Families at the Smart
A kid-friendly place…
The Smart's intimate galleries and outdoor sculpture garden are perfect spaces for children and adults to explore art together.
Family activities are now available at the front desk. Can't wait? Download them here now:
Asian Ink Painting (PDF)
What is Abstract Art? (PDF)
We welcome your feedback on these new activity guides. Please e-mail your thoughts or suggestions to smart-education@listhost.uchicago.edu.
Free Family Programs at the Smart
smARTkids @ the Library (offsite)
Second Saturdays, 2–4 pm
October 13, November 10, December 8, and January 12
Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Avenue
February 9, March 8, April 12, and May 10
Bessie Coleman Library, 731 E. 63rd Street
Join the Smart Museum and the Blackstone and Bessie Coleman branches of the Chicago Public Library for a free artist-led family workshop that includes an art project and related story.
Art Afternoons
Wednesdays in July, 12–3 pm
Look at amazing art, play gallery games, and do a different art activity on Wednesdays at the Smart Museum this July.
Lines, Colors, and Shapes
Wednesday, July 9, 12–3 pm
Lines, colors, and shapes, oh my! Find abstract artworks in the galleries and choose special papers to make a colorful collage during this afternoon of fun family art activities.
Summertime Scenes
Wednesday, July 16, 12–3 pm
Look for landscapes in the galleries, sketch outside, and make a foam print of your final masterpiece during this afternoon of fun family art activities.
Family Faces
Wednesday, July 23, 12–3 pm
Find portraits of people in the galleries and then take turn drawing and painting your own portrait of a family member during this afternoon of fun family art activities.
Form, Function, and Fun
Wednesday, July 30, 12–3 pm
Explore artworks that are also useful, and then create a clay bowl to take home and put to good purpose during this afternoon of fun family art activities.
Family Day: See Me in the City!
Sunday, August 17, 1–4 pm
Presented in collaboration with the Chicago Architecture Foundation
See your city anew! Be inspired by the artist John Sloan’s city scenes of New York, enjoy drawing en plein air (outside), and compare historic and contemporary photographs of Chicago. Take a walk around the block to explore your city or join a Family Photography Bus Tour led by staff from the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Family programs are FREE and all supplies are provided by the Smart. Best for ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult at all times.
For detailed information about upcoming family programs, check the online calendar or call 773.702.2362.