Family Day: In with the Old

Theaster Gates investigates the value of things and their potential to hold layered meanings. Inspired by Gates’s practice & in collaboration with the UChicago student-run nonprofit reSOURCE, families will be invited to reclaim, repurpose, and reimagine seemingly unusable objects from home, transforming them into unique works of art that reflect their acquired significance through the process of caring for and reshaping their value. Families are encouraged to bring an object – such as a clothing item, bag, mug, or toy – one that is underused, undervalued or no longer serves its intended purpose to incorporate into their project.

In addition to our ever-popular artmaking activities, this Family Day will also feature a special story time performance from 11 AM-12 PM, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library and Librarian Megan. Families are welcome to flow in and out of the space throughout the 60-minute performance.

Located in the basement of Stuart Hall at the University of Chicago, reSOURCE Thrift Store provides an accessible and sustainable option for donating and buying secondhand clothing for the Hyde Park community. reSOURCE is a student-run nonprofit focused on environmental efforts in the Chicagoland area. Our primary goals are to divert clothing waste from landfills, provide accessible and sustainable clothing to the local community, and support local environmental nonprofits by donating our profits.

"In with the Old" is generously supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art.

Registration is strongly encouraged to help the Smart team best prepare for the day. Walk-ins will be welcome as space allows. If you no longer can attend, kindly release your tickets so other families can attend. Thank you!

Family Day is a free monthly program at the Smart Museum of Art that invites kids of all ages and families of all kinds to create together and connect with one another. Each program is unique, fun, and free, emphasizing self-expression, experimentation, and hands-on creativity. Families can enjoy looking at art in the galleries and then make their way to the museum's lobby and/or courtyard (weather permitting) for an afternoon of art projects inspired by work from the exhibition. Art-making supplies and other materials are provided. Children under the age of 15 should be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Image: Photo from previous Family Day program, courtesy of Smart Museum of Art.

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