10 on 10: LACMA {L.A. Photographer}

This month, my “10 on 10″ post comes from a family Saturday trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, otherwise known as LACMA.  There is no shortage of culture and things-to-do in L.A. so we try to split our weekends between chores at home and exploring our city.  And LACMA has a great program called, NEXGEN, which provides free admission to the art museum for a kid and one adult chaperone.  It’s their way of getting kids hooked on art while they’re young and we think it’s a great idea!  Our adventure for the day cost us a mere $10 in parking!

As soon as you come up from the parking garage, you’re greeted with art.  I love any scene with palm tree and the dynamic lines and color of the building are a nice contrast to the trees.

More pattern and line and color greets you as you walk the corridor between some of the museum’s halls.  That’s my 5-year-old leading the way. . .

Our main draw for the visit was to see the Metropolis exhibit by Chris Burden.  The boys had been before, but it was my first visit.  It’s quite the impressive city scape of racing cars and trains.  Any little boys dream, really!

As it turns out, art doesn’t have to include cars to interest children.  The enormous Band by Richard Serra had twists and curves and secret cubbies, perfect for exploration.

The dedicated children’s area, the Boone Children’s Gallery, gave the kids (and adults!) a chance for some hands-on art.  With a friendly staff of helpers, fresh paints and supplies, soothing music, and inspiration all around, it was a great place to work on our own masterpieces.

We headed out to a courtyard and were greeted by the installation Penetrabile by Jesus Rafael Soto.  I shared this image for Fine Art Friday a few weeks ago:

But thought I’d add a few more for some perspective. . .

We strolled through the sculpture garden, walking right through a painting (so it seemed),

and explored Urban Light by Chris Burden, one of the museum’s most iconic pieces.  The old fashioned street lamps reach toward the sky so majestically.

And are a delight to run through for a 3- and 5-year old!

 There is so much we didn’t explore, but I think the key to having a great time for the kids and adults is to pace yourself and not try to cram it all into one day.  And with our NEXGEN passes, thankfully, we don’t have to!

It wouldn’t be a “10 on 10″ if I didn’t have a link to another fabulous photographer, so go check out Beth at BMP Photography, New Hampshire Photographer now!