Artist Talks: Reimagining The Power of Art + Play

Hear directly from the Museum’s commissioned artists in our live Artist Talk series! Learn about the upcoming installations and programs being planned for 2021 and get to know the artists behind the art. This year’s theme is Reimagining the Power of Art + Play, exploring topics on play, art, healing, community, identity and the Museum’s role in a post-COVID-19 world. Each Artist Talk will focus on different ways the Museum will be reimagining its spaces and programs for this year and what visitors can look forward to!

Next Artist Talk

Stay tuned for a date and details of our next Artist Talk!

Past Artist Talks

Reimagining Welcome
with Katie Ruiz
March 3, 2021

How can color and shape provide comfort in trying times? Museum Deputy Director Tomoko Kuta joined artist Katie Ruiz for a discussion of hope, welcome and plans for Ruiz’s new mural, Brian and the Bugs, at the Museum.

Katie Ruiz is a San Diego-based artist known for her “blanket paintings” in which figures shelter under colorful weavings inspired by Ruiz’s Xicana heritage and her study of traditional Mexican textiles. 

Watch the Recording

Reimagining Playability
with David Israel Reynoso
April 14, 2021

David Reynoso joined Director of Exhibitions Megan Dickerson for a discussion on theatre, children’s museums, play and plans for Reynoso’s immersive theatre installation at the Museum.

David Israel Reynoso is a San Diego-based artist and theatre designer. He is a recipient of a San Diego Foundation Creative Catalyst Award as well as a 2011 Obie Award for “Sleep No More.” 

Watch the Recording

Reimagining Gathering
with Wes Bruce
May 12, 2021

The Wonder Sound artist Wes Bruce joined Director of Exhibitions Megan Dickerson to talk about his exciting garden  extension to The Wonder Sound, how people gather in times like this and how to respond to a changing world.

Wes Bruce is a New York-based interdisciplinary artist who uses immersive spaces to tell stories of love, loss and what it means to be human. 

Watch the Recording

Reimagining Emotion
with Risa Puno
June 16, 2021

Artist Risa Puno joined Director of Exhibitions Megan Dickerson to discuss her interactive artwork, In the Balance, debuting in the Museum Park this summer, and share reflections on how playful takes on serious issues.

Risa Puno is a New York-based interdisciplinary artist whose interactive and fun installations investigate universal human experiences.

Watch the Recording

The Artist Talk Series is presented by the Rain House Circle, passionate advocates and dedicated donors committed to The New Children’s Museum’s practice of commissioning contemporary artists to inspire art and play for a better world.

Visiting During Spring Break?

It’s Spring Break and NCM will be busy now through April 14. Click for some tips to help you plan for and enjoy your visit!