Event Recap:
Family 2nd Saturday, Painting with Movement

Written by Adam Walker, Art and History Educator

In the 1940s in post-war New York City, a new style of art was developed. This style was characterized by abstract forms, spontaneous movement, and the power of emotion. This style of art would become known as Abstract Expressionism.

It was among the first art movements developed in the United States to have a far-reaching effect on the international art world. Within Abstract Expressionism is action painting, perhaps most famously seen in the drip painting of Jackson Pollock. Pollock’s drip paintings were inspired by the work of Ukrainian-American artist Janet Sobel, who had developed her own style of drip painting several years earlier. Pollock’s drip paintings would have resounding effects on the art world.

At Turtle Bay’s recent Family 2nd Saturday program, guests had a chance to live Pollock’s legacy by making their very own drip paintings. With armed aprons, paint, and some household objects, Turtle Bay’s Education Department’s volunteers and staff helped guests create their very own action paintings; paintings that were made with the power of movement. The activities were colorful, fast, active, and very messy, but here at Turtle Bay, we love a messy art project and the opportunity to let guests explore what it means to make art. The legacy of the Abstract Expressionists lives on in all of the artworks made by snapping rubber bands, spinning paper, shaking marbles, and smashing paint-filled pipettes.

Family Second Saturday is an all-ages educational program that provides fun activities and projects for the whole family to enjoy on the second Saturday of every month. Not every program is as messy as Painting with Movement was, but they’re all a fun chance to learn something new! Join us in the Museum for our next Family Second Saturday on February 11 from 11am to 2pm to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Family 2nd Saturday is presented by Kool April Nites