Remember at the beginning of the summer how you said you were going to expose the kids to more art? Museums, gallery openings, film festivals–it was all part of your grand plan to make the littles more appreciative (and more aware) of all the great art out there. Fast forward 8 weeks, summer is winding down, and the closest the kids have come to art is chalk and the sidewalk out in front of the house. Not to worry. There’s still time to get in a heapin’ helpin’ of art enrichment before school starts. Here are just a few events from the Art&Seek calendar to help the kiddos get in touch with their artistic side this summer.

Photo: Dallas Museum of Art

If it’s enrichment and different you want, you don’t have to look farther than our area museums. I know, I know, the idea of dragging an unwilling child around a gallery or museum seems less than appealing to more than a few parents out there. Well, let me put your mind at ease. The world-class museums we’re lucky enough to have in our neck of the woods literally have something for everyone–and that includes the tinies. Far from being boring, they’ll make an art-lover out of your kiddo. Take a gander at these activities happening this week at your friendly, neighborhood museum.

• You and the fam can have a different art experience every day until August 9 at the Dallas Museum of Art. On Tuesday you can take a family tour through the galleries, Wednesday listen to a story, or pop into the Art Spot on Saturday and build a sculpture. The program is free and open to all ages. While you’re there, be sure to check out their newest exhibition “Dior: From Paris to the World.“
• There are only a few short weeks of summer left so get outside and enjoy the sunshine and fine art this weekend at the Nasher Sculpture Center’s First Saturday event.  In addition to seeing all the fabulous sculpture works up close and personal in the center’s garden-like setting, kids can also participate in a variety of programming geared especially for them. The free event includes an art scavenger hunt, yoga in the garden, and a craft activity.
• If you’re in Fort Worth be sure to stop by the Kimbell  Museum’s Renzo Piano Pavilion this Saturday for their Kids Drop-In event. The free program introduces children (ages 12 and younger) and their adult companions to fun and inspiring ways to enjoy art together. Each session features a brief gallery activity and a related studio-art project, The event is limited to 20 children so be sure to sign up before you head out to the event.
• Next Wednesday, Aug. 7, and Thursday, Aug. 8, take a break from the heat and step inside the ultra-cool Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for Modern Kids: Summer Flicks. Enjoy a selective slate of the best shorts from the Children’s Film Festival Seattle 2019, and the Spanish-language program from the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Besides the great films, another bonus is the opportunity to visit the galleries before or after.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Your local library is a great place to seek out small adventures close to home. Not only do they have all the books, magazines and DVDs you could ever want, they also have tons of programs for kids of all ages, Here are a couple of the many events to check out this week at area libraries.

• Listen to stories and then create art at the Haggard branch of the Plano Public Library. Kids 3-5 can do a different activity every Friday at 11. Smocks and materials are provided, but space is limited so get there 3o minutes early to secure a spot.
• Swing by Bookmarks at NorthPark Mall between 12 and 4 on Sunday for Krafty Kids. Children ages 6-11 can make a seasonal craft.
• Your child can be an Art Explorer this Saturday at Garland Public Library’s Walnut Creek Branch. Kids ages 6 to 12 will be taught to draw an optical illusion of a floating sphere using pencils, pens, and markers. All supplies are provided by the library. Space is limited so be sure to register in advance.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Believe it or not, there’s still time to squeeze in one more camp before summer is over. If your pint-sized Picasso is wanting to take their art-making skills up a notch, give one of these art camps a whirl.

• Arts Mission Oak Cliff is offering a 5-day Comic Book Creation Camp starting this Monday. Kids ages 8-15 can invent their own superheroes and villains, storyboard their adventures, and draw pictures that bring their characters to life.
• The Art Room in Fort Worth invites kids to bring an inquisitive mind and sense of adventure to their Art Experimenters camp. Participants ages 5-7 will get in touch with their inner-scientist and explore color and pattern through the use of everyday materials. This fun-filled camp includes marbling paper and creating 3-D texture with salt, plus much, much more. All supplies are included.

For even more artistic enrichment and kid-friendly events, explore the Kids & Family section of the Art&Seek calendar.