100 pounds of clay...

“Don’t touch!!!”. This statement can be frequently heard during parent-child art museum visits. If you are looking to break this trend, try out a fun filled day at the Orange County Museum of Art. Highlighting modern and contemporary works, the museum currently features an imaginative sculpture installation that is totally touchable!

A Touchable Installation
Throughout the summer adults and children alike can visit, view, and even rebuild Charles Long’s 100 Pounds of Clay. This interactive sculpture began as 100 one pound blocks of vividly hued modeling clay. As the exhibition time progresses guests of all ages are invited to remold and play with the blocks. Every so often the kindly museum staffers will set out fresh blocks to sculpt over and over again. When the exhibit wraps up (September 19, 2010) the artist recycles all 100 pounds of clay into an entirely new sculptural piece. This kid-friendly work of art is sure to ignite your child’s imagination and encourage her creative spirit. As an added bonus, usual museum rules don’t apply. Retire the fear of your child touching the art and simply allow her to explore!

Make Your Own Art at the Museum
If sculpting new blocks just isn’t enough for your pint sized Picasso, families can enjoy the Target Free Second Sundays program. Every second Sunday museum admission is completely free, plus the kids can participate in a themed art making activity. The July Free Second Sunday will be moved to the third Sunday due to the Independence Day holiday. On July 18 children can join museum staff for an entire day of sculpture making fun. Based on the touchable installation itself ( the previously detailed Charles Long: 100 Pounds of Clay), this family activity encourages creativity while helping kids to explore basic elements of art such as space and shape.

Museum Hours and Admission
The Orange County Museum of Art is open from 11 am to 5 pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and from 11 am to 8 pm on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Regular adult admission is $12 per person, students and seniors are $10, and kids under 12 are always free. For more information museum admissions can be reached at 949-759-1122.