Summer Wonderland is alive at Newfields :: CityMoms Report
So what if John Mayer laid claim to something else as a wonderland? We have proof that a true Summer Wonderland is alive at Newfields. Summer Wonderland: Spectacular Creatures opened at Newfields on June 1 and our CityMoms and CityKids are already taken by this bright, bold animal sculptures canvassing the campus.In this CityMoms Report, Katie details why this is a put-this-on-your-list activity for local families this summer.
From the official Newfields press release:
"We’ve teamed up with the Italian art collective Cracking Art to welcome hundreds of animals to the Newfields campus this summer. These brightly colored sculptures are made from recyclable plastic and speak to the environmental issues that face our planet, as well as how the world is becoming increasingly artificial. See snails in the Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion and penguins inside the IMA Galleries, before exploring The Garden where you will have to watch out for giant alligators on garden pathways and elephants inside the Lilly House."
Here's what Katie had to say about her recent visit:
My kids and I have shared many memorable experiences at Newfields, but Summer Wonderland: Spectacular Creatures tops the list for FUN. Art is exciting, but it can be hard for little ones to keep their curious hands to themselves {I’ve had several minor heart attacks in the indoor galleries from my kids, um, really liking a piece of art.} The BEST part about the Summer Wonderland exhibit is that it’s art you can touch. These very Spectacular Creatures are meant to be approached, examined, felt by wondering hands.
There are plenty of creatures to see inside the museum, but the real fun is outside. Creatures are hiding all throughout the gardens in a larger than life scavenger hunt. The kids led the adventure down the garden paths, hoping to be the first to call out the discovery of a new creature at the sight of bright colors peeking through the greenery. There were snails for the riding, cute bunnies, lurking crocodiles, meerkats standing at attention and frogs floating lazily in a pond. The plastic sculptures are made in a beautiful array of vibrant colors, resulting in the kids calling out which ones were their favorites {there may have been some serious discussion as to which kid would be sitting on which color snail}.
As an adult, my vision of a picture perfect, leisurely family stroll through the gardens – think parasols and picnic baskets – is often quickly brought down by one of the kids being tired, bored or generally whiny. However, the animal hunt kept even the littlest in our group charging through the entire grounds. They were so motivated to find more creatures that we walked through parts of the gardens I actually hadn’t realized existed.
It was fun to hear the kids guess at what animals we might find next, and on the way out we talked about what animals they would add to the exhibit. My daughter is pretty adamant that cats would enhance the experience, and my son, interestingly, wanted to see giant ants. This is an experience you don’t want to miss with your family. Check it out and then you can answer – what was YOUR favorite creature?
MORE INFO: Summer Wonderland: Spectacular Creatures is open at Newfields through August 28, 2018. All sites are included with general admission. Newfields {frequently known as the campus home of the Indianapolis Museum of Art} is located at 4000 Michigan Road. Visit their website or call {317} 923-1331 for more details. Special thanks to CityMoms Danielle and Jeanine for contributing select photography for this post.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katie Windes de Puente has been a member of theCityMoms for as long as we can remember! As momma of Isabel and David, she's a frequent hostess for our monthly outings to Newfields for the wee Wonders preschool art class and is never seen without her bright smile. Katie is also a frequent contributor to theCityMoms bank of local photos as she wields a keen eye with her iPhone.
