Saturday, May 29, 2010

A kalaidoscope of fun ....



I've always thought Ipswich (the Queensland, Australia version), gets a bad rap.
There are gorgeous stately houses, just aching to be renovated; incredible unique homes, which have already been lovingly updated; plus parks and shopping to boot.
Queens Park, in particular, is a family favourite. It's a fairly quick drive from suburban Brisbane, you can usually park quite close (even during holidays), and the park itself is awesome. Plus, there's a free mini-zoo for the kids. (Okay and the adults as well).
But on this occasion, and with an extra child in tow, I thought we were due some culture, and we decided to check out the Ipswich Art Gallery instead.
Now, let's be honest: It's not as big as Brisbane's, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We parked close by, and cheaply; and found our way there easily. There were a couple of girls on the front desk who were friendly and smiley, and who didn't seem to mind at all that we were focussed on getting to the exhibition for kids, rather than the high-brow stuff in-between.
And here's the thing: Ipswich Art Gallery is the first in Australia to have a gallery purely dedicated for kids. Where they can enjoy, play and discover art on their own, or with a little help from parents or staff.
Even better? It's free.
On this occasion, the exhibition was called The Real Thing: Interactive Kaleidoscope Fun For Kids.
The brainchild of new media artist Jordana Maisie, the gallery featured optical illusions, and other hands-on events. 
Did I mention it was free? And even better, if there was a high-priced gift shop or cafe on the way out, we didn't see it. 
The exhibition is on until July 11, by which time I'm sure it will be replaced by something equally as awesome. 
My kids-plus-one had a ball, and I highly recommend it.
If you look closely, this is actually Mr 9's face in the kalaidoscope
Miss 7 creates a masterpiece using the computer as a medium
The finished design...
A touch of Alice-through-the-looking-glass here
New media artists at work
It's shagadelic, baby!
Creating mini-kalaidoscopes

7 comments:

Ms_MotorbikeNut said...

Looks like great fun, just briefly chatted to hubby if step daughter can be good between now & school holidays we will be taking her their for the school hoidays. Thank you for the idea.

Kelley @ magneto bold too said...

That is freaking AWESOME!

My kids loved Scienceworks in Melbourne till it got too big and crowded.

Susie said...

Hi Bronnie, thanks so much for entering our blog giveaway, these oilcloth tablecloths are great for messy kids like mine!!. Good luck, love your blogs too.

Susie from
I Just Love That Fabric

bubbachenille said...

Hi there, We would love you to come along to our Handmade market on Saturday run by mother and daughter team, Miriam ( myself), Liesa and Micky. We are The Handmade Expo Market held at the Ipswich Turf Club monthly and feature up to 100 stalls of handmade only lovliness. Also fresh local produce and gourmet food section. The Qld Pioneer Steam Train runs rides in conjunction with the market at reduced fares also and is just across the road. 8am - 2pm Free entry and free parking.
We hope you will be able to make it.

Unknown said...

Thanks everyone. Yes, I love finding free and/or cheap fun things to do.
Susie, my kids are messy too ... no surprises there, hey?
And bubbachenille, I would love to come to the Handmade Expo Market ... will see you there I hope?

So Now What? said...

You are such a legend at finding cool, inexpensive things to do.

We went to the railway museum up there a few years ago and the kids freaking loved it! Hoping to go back up - maybe these holidays if I feel like wrestling it with the three kids x

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