[The Magic of Art 03] Experience making things at the Yokohama Museum of Art's "Children's Atelier"

The Yokohama Museum of Art is set to reopen in March 2024 after three years of major renovations. In November, marking the museum's 35th anniversary, certain areas will reopen, bringing the museum back to life. We spoke with educators Taishi Sonoda and Momo Takiguchi, who plan educational outreach activities at the Children's Atelier within the museum, about the museum's efforts during its long closure and noteworthy new programs.
(Top image: From left: Yasushi Sonoda and Momo Takiguchi)

Cultivate the desire to give it a try!

"Children's Atelier" is a specialized facility that provides programs aimed at children from preschool to 12 years old, with the aim of allowing them to encounter art through hands-on experience.

The three rooms, a playroom, a craft room, and a light and sound studio, as well as the courtyard, were secured from the design stage, creating a spacious space for children. Since the museum opened, many children from Yokohama and beyond have been enjoying art freely here through "Programs for Schools" and individual art and art appreciation programs.

-The reopening of the Children's Atelier in November 2024 is fast approaching.

Sonoda : Perhaps it's appropriate to say "finally." I'm happy to be able to respond to the voices of everyone who has been eagerly awaiting our reopening after the completion of major renovations for about three years.

-What did you two educators do during the closure?

We held art classes such as the "Hermit Crab Program" at our temporary Sonoda base, "PLOT 48." Taking advantage of the space's different appearance from the museum, we also prepared programs that parents and children could participate in, and many people participated.

Takiguchi: I sorted through about 30,000 carefully stored positive films that recorded our activities going back 30 years. I looked back at the important records of the workshops, checked the condition of the films, and compiled them.

Through this work, we can also feel something by seeing the children's work and efforts. I think we will be able to offer new programs that are born from this in the future.

I want to try it myself! Cherish your feelings

-The "Everyone's Free Zone" will start in November.

This program allows children to freely create using three materials: Sonoda clay, paint, and paper. These three materials are the ones we have mainly used up until now, and are suitable for children to see, touch, and try out for themselves.

Children can see the big lumps of clay that have just been kneaded in the kneading machine, poke them with their fingers, knead them, roll them, and shape them... I'm sure adults will want to give it a try too (laughs).

Takiguchi: Soft clay is interesting, isn't it?
For parents of preschool children, we also recommend the "First Time Creative Play" event, held on weekdays. Children can freely paint with four colors of paint (red, blue, yellow, and white), make colored water, and spend time relaxing.

- Both parents should wear clothes that they don't mind getting dirty! I'd love to participate with my child.

The museum's appeal continues to grow, with a newly opened gallery, an art library that has been relocated to the ground floor for easier access, and a cafe and shop facing the Art Plaza. Keep an eye on the evolution of the Yokohama Museum of Art as it powers up ahead of the full-scale opening in February 2025.

Text by Mai Shimura (editor/writer)

Yokohama Museum of Art
Address: 3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone number: 045-221-0300
Official website: here