iArt Archives - i.d.e.a. Museum

Watercolor Whales

Let's experiment with watercolors. Today, we feel inspired to paint some whales from our imagination. Getting started You’ll need: Watercolor paper or thick paper (we used a paper plate) Watercolor paints Paint brushes A cup of water Paper towels (for dabbing your...

Create musical instruments

Tap into your musical side. All you need are recycled materials from home plus some glue, maybe some rubber bands and imagination. Start your artful projects by collecting materials from around your house to create an instrument. Some object you could use include:...

Art of the Story coloring book from Cheryl Tall

We’re bringing to you a new way to enjoy the i.d.e.a. Museum’s exhibition, Art of the Story. Today, we are featuring artist Cheryl Tall, who came up with an idea to share a few of her artworks on display at the museum’s Whiteman Family Exhibiton Gallery. Cheryl...

Messy Creations: Smush Painting

Painting can be a great way for your kiddos to create. But we know it can be scary because of the potential for big messes. That’s why we’re sharing a sensory painting method from our Messy Creations workshop that minimizes the mess for little ones, but it’s still a...

MuseumWeek: Textured artwork

UPDATED 4/27/2021 MuseumWeek is coming up June 7-13, and we’re celebrating by looking back at some of our favorite artworks and activities at the museum. We love having changing art exhibits in the Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery because it gives us an opportunity...

Mother’s Day Craft: Colorful Mugs

Homemade gift can be wonderful treasures! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’re sharing an activity from our popular Mother’s Day Tea Party, which typically takes place the Saturday prior to mom’s special day. WATCH VIDEO here: ...

3 artful space activities

Happy Astronomy Day! Astronomy Day is celebrated twice a year in the spring and fall. In 2020, we celebrate on May 2 and Sept. 26. Did you know the first Astronomy Day in the United State took place in 1973? Doug Berger, then the president of the Astronomical...

Draw-a-story game with artist Shachi Kale

Looking for a fun way for you or your child to exercise imagination and creativity? Try creating a game. This drawing + storytelling activty comes from Chandler artist Shachi Kale, who is featured in the i.d.e.a. Museum’s current exhibition, Art of the Story. She...

Flower Collage

Happy Earth Day! It's the 50th year of this special day aimed at raising awareness of our environment. Since we're talking about Earth Day, let's try a creative activity to practice being environmentally resourceful. What do we mean by being environmentally...

Nature Prints for Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day, here’s a creative activity to inspire a discussion about recycling and encourage the family to do a little yard work together. This at-home idea comes from Gallery Educator Rebecca Cameron, one of several talented team members at the...

Color Scavenger Hunt: Plant Edition

Who doesn’t love plants? Plants provide us with food, clean air and beauty! We can find an entire spectrum of colors in the blooming spring desert. Use this science lesson today or any day to inquire about the plants around us - maybe try it Monday (April 10) during...

Get crafty celebrating 50 years of Earth Day

Earth Day 2020 is almost here! How will you celebrate on April 22? We love Earth Day at the i.d.e.a. Museum. Teaching about sustainability is part of our mission. Our staff works on a variety of activities that utilize recycled materials, and we have a dedicated...