Artsplosure

 

Ok, so I was driving home from the kiddies Friday afternoon and I heard about Artsplosure, which is taking place this weekend in downtown Raleigh. It sounded fun and interesting so I talked to the boy Saturday morning and we checked it out.

Maybe I just didn't know what to expect or maybe my expectations were too high but I wasn't really impressed by the festival. Perhaps, I was looking for more art taking place, things being displayed, performance art, and all that. The festival was meant as an "explosion" of "exposure" to the city of Raleigh to all types of art.  All in all, it seemed like the craft section you see at the State Fair or any seasonal local festival. All around Moore's Square, it was lined with small booth's that local artist could sell their goods and promote their name as an artist. Spotted in and out of the booths were some food stands that offered the usual fried fair food. There were two cool areas in Moore's Square where you could play chess and see a sandcastle being built. That was the most interactive art we saw though. To me what they had planned was geared more towards families. They had at least three stands for face painting and several areas where kids could go and do crafts.

What really caught my attention on the radio was the news reporter talking about the Impressionist Sculpture Garden that sounded like the feature exhibit of the festival. Impressionist paintings are one of my favorite forms of art so this sounded like an interesting and different take on art. First, let me say that this exhibit had to potential to be amazing but it feel short. The sculptures themselves were beautiful and the portraits in the original paintings were brought to life, in life size form. However, the landscapes in the paintings were not translated very well in the "garden." Two or three of the gardens were done fairly well with plants all around them bringing out the feel of their original paintings but the rest just had one or two around them.  This was opportunity for local landscapers to show off... and well, they didn't. However, a nice touch was that they had easles set up around the area that you could try your hand at painting your own piece or art.
 

This was my favorite one, mainly because of the yarn :P

 

Marble's Kids Museum

Hello lovlies, today I am going to talk to you guys about the children's museum here in Raleigh known as, Marbles. Marbles is a great place to spend the day with your kids or take a friend along for a play date. The aim of the museum is to teach kids through interactive play. It is absolutely great and the entire building might as well be one giant playground. There is literally something for every kid at any age or interest.

The bottom floor of the museum is definitely geared towards a younger audience. There is a large play area where kids can pretend to be a fireman, policeman, EMS worker, Veterinarian you name it. In addition to this there is a small stage set up where kids can put on costumes and give the adults a mini performance. Right next to here is an expansive train table that is big enough for at least 15 kids to play on at the same time.

Also on the first floor is a submarine where you can play pretend science experiments and a pirate ship to take you looting and plundering. Arrrrgh! There is more fun on the bottom floor but I can't give it all away, your going to have to go to find out for yourself.

Upstairs there is the "Money Palooza" room which aims to teach kids financial responsibility through play. Watch out for the hanging piggy bank because he will occasionally break open dropping down small plastic balls on anyone underneath. Next door to this room you can build your own car and race it down a track, build a house out of giant legos and even try your hand a little bit of woodworking. There is a great sports room (with a hockey rink) and mini basketball court, and soccer too.

The staff at Marbles is great too! They are in general really nice and are always willing to play with the kids. My favorite times to go are after lunch because usually most school groups have left by then.

Oh and don't forget to check out what movies are playing at the IMAX attached to the side of the museum. D and I have seen some really neat documentaries there.

All in all, Marbles is a great way to spend the day and for $5 a person you really can't argue for the value. Kids will play and play and play all day. C and D frequently ask me when they get to go back. It's a great reward for good behavior and good choices too.