High Art

Submitted by
Doug

Have your children create their very own art gallery in your home! Collect all of their modern masterpieces for an afternoon art exhibition.

Artist:
Your child.
Curator:
You.
Art enthusiasts:
Your friends and relatives.
Masterpieces:
Your child's latest and greatest artistic creations.
Double-sided tape
Small Post-its, pen
Art gallery:
Kitchen, family room, playroom, any room with a plethora of wall space and an open area to hobnob like an art snob.
Black clothes:
Your most pretentious ensembles. Bust out the berets!
Your favorite "cool jazz" album:
Every art opening needs a little ambiance!
Plastic champagne glasses
Sparkling apple cider
Hors d'oeuvres:
Nothing fancy. Chips and salsa will do.

Have your children gather up all of their favorite pieces of art. Low on masterpieces? Have them whip up some new creations. This is a great activity for multiple kids so have siblings or friends join in and turn it into a group show. Many great gallery openings feature work by several artists!
As curator, you should pick through the pile and assemble a cohesive collection. Is your son going through a blue period, perhaps?
Help your child tape up her creations around the "gallery" with the double-sided tape.
Ask your child to come up with a name for each creation. Write the names on the Post-its and place them beside the corresponding works of art.
Invite art enthusiasts over to view the brilliant collection.
Prepare for the opening by popping open the sparkling apple cider and laying out the hors d'oeuvres. (We won't tell if you sneak some real champagne for yourself, Mom.)
Everyone slip into their best artsy black outfit!
Put on the cool music, pour the faux champagne and open le gallery.
Have the artist(s) greet the guests personally. Now they can all say they knew him when. ...
If you and your kids are willing to part with the creations, have your guests "bid" on the paintings. Dad can act as auctioneer: "One dollar, one dollar! Do I hear two dollars?" Your children can donate the proceeds to a favorite charity. (The Henry-Wants-a-New-PlayStation charity doesn't count.)