Article and Photos by Matt Smith
Katon-ians young and old, and visitors from near and far, flocked to the Katonah Museum of Art on May 3 to partake in SuperStructure Sunday, the Spring offering of the museum’s three seasonal exhibition events. In an attempt to encourage a “vibrancy within the community,” these events are held once every season—with the exception of bitter, cold winter—to coincide with the launch of a major exhibition at the museum.
“We come up with activities for all ages to create a family-friendly event,” commented KMA’s Manager of Public Programs Margaret Moulton. And, said Education Programs Manager Margaret Adasko, of the day’s specific architectural theme: “Every activity activates the community to make use of the [architectural] tools at their disposal.”
These activities included a Build-A-Village “Design Challenge”, sponsored by Arch-for-Kids, in which children created their own villages out of recycled cardboard boxes and other craft materials. Event participants also had the option of constructing edible architecture by connecting marshmallows and toothpicks.
Those who preferred pen and paper were given the opportunity to visually express how the environment inspires them. Completed drawings were hung by clothespins on the “treehouse,” an exact replica of modernist architect (and designer of KMA’s building), Edward Larrabee Barnes’ private Mt. Kisco home, as designed by famed multimedia artist Chris Larson. William A. Kelley & Company also donated a construction vehicle for the day which kids could climb into and explore.
Additionally, in an effort to “get kids surrounded by these architectural tools,” each of the interior galleries were outfitted with benches containing a variety of TinkerToys, Lincoln Logs, and Legos. Reiterated Adasko, “Our hope is that,” like architects, “it gets them inspired to build.”
A common theme for the day, in conjunction with the central subject of architecture, was that of home — “a small, one-syllable word that has infinite connotations,” to quote guest speaker Pam Hart — and specifically, the idea of “What makes a house a home?”
Of related note, an activity for the older guests was the Oral History Booth, spearheaded by Moulton, wherein participants can share their stories and memories of what a home means to them. “Story sessions can be made with a trained facilitator,” Moulton explained, “or we have DIY interview packets, based on [those used by] StoryCorps.”
This project is not exclusive to Sunday’s event; “it is ongoing through June,” continued Moulton. “So, if you feel inspired, come on in and sign up!” The Katonah Village Library will archive all of the interviews in the Town of Bedford Oral History Project, which has been collecting oral histories since 2007. Participants will also receive a CD with a copy of their individual interview.
Toward the end of the afternoon, Arch-for-Kids hosted a treehouse-making workshop for those guests aged six and under, while the adults took part in a discussion about what makes a home, arranged to generate interest in the aforementioned Oral History project. The discussion was led by local poet Pam Hart, historian and Chair of Bedford Planning Board Dierdre Courtney-Batson, and acclaimed writer Akiko Busch.
Throughout the day, Ladle of Love and Penny Lick Ice Cream Company provided sandwiches, salads, and other treats for the various guests.
At the end of the day, Moulton and Adasko had a goal that the event would strengthen the bond between Katonah residents, reiterating their hope for “a communal village feeling in town.” They also wish to extend special thanks to the event’s main sponsors: The Diebold Institute for Public Policy Studies and William Raveis Real Estate.
Added Adasko, with a smile, “We just hope it’s a really fun day for everyone.” No worries, ladies. That goal was indeed accomplished. You both constructed (no pun intended) a wonderful day.
The Katonah Museum of Art is located just off of Route 22, at 134 Jay Street, in Katonah, NY. KMA mounts ten exhibitions a year throughout its main galleries, Learning Centers, and Sculpture Gardens. The current exhibition, known as Chris Larson: The Katonah Relocation Project, runs through June 28th. For further information, please visit www.katonahmuseum.org. #katonahmuseumofart
Matt Smith, a graduate of Skidmore College, is a regular contributor to The Inside Press, Inc.
