EsMoa: A Hub of Artistic Exploration for All Ages
When people think of visiting an art museum, they usually imagine a formal affair; white walls, hushed voices, and taking a tour led by a well-informed yet uptight art expert. El Segundo Museum of Art, on the other hand, is a state of the art creative laboratory. Located on Main Street, ESMOA is more than a musuem.
Established in 2013, ESMOA transformed a deserted alley between the post office and a taco shop into a provocative art space. The founders, Brian and Eva Sweeney, wanted to offer the community a place to not only look at art, but experience it. Together, they built a “fertile platform for exploring the transformational qualities of art”.
The museum is fairly small, but over the past five years it has become a hub of inspirational energy and creative resources for the El Segundo community. It seeks to break away from the mold of traditional museums by exploring all things creative. ESMOA has made a point of uncovering new perspectives and artistic elements with artwork and events that are “transdisciplinary, international, dynamic, and open”.
Family Fun at ESMoA
ESMoA is home to several programs with a focus on family. Activities are free of cost to encourage participation among all generations. Classes are led by well-known art educators who understand how to engage and entertain creative minds young and old.
CREATE
At this Saturday’s “Create” workshop, young inventors can build their very own flying machine! The mediums used will include paper and up-cycled materials, all provided by ESMoA. The workshop is open to participants of all ages, and provides a fun, creative outlet for families.
Event runs from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Create series is a monthly program, so check back for information on future events.
PLAY
On Saturdays in Fall and Spring at 10:00 am
PLAY is a program for preschool-age children and their favorite caregivers.At ages 3 and 4, children are becoming increasingly more aware of the world around them. They’re fascinated by bright, bold colors, unique shapes, and the sensory fun of creating art of their very own.
PLAY welcomes these growing minds into the world of art, including short reading activities, gallery games and play, and hands-on arts and crafts. PLAY also sparks the conversation about artwork, art lab manners, and valuable social skills. Classes are limited to 10 children and last one hour.
READ
On select Saturdays at 11:00 am
READ is for early elementary-age children between 5 and 7, plus a parent or caregiver. Children get the opportunity to explore ESMoA through age-appropriate stories.
Young participants also are encouraged to take part in conversations about artwork and age-appropriate drawing classes. These workshops last one hour and are led by an ESMoA Educator. Class size is limited to 10 children.
TINKERTOPIA – ESMoA Kids Engineering Arts Club
On select Fridays at 3:30 pm
For kiddos ages 8+, Tinkertopia is the way to go. Tinkertopia classes are kicked off with simple drawing exercises followed by new challenges to expand creativity and explore what kids are capable of.
Activities include building, engineering, inventing, and story telling. Basic drawing and tinkering materials included.
Expand YOUR reality
Creative expression and cultural appreciation shouldn’t end at adulthood- it should expand! ESMoA also offers adult and teen programs including art talks, life drawing, cooking classes, yoga, and meditation, just to name a few. ESMoA is also an active contributor to the community, participating in events like the upcoming El Segundo Artwalk this Thursday, August 16th.
No matter your age or level of artistic prowess, El Segundo Museum of Art is sure to spark your inner creative soul. Whether you come to check out the art or make a flying machine, there’s a place for you to explore at ESMoA. Come find your inspiration!
