The Step Into Art family podcast extends the workshop experience and provides parents with an opportunity to experience the program’s interactive approach to art appreciation. The podcast explores five works of art at the Sackler Museum, one of the Harvard Art Museums, located on the Harvard campus in Cambridge.

The podcast uses a variety of questions to encourage kids (and adults!) to look closely and use their imagination. You’ll hear a chime throughout the podcast which signals you may wish to pause to discuss a question. These questions are just a starting point—your family will no doubt have new questions and ideas to share as you explore the art together.

Before you visit:
• Preview the five paintings you’ll see with your child. Take a moment to share some observations about each piece—you may be surprised by the new things you notice when you see the art in person.
• Listen to the Introduction (Track #1) together to help orient yourself to the Sackler Museum and the podcast’s theme.
• Download and print the accompanying gallery guide. This will show you where each piece is located in the gallery.

When you visit:
• Bring a small notepad and pencils for sketching your favorite pieces in the gallery. (Remember that only lead pencils are allowed in the Sackler.)
• Consider letting your child pick out a postcard of a favorite piece from the Sackler’s gift shop. Most cost less than $1 and it’s a great way to start your own art collection at home!
• Restrooms are located in the Sackler’s lower level, one flight below the main lobby.

After you visit:
• A hands-on art project based on one of the works and images of several of the artists discussed in the podcast can be found on the “Artists’ Studio & Still Life” page.
• Find books about looking at art at your local library using the Suggested Books & Links page to continue your family’s exploration of great art.

Step Into Art is quite unique – an interactive art history class for kids.  It is a program that challenges, educates, and inspires students to engage with paintings actively, not passively.  The program is intellectually stimulating and a whole lot of fun.  I will continue to recommend it to everyone.
-- Melissa Bernstein, Mother of  3, theater specialist