If you’re looking for something a little different, and actually meaningful, to do with your kids this weekend, this is one of those sneaky great options.
On Saturday, April 4th at 2pm, Leonardo Drew will be the focus of a special artist lecture hosted by The Writers’ Block (818 NW Flanders Street). The event features a live Q&A and virtual conversation with Drew and curator Sima Familant, giving you and your kids a rare chance to hear from an artist whose work is shown around the world.
Now, you might not immediately think “artist lecture” and “kids” go together. But this one actually works. Drew’s sculptures are made from raw, everyday materials and transformed into these massive, textured, almost puzzle-like pieces. For kids, that’s instantly interesting. It sparks that “how did they make that?” curiosity, which is exactly what you want.
It’s also a great way to introduce bigger ideas, like creativity, building something from nothing, and even themes like change and renewal, without it feeling like a lesson. Plus, tying it to the Seeing the What exhibition means they can hear about the work and then actually see it, which helps everything click.
And if you’re wondering whether this is a legit artist, he is. His work is featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Tate Modern. Not bad company.
Best part, it’s a low-effort outing. You’re not rushing between activities or loading kids in and out of the car. You show up, sit down, and experience something together. And who knows, you might walk out with a kid who suddenly wants to start building their own “masterpiece” out of whatever they can find at home.
And honestly, that’s a win.
Sima is the curator of The Lobby – https://ellenbrowningbuilding.com/the-lobby/