Activities for Kids
Inspire kids with a variety of activities inspired by our exhibitions and permanent collection, complete with video or PDF instructions.
Exhibition-Inspired Projects
Federico Uribe-inspired Coral Reef Coloring & Drawing
Federico Uribe: Metamorphosis | Metamorfosis is currently on view.
Bruce Conner-inspired Mandala Drawings
Bruce Conner’s work is currently on view in imaginary i.
Charles Gaines-inspired Parabolic Curve Art
Charles Gaines’ work is currently on view in imaginary i.
Michelle Grabner-inspired Paper weavings
Michelle Grabner’s work is currently on view in imaginary i.
erika blumenfeld-inspired constellation art
Erika Blumenfeld’s work is currently on view in imaginary i.
recollect: Sam Gilliam-inspired jazz collages
RECOLLECT: Sam Gilliam is currently on view.
recollect: Sam Gilliam-inspired coffee filter paintings
RECOLLECT: Sam Gilliam is currently on view.
Floyd Newsum-inspired Mixed Media Song Art
Floyd Newsum: Evolution of Sight was on view from May 20, 2023–October 8, 2023.
Floyd Newsum-inspired symbolism coloring & Drawing
Floyd Newsum: Evolution of Sight was on view from May 20, 2023–October 8, 2023.
Faisal Abdu’Allah: Blu³eprint-inspired hair tool
Blu³eprint is a nod to the significance of the barbershop within Abdu’Allah’s artistic practice and personal history.
Sandra and Wence Martinez-Inspired Weavings
Their work was shown in Caja de visiones from September 18, 2021–January 23, 2022.
Natalie Frank-Inspired Mirror Drawing
Natalie Frank: Unbound was on view from June 5–October 24, 2021.
AMENDS-Inspired Wish Boxes
AMENDS was on display from June 19–October 24, 2021.
Permanent Collection-Inspired Projects
Nick Cave-Inspired Sound Socks
Gladys Nilsson-Inspired Watercolor Trees
Gladys Nilsson: Out of This World was on view from August 6, 2020–June 6, 2021.
Ray Yoshida-Inspired Collage Scrapbooks
Ray Yoshida: The Spaces in Between was on view from June 29, 2019–June 14, 2020.
Ed Paschke: Picturing Freedom
What image would you use to picture “freedom”? Draw your idea on this worksheet.
Frank Stella-Inspired Origami Bird
Make an origami bird inspired by the colors, shapes, patterns, and textures in Frank Stella’s print.
Recreate a Work From the Collection
Inspired by MMoCA’s 2019 exhibition Mirror Image, browse the Museum’s permanent collection online and see if you can recreate a work from the collection.
Let’s Look: Sonya Clark
Inspired by Sonya Clark’s Wig Series, write and draw your favorite family stories.
Karl Wirsum-Inspired Symmetrical Self-Portrait
Create a symmetrical self-portrait using charcoal and gouache in the style of the Chicago Imagists.
William Weege-Inspired Paper Marbling
Be inspired by artist William Weege who likes to experiment with handmade paper in his art.
Romare Bearden-Inspired Collage Portrait
Create a collage portrait using magazines, newspapers, or junk mail.
Nicholas Monro–Inspired Painted Rocks
Turn ordinary rocks into a work of art with this project, inspired by Nicholas Monro’s Stone Circle (1972).
Nancy Mladenoff–Inspired Nature Composition
Create a temporary artwork from materials found in your yard or neighborhood.