My Art Journal

This giveaway has ended. Thank you to everyone who entered. The winner has been notified.
Our friends at the Gallery of Modern Art in Queensland have given us a copy of the ‘Drawing Life for Kids: My Art Journal’ to give away.  The journal is inspired by Matisse’s love of drawing and contains over 100 pages of activities.

My daughter (aged 10) uses her journal in bed before she goes to sleep. The book contains beautiful images and questions that prompt children in using their imagination and thinking outside the box of their everyday life.  The journal is great for kids who love to draw and kids who need encouragement.

The journal is also a wonderful keepsake…. I love this introduction: ‘This art journal is about you. Take your time and make each drawing special. When it is finished, your journal will be full of your childhood memories. Treasure it for life!’

Our favourites in the book are “What would your family look like if you were all superheros and think of five things that are absolutely impossible.

To win your own copy in 25 words or less ‘what your favourite time to draw is and why.’ before 31st Jan 2012 to info@artsrocket.org . Winner will be notified by email on the 1st Feb 2012. Prize value :$19.95

The journal is available to purchase at the Gallery store or online atwww.australianartbooks.com.au

Last week we were in Brisbane visiting family but we also managed to fit in a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art.

Matisse – Drawing Life
This is an  impressive exhibition that features over 300 works on paper by Henri Matisse and is the most comprehensive exhibition of Matisse’s prints and drawings ever mounted.

My youngest son (aged 8) was not very keen but my daughter (aged 10) who loves to draw any moment she can get was fascinated with the simple lines and shading Matisse used to create beautiful drawings.

My son did gain interest when we entered the Drawing Room, a large scaled studio.  They both grabbed a board, art paper and pencil to sit amongst other artists to draw just like Matisse.   There are also a selection of interactive tablets available to draw upon  and email your finished artwork to family or friends.  The studio is filled with sculptures, furniture, still – life arrangements and models – plenty of
inspiration.

• This is a great introduction to Matisse  to check out before you visit – Matisse for Kids

Matisse – Drawing Life runs until the 3rd March
Cost:  Children under 12: free, Adults: $20, Family: 2 adults 2 children ( aged 13- 17) $50

Yayoi Kusama | Look Now, See Forever
We first experienced the vibrant Japanese artist  Yayoi Kusama at the MCA with her exhibition Mirrored Years in 2009. This new exhibition, Look Now, See Forever features new work by the artist that all families will love.

Giant shiny pumpkins greet us as we enter (very tempting to touch – but not allowed), blooming flower sculptures look over us as we pass by and Dots Obsession again tempts us to touch the giant balloons.


A favourite for everyone was the Obliteration room – a completely white room that encourages children to fill with multi-coloured dots.   Kids will enjoy being part of this installation and not being restrained from  touching.  We had a lot of fun finding spaces for our dots.

• You can see the progress of the Obliteration room here.
• The exhibition features painting, sculpture, video and installation
• Children can take photos but not with a flash

Look Now, See Forever runs until March 11th
Cost: Free

Pip & Pop | we miss you magic land!
My daughter and I visited the Japan Foundation 2009 exhibition “Under the crystal sky” of this talented Perth-based duo and we were delighted to see that  we could experience it all again.  GOMA commissioned Pip & Pop (Nicole Andrijevic and Tanya Schultz) to create  a new sugar coated world.    ‘We miss you magic land!‘ is absolutely beautiful.

My kids loved moving from one  area to the next and discover the sugary lands and inhabitants.  Children can also lay down on a mat to take in the creations hanging from above.   At the end of the exhibition  they have the opportunity create their own virtual magic land online featuring themselves running around in  the world of of Pip & Pop.   My children are still using the interactive game at home to create new worlds.

we miss you magic land runs until the 4th March 2012.
Cost: Free

Not in Brisbane?
If you  are unable to get to Brisbane to see any of these exhibitions – families can still interact online with a selection of games for kids.   They can fill a room with dots, draw like Matisse and create their own fantasy land.

