Photo by David Heald, courtesy of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation
The Nuture Network is inspired by some of the mother and child subjects in the current Pulitzer Arts Foundation exhibition "Medardo Rosso: Experiments in Light and Form."
A gallery space filled with sculptures, drawings, and fine art photographs might not seem like the ideal setting for a play date, but that’s exactly what the Pulitzer Arts Foundation (3716 Washington) will become this weekend.
From 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, the art museum will host the Nurture Network, an event inspired by some of the mother and child subjects currently on display in the museum's exhibition Medardo Rosso: Experiments in Light and Form.
Activities include Development FUNdamentals, a workshop led by experts who will help parents learn to observe the independent movement of their infants in a way that encourages creativity for both adult and infant, a baby-wearing fashion show, and a screening of the documentary The Beginning of Life.
The event will also feature displays, offerings, and activities from organizations including the Community Birth & Wellness Center and We Stories, which introduces area families to compelling children’s literature featuring diverse characters. It also provides related resources to help foster family conversation and community-building, making its message appealing to families with kids of all ages, says Kristin Fleischmann Brewer, director of public projects at the Pulitzer.
“What’s great about this event is that it has a variety of activities for different families,” she says.
For example, the baby-wearing fashion show presented by the Community Birth & Wellness Center might appeal to expectant parents or anyone who appreciates creativity, crafts, and— of course—cute babies.
“We have these beautiful, handmade [baby] wraps,” Fleischmann Brewer says. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
And The Beginning of Life, the documentary being screened, will likely appeal to parents, educators, or anyone else who interacts with children. The film examines the effects of children’s early environments on their cognitive, social, and emotional development while giving glimpses into family life in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Kenya, and the United States.
The Nurture Network event kicks off a series of programs at the Pulitzer in which the foundation is working with collaborators and partner organizations to make the space more comfortable and inviting for a wide range of visitors, Fleischmann Brewer says.
“I’m always happy when kids and families take over the Pulitzer, or museums in general, because it really breathes life into the space,” she says.
Next month, the Pulitzer is also beginning a series of bodywork sessions facilitated by one of the FUNdamentals workshop leaders. The sessions focus on nurturing and self-care for parents.
The Nurture Network events are free and open to the public. Attendees interested in FUNdamentals are encouraged to register for the workshop, which is best suited for caregivers and children from birth to pre-walking development.
Visit the Pulitzer's website for more information, on Saturday’s activities.
