Heckscher Museum mixes art with Halloween Fun
By Jennifer Donatelli
The Heckscher Museum of Art, located inside Heckscher Park in Huntington, celebrated Halloween with a free, family-friendly event on Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon to 5 p.m.
Held in conjunction with the museum’s new exhibit, “The Body Politic,” the event showcased how artists use different mediums to interact with and shape the world.
Young attendees received an activity worksheet and worked with their families to choose a favorite artwork on display at the museum. Adding to the fun, children and their families participated in a scavenger hunt throughout the museum, looking for portraits, landscapes, abstract art, and sculptures.
The young artists learned how looking closely at art helps us learn to observe artwork and the world around us more carefully.
Attendees created their own haunted Digital Action paintings, learned about collage-making, and designed spooky ghost crafts—all while learning how to interpret and appreciate various art forms.
“The purpose of this event,” said Joy Weiner, Director of Education and Public Programs for the Heckscher Museum, “is because many parents aren’t comfortable explaining art to their children or don’t know how to make it age-appropriate. The activity guide provides a series of questions to help children learn about art while having fun.”
Mary Porter, a museum docent, mentioned that the event has taken place biannually since 2010 and draws hundreds from the local community and across Long Island to experience art in a fun, hands-on environment.
Jane and Annie Mahoney, sisters from Queens, came with their parents and grandparents, planning to play on the playground but stayed for an hour to explore exhibits and make crafts.
Porter explained that the event is a great way to bring families to the museum, allowing adults to enjoy the artwork while children engage in activities.
Sawa, age 2; Koto, age 7; and Seisuke, age 4—siblings originally from Japan and now living in Syosset—enjoyed making Halloween crafts and learning about different cultures through artwork.
Gary Rubin, 6, from East Williston, came with his dad, both museum members who enjoy attending events. Wearing his Dracula costume with fake blood, Gary said he loved making crafts and had fun getting messy.
Upcoming events at the Heckscher Museum of Art include Artists in the Galleries, every Sunday in November and December from noon to 2 p.m. Visitors can meet the artists and learn about their work.
For more information on programs and exhibits, or to sign up for an event, visit www.heckscher.org.