Memberships at GOMA
This season new family memberships also receive a copy of “Drawing Life for kids: My Art Journal”.
More info:  http://qag.qld.gov.au/members/gallery_membership

Location:
Stanley Place, South Bank
Brisbane
http://qag.qld.gov.au/

Great school holiday entertainment can be hard to come by but you will not go wrong with Stage Fright! playing at the New Theatre.  Stage Fright! was written by Richard Tulloch (The Book of Everything) almost 20 years ago based on the stories of Paul Jennings  (Round the Twist, Unreal!, Unbelievable!) and still stands the test of time.

Tulloch pulls together a selection of Jennings quirky tales  with an amusing story involving three school children trapped in a ‘haunted’ house.  The cast successfully take on multiple roles to bring the  stories of Jennings alive including Skeleton on the dunny, Lucky Lips and The Copy.

Stage Fright! isn’t scary but will have the whole family (adults included) laughing out loud.  For me, the  afternoon brought back memories of going to the theatre when I was a child.  My kids and I enjoyed this show and we highly recommend it.

Extras

• Before each matinee kids get the opportunity to discover the world of behind the scenes, with a pre – show backstage tour and ‘meet-and-greet’ with the cast
• The performance runs for  app 2 hours with interval
• If your child is inspired to get on the stage, the New Theatre are running acting workshops over the holidays for kids aged 7 – 11 years

Over the holidays we jumped on a bus that led us to  Darling Harbour to catch the  latest production of  Circus Oz – Steam Powered.    This circus is not as shiny as Cirque Du Soleil  but it is  the raw qualities and boldness that wins over the audience.

The voluptuous ring mistress, Boss Lady (Sarah Ward)  attempts to keep  her family of misfits in control  whilst  the live band (my teens favourite element of the show) provides the perfect soundtrack for this rambicious crew.  Circus Oz does a wonderful job of showcasing the skills of the whole troupe.  Expect slapstick, physical performance, acrobactics, dangerous feats (we wanted more danger!) and the best magic act they could afford, The Hammond Brothers (my favourite).   Our other favourite,  Flip Kammerer stole the show as fitness instructor “Fantasia.”

It is not very often you see a performance with such an eclectic audience. In front of us were 10 teen girls celebrating a birthday dressed to the nines,  young and old couples and families with excitable kids.
To pull off successfully entertaining a broad audience for two hours is a feat in itself!

Extras

• The show runs for 2 hours with a 20 minute interval
• The show features strobe lighting
• All animals are 100% human
• Drinks and snacks available (popcorn is the  best value at $3.50 but I would  avoid the ice creams at $5.00 each)
• After the show let the kids have a run around at the new Darling Quarter playground.

On Tuesday my Mum and I had an evening out together at the Opera. We went to the Sydney Opera House for a performance of  Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.”  I have been to the Opera House for kids shows before but this was much more special.

I like to listen to Opera on the radio in the evenings before I go to sleep and the last few weeks I have been listening to the CD of The Magic Flute.

We arrived at the Opera House early so we could get a drink in the foyer and I also had some chocolate. There were a lot of other families there as well.  When we went  into the  concert hall it was completely full and our seats had a great view of the stage and we could see everything that was going on.

I thought the singing was inspiring and the costumes were so divine. The puppets were oversized, colourful, fascinating and everyone seated near me  enjoyed them.  The set was huge and it  moved around for the performers and to show different scenes.   Sometimes it was difficult to understand what was being sung (even in English) but luckily you can read the surtitles (the words appear on a small screen above the stage) but I found it more enjoyable just to listen and take it all in.

The story is about Prince Tamino who is saved from a serpent by three of the Queens helpers.  When they go off to tell the Queen a bird catcher called  Papageno bumps into the Prince and takes the credit for saving him from the snake and they become friends. When the three ladies come back they put a muzzle on him so he can not talk as punishment for lying.

The Queen sends them both off on adventure  to save her daughter Pamina from  the cruel Sarastro.  Tamino is given a magic flute and Papageno silver bells for a safe  journey. There are also three spirits that guide them. But there are some twists and  Prince Tamino and Papageno  face many dangers but find their way to a happy ending.

The Opera runs for two hours but you get to have a break half way and can go outside, enjoy the view and have a chat.

After the performance even though it was way past my bed time  we had a drink and some dessert at the Opera bar outside and listened to the jazz band playing and talked about our night at the Opera.

