Cincy Museum Exhibit Supports Life Lessons

Exhibit Supports Life Lessons—Go Now!
“Be a problem solver” is my never-ending mantra around our house. I am hoping if I chant it every day relentlessly my young sons will find their own shoes, take out the garbage can when it is full, and grow to become engaged and productive citizens.

Cincinnati Museum Center’s new exhibit, America I AM, helps me reinforce this message. It is chocked full of priceless historic objects—an original copy of the Declaration of Independence; a signed copy of the 13th Amendment—that demonstrate how various people in American history have stepped up to solve a problem, right a wrong and build a better community

The best example of the “be a problem solver” message that resonates with my children is Garret Morgan’s prototype of the stop light. On a Cleveland, Ohio street in the early 1900’s, Mr. Morgan witnessed the collision of a car and a horse-drawn carriage and set to work to solve this dangerous situation. He began developing a traffic light, and applied for, and acquired one of the first US patents for a traffic signal in 1923. He later sold this patent to General Electric. Morgan’s hand-cranked signal was used throughout North America and Great Britain until it was replaced with the automatic green-yellow-red lights we know today.

Garrett Morgan Bio link

This notable example is just one of many ways Garret Morgan solved problems that have positively impacted our world. He is also patented the Morgan Safety Hood and Smoke Protector that became the gas mask used across the battlefields of World War I, and in mining and industrial settings beyond.

Go see the exhibit America I AM: The African American Imprint at Cincinnati Museum Center soon. This teaching moment leaves town January 2. There are many examples like this one that show our children how to be inventive, how to be creative, how to be courageous, how to be tolerant, and most importantly how to be problem solvers and engaged citizens for our future.

(photo credit to Mark Bowen/Cincinnati Museum Center)

Tickets are $12 adults; $8 kids.  CMC members $8 adults; $5 kids. 
TEACHERS--Book this for your classroom at $5 per student.   Call 513/287-7021 to make reservation. 
http://www.cincymuseum.org/pdf/AIAteacherguide.pdf

America I AM Web site

Cincinnati Museum Center

Art Institute of Chicago

Day Three--Art Institute of Chicago
We had a few more hours to drink in the city and I couldn't pass up a visit to the AIC. Last summer was the first time in years that I had been and the new modern wing is a treat. Break your visit in two with a tour of the older galleries, lunch and then off to the modern wing. The walk along the Nichols Bridge from Millennium Park over the Lurie Garden is a stunning view of the area. I covet the garden, but that is another post.

We began our visit to AIC in the side garden with a glimpse of another Alexander Calder sculpture. I should say that we had a scenic drive before arriving at Grant Park garage. I drove down LaSalle to admire the incredible architecture of the Loop and the view as you approach and dead-end into one of my favorite and most gorgeous landmarks, the Chicago Board of Trade Building.  I also wanted to share with my passengers  Calder's Flamingo sculpture in-situ at the Federal Plaza and of course, the  Picasso @ Daley Plaza(one of my favorite's because it is vintage Chicago).


You can't come to the AIC without admiring the lion statues.

















G says, "Mom, look at the heads. Take my picture between them." These pieces are part of a display in the main Women's Board Grand Stairway that showcases decorative and architectural elements from buildings around Chicago. I should have paid attention to the label by this case.






We were on our way to find Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (think Ferris Bueller and dots).  We walked into the gallery and just matter-of-factly G says "Oh, Rainy Day in Paris.  I know this one, take my picture on the street."  I love this kid's recall of things!!  He's going to be great on Jeopardy one day. 

The official title is Paris Street: Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte. 


We had a terrific time talking about art, the people, the animals, all colors, the brush strokes, the dots etc.  I gave him my camera and just let him go nuts--no flash of course and photography was allowed in the galleries.   He had a ball.  He was engaged and joyous, almost running from piece to piece. 

Next post, G's favorites from the American galleries including Grant Wood's American Gothic.  He says, "Are they trying to be funny?"  How can a 7 year old already get Grant Wood's sense of sarcasm?? 

I love museums!!  I love that they give us great things to talk about in big ways and in really small detailed ways.  I love that he felt empowered walking through the galleries with the camera.  As the summer fades, get thee to a museum and nuture the curiousity we need to be life-long learners!