Taking a trip to an art museum is something that should never be done alone. While spending time alone at an art museum, the moments of silence can seem overwhelming despite the breathtaking pieces of art that are seen there. Frequently, visiting an art museum is an act that is done as a romantic encounter shared by two. At least, that has been true from my experience.
The decision was made this Good Friday to take homeschoolers from the Northern Virginia and Maryland area to the art museum. When the invitation was first extended, I thought that it was planned as a mother's temporary escape from home. This thought was quickly chased away by the reality that there were plans to bring young children to the museum. It was going to be a time of learning. The question was who would actually do the learning.
The morning that I arrived at the art museum, the weather was chilly for the Washington area. The temperatures were below normal. At least they were for the Easter season in this part of the country. Spring clothing remained in closets and drawers.
There were at least half a dozen mothers, along with over a dozen children, who met at the art museum fountain. The ages of the children were pre-school through second grade. Within this meeting lay an opportunity to teach these children about art. The moment to seize and teach had finally arrived.
Walking through the spacious rooms and hallways held a sense of mystery waiting to be discovered. The paintings were breathtaking with beauty. Each of the rooms at the art museum offered another glimpse at these masterpieces. Several of these were thousands of years old.
The tour guide from the museum asked questions about the pieces of art while at the same time informing all who were present that morning about the pieces of art. Pausing at a painting, she asked who appeared in the painting. All were unkowing for a moment. A three year old Hispanic girl willingly offered the answer. She explained that it was the angel Gabriel and explained who the angel is. She further elaborated about the painting. From her mouth came wisdom or at least knowledge that morning.
Shannon Bridget Murphy
Tags:
angel gabriel, art museum, chilly, easter, fountain, good friday, invitation, maryland, moments of silence, northern virgnia, painting, tour guide
Posted at: 03:18 PM | Add Comment
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