I think  The Magic Flute would be  great for kids who are  five and older and families who want to have a special night out with their kids.
by Mischa age 10

MORE INFO
Sydney until 23rd March 2012
Melbourne 21st April until 12th May 2012
Bookings and more information visit http://www.opera-australia.org.au/

The List Operators – Kids do Compooters is exactly what school holiday entertainment should be all about – silly, disgusting, hilarious and plenty of poo jokes to keep the whole family happy.    My two youngest children (10 and 8) and I did not stop laughing throughout the opening performance of this fantastic show within the Sydney Festival family program.

The List Operators take on Cyberspace and everything floating within it   featuring  plenty of audience  participation to keep the pace going. The game of Pong has never been more exciting.  Matt Kelly and Richard Higgins are masters at captivating a whole audience,  both kids and adults.

Kids do Compooters is so much fun and once word spreads expect it to be difficult to get hold of a ticket.

MORE INFO

Seymour Centre
Dates
Jan 10 – 13  at 10.00am
Jan 11 – Jan 13  at 12.30pm
Bookings and more info

Riverside – Parramatta
Dates
Jan 17, 19-21 at 10am
Jan 19-21 at 12.30pm
Bookings and more info

Last weekend we headed down the road to check out  what Flickerfest had on offer for kids.  Based in Bondi Beach, Flickerfest has grown to become Australia’s only competitive International Short Film Festival with entries coming from across the globe.

Even though it wasn’t what you would call cinema weather  there was a great crowd of families attending – some even had their swimming gear ready for a dip after the screening. The session screened eight shorts with a fantastic combination of animation and live action. Films represented were from Australia, United Kingdom. Norway, Germany and the USA.

My kids favourites were:
The Itch of the Golden Nit
A BBC production that involved thousand of children across the UK contributing drawings, sound effects and story ideas.
and Australian productions Toot Toot and Play lunch.

Extras

• For ages 6 – 12 years
• The bar featured goodies that were preservative free and not junky
• After the session head out to the balcony with your drink for the best view of  Bondi Beach
• Bring your swimming gear and make the most of Bondi Beach
• If you are not based in Bondi Beach – consider public transport

Bookings
This session is repeated on Thursday 230pm and at only *$5 a ticket makes it the best value cinema going this holidays (*$5 kids | $10 adults | $20 family of 4). Bookings

Bring on 2012!

What we will be  up to in January:

The Kids at the House 2012 program has been announced.  We have seen some real gems over the last years of the program that caters for families young and old and the 2012 program does not disappoint.

These are our picks for the year:
White (22 – 26th Feb)
A production suited for younger audiences introduction to theatre (2 – 4 years) from Scotland’s Catherine Wheels Theatre Company.

Escape from Peligro Island (19-28th April)
My kids have always loved the “Choose your Adventure” books. This takes the same concept and lets the audience choose the narrative of the play voting with their own remote controller.    *No two shows will be alike!
This exciting production was written by Finegan Kruckemeyer. Many families may have seen his beautiful piece “Boats” at the Darlinghurst in 2011.
Suitable for ages 7+
Prepare for this show to sell out!

Boxy George (3 – 13th Oct)
An intimate puppetry experience by Danish theatre Company Teater Refleksion.
George is alone
It is nice to be alone
Everything is nice and tidy
Perfect.
But…one day a box shows up.
And George is not alone anymore
Suitable for ages 5-10 years

Man Coverts Birds (18th Aug)
Another  Finegan Kruckemeyer piece!   Slingsby bring us a  coming of age journey  about flying from nests, birdsong  and the nature of man and wild things.
Suitable for ages 10+

Of course, there are many more performances to explore within the program.  I would advise booking ahead on any shows that catch you eye.
For full program and bookings visit: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/About/program_Kids_at_the_House.aspx

This competition has now closed. Thank you for all the wonderful entries. M. Gotto from Randwick has scored a family pass.


Just announced: WIN A FAMILY PASS TO THE ART OF THE BRICK
We have a family pass to give away to the Art of the Brick Exhibition. To enter let us know what has been your greatest Lego creation. Email info@artsrocket.org to enter.  Entries close on Friday 9th December 2011. The winner will be notified by email*.

