If you’ve got a mini-Monet dabbling in art all over the house, and your fridge is starting to look like a museum wall, bring that budding artist to The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University where they can let their inner-artist shine. Second Sundays are all about families, and we have all the details right here!Â
Second Sundays
A newly remodeled Sunday program called Second Sundays kicked off at the end of 2016, and they’re a masterpiece. The original program was launched in 2013, but the museum has recently changed up the format so now there’s no waitlist, no registration and no standing in line which—translates into more time to explore art with your pint-sized painter. Oh, and did we mention—it’s free?!
Drop-in Studio for Hands-On Art
There’s a different theme each month, and opportunities for curious kids of all ages to learn about art and artists, while trying their hand at new techniques like the masters. In November, the spotlight was on San Francisco painter and graffiti artist Barry McGee. We got a chance to chalk it up, tagging the tables outside using geometric shapes and bright colors, a la McGee. Chalk art also caters right to those big motor skills for the younger crowd, while inside the Drop-In studio, delicate watercolor speaks to those fine motor skills for the older kids—allowing everyone to let those creative juices flow.
Spotlights on Artists to Inspire Kids
If you’re hoping a little undercover art education might slide right on into this day, then head to a docent-lead talk. This isn’t a dry, long talk like your parents might have dragged you to, instead, we’re talking about a 15 minute bite-sized question and answer, interactive, engaging session for curious kids, lead by an expert.  She had us stand back and look at the art, then get close, close our eyes and call out what we noticed first. The kids were hooked, and (shh! don’t tell) learning about art theory—mega bonus points!
Sketch Along the Way with an Art Pack
Another big highlight: check out an art pack, to re-create Rodin or draw anywhere the mood strikes! The kit is easy to carry, and holds a sketch pad, and some colored pencils so your little can lay down while putting down their twist and take on art. Â
As you slowly stroll through the museum, if your shorty is getting a tad restless, try out one of the other activity areas among the exhibits.  We stopped for colored pencils, patterned sheets and letters to create our own designs with monikers like McGee, all while learning his style.
Getting off the beaten path from the spotlight artist might leave you meandering through the rest of the museum, and the other 24 galleries and sculpture gardens with art from all over the world, turning this Sunday into a well-rounded, well-worth it trip!
Plan your visit to The Cantor Arts Center:
Second Sundays at The Cantor Arts Center happen on the second Sunday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
328 Lomita Dr.
Stanford, Ca
Cost: Free
Online:Â The Cantor Arts Center
–Meghan Kalkstein
