Kids as Curators

Annex Gallery
February 6, 2009 – March 22, 2009

A public reception will be held for Kids As Curators during
Gallery Night, Friday, March 6, 2009 from 7–10 p.m.

Erie youth aged 12 to 15, like most American kids, are fascinated with objects, accessories and collections. Now in its fifth year, Kids as Curators allows local students to think about their “stuff” from an intellectual perspective and to create exhibits that feature their collections. This year the Erie Art Museum has teamed up with General McLane’s Experience Academy, a hands-on program for select high school freshmen; 6th and 8th graders at Millcreek’s Walnut Creek Middle School; and 6th graders and the Autistic Support Class, with assistance from 2nd graders, at Erie’s Harding Elementary. After choosing an exhibit theme, collecting and curating their objects, each school will design and create their own exhibit, which are then installed in the Museum’s Annex gallery.

Because youth themselves prefer exhibits with an experiential element, Kids as Curators always includes novel hands-on activities, making it one of the Museum’s most popular exhibits for families. Last year’s themes included sports, Lake Erie, and the Iraq War. This year’s subjects promise to be just as diverse and lively. It is a wonderful opportunity to peer into the psyches of local youth and experience their probing and sometimes humorous take on American material culture.

Supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency,
and Highmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield.