Family Opening
Jan 14, 2011

 On November 19, 2010, the Whitney’s Education Department hosted an opening reception—especially for families. Our special guests were invited to take guided tours of two exhibitions, Modern Life: Edward Hopper and His Time and Charles LeDray: workworkworkworkwork or just look on their own.

Kneeling down to examine LeDray’s installation, MENS SUITS, parents and children were captivated by the artist’s meticulous rendering of three rooms filled with men’s clothing. A Museum educator explained that LeDray made every single item—from the worn linoleum flooring tiles, fluorescent lighting, and clothes hangers to the used shirts, ties, and jackets that filled the shelves and clothing racks.

The discussion continued in front of Edward Hopper’s painting, Early Sunday Morning. Although the two artists’ lives are separated by many decades, the educator told the families that they share similar thematic concerns and asked the children to point out some of the similarities between Hopper’s painting and LeDray’s sculpture. The kids observed that like LeDray, Hopper chose not to include any people in his painting, but human presence was still felt, due to the windows above the stores. The educator then asked: “Does that change how we view the painting?” Yes, said one child, knowing that people live in these buildings. “We need to whisper so we don’t disturb them.” These works of art remind us of our own life experiences, the educator told the group. “We connect to them and create our own stories.”

Finally, just like at a real opening, refreshments were served. Kids sipped cider mimosas and Shirley Temples, decorated cookies, and listened to the DJ spin dance tracks in the Museum café.

By Alix Finkelstein, Education intern