My kids have always loved LEGO. We keep a large box of random pieces underneath our lounge room table that gets pulled out on a regular basis when they are bored and keeps their younger cousins happy on visits. It is always interesting to see what they create without the LEGO instruction guide.

If you have LEGO fans at home they will love  the Art of the Brick exhibition arriving in Sydney from December 12th. The exhibition features the amazing LEGO artwork of artistNathan Sawaya.

“I use LEGO bricks as my medium because I enjoy seeing people’s reaction to artwork created from something with which they are familiar. Everyone can relate to LEGO since it is a toy that many children have at home and one that adults have a sentimental attachment to.” Nathan Sawaya

The exhibition  will also include a LEGO building area where a block time of 45 minutes can be prebooked.

Expect lots of inspiration for future LEGO making sessions!

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artofthebrick
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Dates: 12 December 2011 until 5th February 2012

LEGO resources
Design your own LEGO – This service finishes up in January 2012.
http://designbyme.lego.com/en-us/Default.aspx
Lego
http://www.lego.com

*The competition is judged on creativity and originality. Prize value is $50.

This is a fantastic find. The Rocks have gone to a lot of trouble to provide quirky and fun entertainment for everyone, in a family friendly environment. Plus there are stalls and pop up shops for present buying.

Arran and I had a great time. It started with a street lined with chamber musicians, which led us to explore a couple of laneways.
Next we were enticed into an intimate (secret) laneway performance. So we can’t tell you what we saw! There are a few shows and they last for around 3 minutes.

After that we passed through quirky book readings to the puppet theatre which alas, was not age suitable for under 18’s (which they did tell us before we went in).

We were even a little spooked by the curious tent, as we hadn’t taken along a present … Enough said, again, you need to see it for yourself.

In between grabbing a bite to eat from the market stalls, we also had a boogie at the silent disco, watched some swing dancing and live music in the square. Plus there were Hula Hoop lessons and hairdressing and makeup.

It was such fun. We are going back next week and have even booked in for a hairdo! Apparently next week is “Urban”, the look this week was swing.

A great, fun way to spend a few hours. Definitely worth a visit.

Forgot to mention, all the activities, except the puppet show were free. Absolute score for the Rocks!

Opening hours – 5.30pm – 10pm
Friday nights
4 November – 23 December
The Rocks, Sydney

—
Joanne Kee

For information on the 2013 Sydney Opera House Big Summer Sleepover visit: https://www.facebook.com/sydneyoperahouse/app_291301844320393?app_data

Good Luck!

—

The Sydney Opera House have notified all the winners for 2012. Congratulations to all the families who will be taking part.

Eighty lucky winners will have the opportunity to have a sleepover within the Sydney Opera House!!!!!

Entries open this Saturday 19th Nov at 9am to Sydney Opera House’s Big Summer Sleepover.

Over two nights, 80 winners will have a sleepover in the surrounds of the Concert Hall Northern Foyer, boasting amazing harbour views.

This amazing experience also includes an exclusive VIP tour inside the Sydney Opera House, private dinner, special meet and greets and also tickets to “The Illusionists.”

Good luck everyone!

The 2012 Sydney Festival ticket sales have gone into full swing. Have you got your tickets? Lots of fun  stuff for kids and families to get involved!

We have only just discovered the beautiful kids  magazine “BIG” – Bravery, Imagination and Generosity.  The magazine explores children’s interaction with art and collaboration with artists and with probably the youngest senior editor in the world (Luca is 8 years old!).

Each issue has a different theme with the current issue  being –  First flight. So expect beautiful illustrations, photography, poetry and workshops including – how to make a flying bird animation.

Kids can get involved by submitting  their own artwork and register to be a part of the  child artist response project and can submit ideas for upcoming issues.

My daughter devours the magazine as part of her night time reading in bed before she goes to sleep. My boys haven’t had a chance to look at it as she has claimed it as her own. BIG can be shared amongst the whole family (adults included) and archived to bring out later for inspiration.

Track down a copy of BIG – your family will love it.

For more info and stockists visit: http://www.bigkidsmagazine.com