apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

One of my very earliest memories is of my father sitting me up on a table, and asking me my opinion of a painting. I remember him talking to me about art. Funny thing, I grew up and went to art school...

Thinking about it, I was wondering what made me so uncomfortable about this story... Exposing children, at least from my experience, is a very good thing. Surrounding children with good art, good design, will help them develop their "eye". However, the thought of buying art, serious expensive art (even when filthy rich) just for children is disturbing. I am trying to decide whether or not they are defacto creating another category of art, similar to "sofa art". In any case, it strikes me that artworks for children will likely not stand the test of time, and risk being disposable works. I would rather see parents get serious about art, and hanging some good stuff in family spaces. Let kids figure out their own taste.

I'm with monika1--just hang good stuff in family spaces. We actually do have nice art in our child's nursery, however, it is part of own collection and has been rotated around the house. Later on, when more aware, if our child specifically requests a piece of art from our collection be hung in his room until he's ready for another piece, I would be happy to oblige.

I think there are better and more interactive ways to encourage creativity, unorthodox thinking, and good taste in kiddos than hanging expensive modern art in their rooms. Being exposed to great art is wonderful, but making art themselves, especially in the toddler and preschool years, is even more important and effective.

You certainly don't have to spend tons of money to expose your child to art! I started my toy company, AmazingWIZkids.com, in part out of inspiration from Ginny Chien's article The Playroom of Modern Art in the New York Times. Buying inexpensive fine art prints for my home - that I just happen to enjoy anyway - will familiarize my child with some of the more famous pictures I love. There is nothing wrong with a good copy. Museums, art books borrowed from the library, and art supplies will all broaden a child's artistic horizons. Not everyone can afford six or seven figure artwork but everyone can enhance their child's education with fine art.