Dive into the wonderful world of fish and fishing at the Smart Museum of Art. 

Get inspired by depictions of fish, fisherman, and the sea in artworks on display throughout the special exhibition Meiji Modern. Then, make your own fish on a fishing pole using toilet paper tubes and colorful streamers, string, and bamboo. The afternoon activities also include a gyotaku fish printing project that uses realistic rubber fish, ink, and paper. 

Plus, join our partners from the Chicago Public Library as Librarian Megan reads aloud from the book Window Fishing. In this book written by DK Dyson and illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez, an artist rediscovers his inspiration when he sees a fishing line outside his window with a note reading, “Play with me!”

FREE, drop-in. Art-making supplies and other materials are provided. Family programs are best for kids 4–12, but all ages are welcomed! Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Family programs are supported by the Harper Court Arts Council.

About Destination Discovery Story Time

Join Librarian Megan as she travels throughout Chicago and talks, sings, reads, writes, and plays. Destination Discovery Story Time allows Chicago Public Library users to visit cultural institutions in person or virtually from the comfort of your home or classroom.

Image: Unidentified artist, Vase with Open Work, Blossoming Cherry, Carp, and Stream, early 20th century, Hirado Mikawachi ware; porcelain with underglaze blue and iron. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of Allan and Maxine Kurtzman, AC1997.273.56. Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA.