I have been a part of the Boone Children’s Gallery since its doors opened in 2009. I’ve witnessed babies making their first paintings and their parents gleaming with pride. I’ve met amazing caretakers who come every morning to paint with the kids they care for, and later on, bring their own families to the museum. I’ve seen grandparents bring their grandkids, teens making art together for fun, and adults letting go and joining the fun.
Here’s a little trip down memory lane. See if you can follow along!
Remember in 2009 when a benevolent dragon watched over us as we practiced the art of East Asian brush painting? We played the same three CDs, had a handful of books for the public to read, and relished in the serenity of the space!
Remember when we took up sewing in 2014, invited you to stitch with us, and we earned a Guinness World Record for the largest bojagi?
Remember when Zheng Chongbin collaborated with families to create Material Play in 2017?
Remember in 2018 when we got our very own terrace and entrance with a beautiful balcony overlooking the park? Remember when we painted our benches? Maybe you helped us!
Which brings us to the present!
Below are a few memories YOU shared with us about this special place:
“I’ve been bringing Thomas since he was a baby. Thank you for helping his love of art! We will miss this place!” – the Sheltons
“I made a present for my grandparents.”
“One of the best family locations in L.A.!!!” – the Ayala Family
“Fun memories.” – the Martinez Family
“This place is so calming.” – Julia
“What a creative haven. We <3 you, Boone.”
“Singing along with Louie from A Perfectly Messed-Up Story at storytime, tralalala!”
“I like this place. It became cool.” – Osnavi
“Thank you so much. The best place to draw or paint!” – Taiyo
“This is Leone’s favorite place!”
“I <3 U LACMA.”
“Always fun and happy memories. My children and I love it.”
“The best place ever.” – Daniel
“Thank you for three and a half years of fun for our family! We have loved every visit.” – Callan Family
“Thank you, Boone, for supporting my granddaughter’s creativity over the years!”
“A special place for art, peace, and relaxation with watercolors. Inspirational! Great!”
"¡Gracias Boone! Hace más de 12 años, mi niña y yo hemos compartido momentos tan hermosos pintando juntas nuestras emociones y sentimientos. Gracias por este espacio." – Leti y Monse
“Loved learning calligraphy and having special paintings made here in our home. Look forward to the new space too…”
“We love it here so much. This is where we first found out about NexGenLA too. Such an amazing way to engage little ones in the arts!” – Max + Family
“I love art! Love art!” – Sophia
“I loved it here. I would come here every day but I live in Irvine, but loved it here!” – Rylee
“Come here every week with the girl I nanny, it’s where she learned to paint! She’s almost two! Thank you, hope to take my kids here one day. Great place!”
“A fantastic center for communal gathering and art-making. We thank you!”
“Best place to draw!!”
“We loved this place thanks for an awesome five years.” – Crystal
“Thank you for letting us draw.” – Leyla
“I love doing art here! It is so fun! Thank you Boone Children’s Gallery.” – Troy
As we wait for our art-fitted bungalow to open in the spring, join our free Pop-Up Art-Making Workshops. Simply stop by the Family Welcome Table on the Smidt Welcome Plaza each time you visit to find out where we are that day. Then, hop on over to our art-making pop-up!
Come make more memories with us!