The Dallas Museum of Art opens a new and interactive creative center for all ages

by Laura Evans , Laura Seewoester

This weekend, the Dallas Museum of Art is opening their new Center for Creative Connections (CCC) with its first exhibit "Materials and Meaning." The center, located inside the DMA, is a 12,000 square foot space that offers a revolutionary museum experience, engaging visitors of all ages while teaching them about art. The goal of the CCC revolves around four experiences: curiosity, inquiry, reflection and creativity.

The center is a revolutionary way to learn more about art by offering a variety of ways to learn about a work of art besides the typical experience, which usually includes staring at at a piece blankly on a museum wall. The Dallas Museum of Art has taken certain artworks from their permanent collection and opened a window into more of the artist's process in creating the work. For example, the exhibit showcases one of Frank Gehry's cardboard chairs, however they also provide replicas of these chairs throughout the exhibition so the visitor can sit in, touch, and experience the artwork in more than a visual capacity. The best part is that, as long as it's not behind glass, everything is open to touch.

Some of the new educational features include a new art studio, a tech lab where you can blog, research or take classes, an audio presentation about Dorthea Tanning's Pincushion to Serve as Fetish, and touch screen computer that teaches the viewer about "Standing male figure with nails (nkisi nkondi)" from the Domocratic Republic of the Congo (late 19th century).

The center also has a whole tactile section that features the theme of the exhibit: materials. Visitors are encouraged not only to touch and feel parts of the exhibit, but also to write about and display their experience. The back wall contains squares of materials that are meant for feeling, and the visitors are encouraged to write on a sticky note what it reminds them of and place the note next to the corresponding square of material. This is just one example of how the center as whole inspires conversation about art, and the process of art in a seamless and natural way.

I know what all the single, young professionals out there are thinking. "I don't have kids nor do I want any, thanks for wasting my time with this article." Au contraire. Even if you aren't a kid and don't have any children, the center is worth a look-see. Yes, from any description it does sound very much like "edurtainment," but there are still cool things for adults, like the wall that's made mostly out of office supplies. Worst case scenario you come out with new ideas on how to decorate your cube. (I suggest running your fingers down the rubber band section of the wall.) If I still haven't convinced you, this weekend the whole shebang is free (yes free), and there are even discounted rates to the J.M.W Turner exhibit as a result of the center's grand opening. This specific exhibit will continue for about 18 months, however the CCC will continue after that with new exhibits, themes and tools to help the viewer really dive into the story behind the artwork.