Chrysler Museum Glass Studio

I love creative playdates! A week or so ago, Anouk and I joined friends to go and see visiting artist Gianni Toso work live in the Chrysler Museum's glass studio. And it was probably my favorite of our adventures around town to date -- such an inspiring, educational, and colorful experience. I've never seen anything like it before (not even in all my poking around for things to do).

I'm not sure what I expected -- maybe something like the glassblowers at Jamestown? Sort of campy and fun? While this was definitely fun, there was far less of a boisterous vibe. Things were quieter, more focused, as the artist worked and the people sitting in rows of chairs around the workspace watched intently. Occasionally, a staffer with a microphone would step up to narrate what Toso was doing as he switched tools, or melded two different colored glass rods and stretched them into a delicately twisting ribbon. Classical music was playing while he worked and there were also large monitors hanging around the room so that even the people in the back could see. Toso comes from a family line of glass makers spanning back 700 years (that's not a typo), and he himself has been doing this for six decades, so you really want to be able to watch him closely, and luckily, you can.

Anne and her friend C. really enjoyed strolling around the perimeter of the room and looking at all of the work done by glass studio resident and visiting artists -- the more colorful or intricate it was, the better. To be completely honest, though, this was probably one of those outings that was more exciting the parents than the kids, at least in our case. S. and I were fascinated by the whole experience, but I think they were just too young to appreciate it fully. However, there were many older children in the audience -- ages 6 to 8 or so and then some older tweens and teens -- who seemed as into it as we were. So that's probably the best age group for this event.

The next nearest museum-affiliated glass studio in the U.S. is in Toledo, Ohio (there are only five in the whole country), so we are very lucky to have this one so close to home. And there are many opportunities to visit. The Chrysler's glass studio presents free daily demonstrations at noon, every Wednesday through Saturday, and regularly offer classes, workshops, and Third Wednesday parties with booze, music, and glass art demonstrations. You can find out more on the studio's website, and you can see more of what these remarkably talented artists do on the studio's YouTube channel.

Family Day at the Chrysler Museum

The Chrysler Museum will be closing its doors for renovations on Dec. 30th. Some museum exhibits will still be open to the public in other locations, but the museum itself won't open again until early 2014. As such, we wanted to be sure to take advantage of the last Second-Saturday Family Day because it's going to be a long time before we get the chance again. (I keep thinking about how A. will be almost three by the time the museum reopens and it blows my mind). On Saturday afternoon, we met up with friends in the gorgeously decorated Huber Court and decided to have one last hurrah.

The Chrysler has several family-friendly events throughout the month, but Family Day is our  favorite, hands down. There are crafts, music, and stories. As usual, admission to the museum is free (although donations are appreciated). It's a great bargain and wonderful resource for art lovers.

This Saturdays theme was Build It! Accordingly, we stopped by craft tables in the courtyard to build miniature houses and Sculpey snowmen. While we waited for Anouk's snowman to dry, we heard a few stories in one of the galleries, and then roamed around some of the exhibits, including the amazing Diamond Dust and Anouk's old favorite by Pinaree Sanpitak. This time, she wasn't a bit scared of the chiming stupas, but she did try to lay down and snooze on a few, thanks to missing her nap (will she even still be taking daily naps by the time the museum reopens?)

Of course we also stopped by the beautiful poinsettia tree for some holiday pictures. None of which were very blogworthy (see above: nap, missing), but would make perfect additions to awkwardfamilyphotos.com. You'll just have to trust me on this.

This storyteller was amazing...every single eye person in the room, kid and adult, was rapt.

People are always saying, when they hear we're from DC, that we must miss the wonderful museums in the city. But the truth is, we don't, so much, and the Chrysler is one of the big reasons why. It's a fabulous, carefully curated place with wonderful staff and we're going to miss it. Goodbye for now, Chrysler! Although we're excited to see you in all your glory when you reopen.

The Chrysler will be open Wednesday through Sunday through the end of the month, with a big sendoff party on Dec. 26th! More info about that here and other events here.