I listen, and I forget
I see, and I remember
I do, and I understand

- Chinese Proverb

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

 

Reflection

Bartow-Pell Mansion Held Artist-Led Family Workshop

The problem with many specialized programs for children with ASD and other disabilities is that they often exclude parents, caretakers, and siblings – leading the activity to feel like a chore for the rest of the family. This was not the case for Search and Discovery, a family program held in conjunction with MJ Levy Dickson’s Like Seaglass: A Hand Full of Light-Reflection at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. The program allowed young people with disabilities as well as their families the chance to participate in the art process and explore the sensory and tactile nature of the glass. Children chose pieces of glass that struck their fancy and discovered relationships with the colors, shapes, and textures that they found on the mansion grounds – an activity that anyone could enjoy. Inspired by their discoveries, families made paper collages that mirrored the colors and shapes of the glass. This inclusive program fostered sensory engagement and art appreciation for a diverse audience. In July, the program was the subject of a panel at the USSEA (United States Society for Education through Art) Conference held at the Queens Museum, where the organizers spoke on the successes of the program, what could be done differently to make it even better, and how a similar program could be held at other sites.

More photographs on the NYC Historic Houses Facebook page

Search and Discovery presentation (PDF)