It’s Vancouver Design Week , I’m a designer… these are good enough reasons to immerse your kiddos in some designerly-activities as far as I’m concerned. How is design different than art? This is an interesting question, and one that I will attempt to answer in the most diplomatic of ways. I’d say (and I will get flack from this) that design is used to examine/communicate an external message, and art could be considered a more internal discovery. Design has a number of themes that are understood (and critiqued) as ‘good design’… I’d have a hard time saying ‘art’ is either good or bad. Hope that makes sense? We’ve collected a number of design-inspired activities for you, from fashion to architecture, and everything in-between. Hope to see you out, as you discover for yourself the subtle differences between art and design!
Arts Umbrella
Arts Umbrella has a unique installation going on right now in the windows of their studios that is actually part of Vancouver Design Week! The work shown is a collaboration between two classes: Teen Fashion and Drawing & Painting/Mixed Media. The groups created work, and then responded to the other classes work, which has culminated in a large-scale drawing. There are even cut-out windows so that the public can get a sneak peek into the studios and view their design process. It’s on the North Side of the building – be sure to have a look because it’s a great opportunity to see other kids working on something they are passionate about.
Arts Umbrella also offers some design-oriented courses for the budding designer in your life: Architectural & Environmental Design (13-19 year olds) and Architecture: Digital Spaces & Places (9-12).
Collage Collage
Collage Collage is a great place for your kids to learn the principles of design in a welcoming environment. Why not lay-out a sticker mandala (as shown in the picture) and investigate proportion, pattern and colour? Collage Collage offers a ton of classes for young and old alike, so if you need a break from the little-one, you can always sign-up for one of the night-classes and they can learn by osmosis the next day.
Museum of Vancouver
From Rationing to Ravishing: The Transformation of Women's Clothing in the 1940s and 1950s
http://www.museumofvancouver.ca/exhibitions/exhibit/rationing-ravishing
Made From Scratch
Hawkers Market - Invigorating Local Food Culture
Sunday, 28 September 2014 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Vancouver, BC
http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/made-from-scratch-september-28th-vancouver-tickets-13137216769
WORD Vancouver
Word Vancouver is Western Canada’s largest celebration of literacy and reading. The festival is held during the last week of September at various venues throughout the city. “The festival promotes books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests.” Book design is a big industry, with many amazing designers located here in Vancouver (Douglas Coupland would agree). This event includes author readings and signings, activities and is held at some beautifully designed buildings in Vancouver. I hope to see you on the 28th at the main event at the VPL, where I will be reading my own book to a crowd of youngsters!
PLAYHOUSE
One more thing… it’s a VDW event that is SOLD OUT! I write in hopes of having either of the amazing women holding the event to be inundated with requests for more of the same. ‘Playhouse’ – a “contemporary design inspired workshop for kids + parents to design, build and customize a space all in one sitting.” The workshop combines the expertise from Marianne Amodio’s Architecture Studio and Collage Collage’s knack for planning an awesome event.
http://www.maastudio.com/about/
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Bree Galbraith is the co-founder of Peaks and Harbours, a Vancouver “not just for moms” blog that showcases everything our city has to offer the younger crowd. @breegalbraith |
