my first fridge art!

The series ends February 8 but a new one for children 2-4 starts march 7. I hope a junior class is soon to follow. It’s 100 for five classes and is held Wednesdays at 3:30. I highly recommend!!

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Posted on January 19, 2012

Spend a Couple Minutes »Paul McCarthy: The Dwarves, The Forest

Hauser & Wirth New York32 East 69th Street (Ends Tomorrow)

Normally I’d see a show before recommending it, but I am so sure the Snow White gone awry Paul McCarthy exhibit, The Dwarves, The Forest at Hauser & Wirth will be great, I have no qualms listing it sight unseen.

More importantly, it ends tomorrow, so I wanted to give fans a heads up!

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Posted on December 16, 2011

Spend a Couple Minutes »Natural History at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

20111012-121811.jpgby Patrick Dougherty

Sometimes we forget what great, beautiful resources we have for outdoor fun in the city. I hadn’t been to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in some time but enjoyed the surprisingly gorgeous weather introducing Van to koi, grass (which he’s still skeptical of) and roses.

I also really loved the Natural History sculptures by Patrick Dougherty. They feel both natural and otherworldly. Wish we had one of these stick huts to hang out in all the time.

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Posted on October 14, 2011

Spend a Couple Minutes »Tribute in Light

9/11 Memorial

The Tribute in Light is a most thoughtful and touching monument in honor of our darkest day.

This might be the last year the temporary art installation is up, so be sure to see it tonight and take a quiet moment of remembrance

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Posted on September 11, 2011

Web Sites »Philip Govedare

Painter

Facebook is not only for people to exclaim FML! or link to Quizzes that tell you which Family Guy character you are. Friend Craig used the social site to link to artist Philip Govedare, whose wild, beautiful yet eerie landscapes are phenomenal. They make me feel like I’ve been privy to secret images of new found worlds.

Thanks for the excellent find, Craig!

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Posted on September 3, 2011