So off we went. I have always loved trips to the IMA. There are a lot of statistics about it as a museum, but mostly, it's just fun to visit. Since it was freezing outside (literally) we stuck to the inside. We'll go back in the Spring and tell you about the gardens, which are AMAZING.
We had about an hour before we had to leave for our civics meeting, and about an hour after we returned. If you've never been to the IMA before, we recommend a minimum of 3 hours. Since the girls have been there many times before, both with me, and with Grandma, we knew which galleries we wanted to spend our time in. We are currently studying European art, so those were our first stops.
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| Claude Monet - The Church of SanGiorgio Maggiore |
The collection at the IMA is huge, and some pieces rotate off of display, so if there is a piece you REALLY want to see, check the website to make sure it is currently on display.
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| Georgia O'Keeffe - Jimson Weed |
Admission to the IMA was free, now in 2016 there is an admission charge . (Be prepared if you visit the gift shop or cafe- they are both quite expensive.) We each have some favorite artists, and were able to see works by many of them yesterday. One thing I've talked with the girls about over and again is the ability to appreciate an artist's work, even if you don't agree with the lifestyle they lived. This is particularly important as the girls get older (they are currently 15 & 13) and read biographies, or historical accounts of the artists.
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| Rembrandt van Rijn - Self Portrait |
Another point you just have to get past... if you go through galleries that display European art, you are going to be confronted with some scantily clad (or even nude) figures. For some families this keeps them from visiting any art museums, preferring to do their art history & appreciation work at home. When in doubt, visit the museum beforehand. Many times you can simply not visit certain galleries in the museum and still enjoy a full day of art and its history. If you can't visit in advance, make full use of the 'wandering docents' and ask for help in choosing which galleries to visit.
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| Pierre Auguste Renoir - Little Girl With a Hat |
I personally don't like visiting the modern art galleries on the top floor of the IMA. The linear, or abstract, art in these galleries leaves no real impression on me. Except maybe one of longing to go away- lol. Emily, however, is fascinated by Alexander Calder's work, especially his mobiles...you guessed it, there is one up on the top (4th) floor, so up we went.
Overall we had a great day at the IMA, we only got in trouble 3 times. (I'm telling you, there were not this many rules at the IMA when I was a kid!) They were all minor infractions, no one kicked us out. :)
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| Angel of the Resurrection - Tiffany Studios |
If you're in Indianpolis and have a few hours to spare, take your kids to the big art museum up on the hill, the IMA. They'll grow up with a greater appreciation of art, and history. They might even realize just how old the works are when they can get close enough to see the crack in the Seurat painting. Few of the other Art Museums I have visited allow you to get so close to the original works!
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| Georges Seurat - The Channel of Gravelines |
At the end of the day, as we were being thankful for our outing, Arlene quipped "They have docents everywhere so you're going to get in trouble." Not big trouble, just gentle reminders to follow the museum rules... so you can come back and enjoy it again.
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| Theodore Groll - Washington Street, Indianapolis as Dusk |
Today I am thankful that I can share this love of great art that my parents, especially my Dad, instilled in me with our own children. Hug your children, and tell them about YOUR favorite artist!
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