LA2: A YOUNG COLLECTORS EXHIBITION

December 27, 2013

The Leila Heller Gallery is currently presenting its second annual Young Collectors Exhibition featuring graffiti artist LA2. This unique exhibition concept is curated with the emerging collector in mind and all artworks are priced under $5,000. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Southampton Fresh Air Home. The exhibit runs through January 8, 2014.

LA2 is the tag of New York City graffiti artist Angel Ortiz. Ortiz is best known for his 1980's collaboration with Keith Haring. This exhibition includes vibrantly colored canvases and an 18-foot mural featuring LA2's signature thick, curving lines, reminiscent of Ancient Eastern calligraphy.

Visited the exhibition? Tell us about it @kindermodern

VISUAL LEARNING: MAKING CONNECTIONS THROUGH DESIGN

December 16, 2013

Kids learn by making simple, visual connections. These fun games use art, photography, and design to engage children, and help them make these connections at all stages of development from toddler to tween.

This memory game by Pinhole Press is customized with your own photos.

Ani-gram-it uses words and images to teach children about the complexity of nature.

This very artful deck of cards from the MoMA store lets little ones discover the masters of modern art through familiar and traditional games like Old Maid.

Tweet and tell us about your favorite game for visual learning! @kindermodern

OUR FAVORITE ILLUSTRATED BOOKS FOR KIDS

December 13, 2013

1.) Vegetabibbles written and illustrated by Kathryn Warren

2.) I ggy Peck, Architect written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

3.) Gobble You Up! written by Gita Wolf and illustrated by Sunita Sunita

4.) Pomelo Begins to Grow written by Ramona Badescu and illustrated by Benjamin Chaud

5.) You Are Stardust written by Elin Kelsey and illustrated by Soyeon Kim

Looking for an amazing picture book for grown-ups? Check out A Swarm, A Flock, A Host: A Compendium of Creatures, a collaboration by award-winning poet Mark Doty and painter Darren Waterston.

Tell us about some of your favorite illustrated books! Tweet us @kindermodern

THE FANTASTICAL IMAGINATION

December 12, 2013

South Korean artist JeeYoung Lee's artistic interpretations of her own thoughts, feelings, and dreams remind us of a child's vivid imagination as Lee creates fantastical worlds in her small studio, embodying both the light and the dark sides of the human mindscape. Lee's work will be exhibited at Opiom Gallery outside of Cannes, France beginning in February 2014. Be absorbed by all her "Stage of Mind" landscapes on their website gallery.

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH ART: DESIGN-FORWARD EVENTS FOR KIDS THIS WEEKEND IN NYC!

December 11, 2013

The holidays bring all kinds of fun and festive activities for kids to New York City, and we are always on the lookout for ones that combine our passion for art, design, and culture. This weekend we are eloping three NYC holiday events that are sure to enchant kids of all ages.

For the next two weekends (December 14-15 and 21-22, 2013) Eleni's Chelsea Market Store will be hosting a Gingerbread House Workshop--a wonderful opportunity for you and your little one to let your inner architect loose while taste-testing Eleni's yummy holiday cookies! Each one hour session is $75 and features Eleni's Color Me! Edible Gingerbread House (one of Oprah's favorite things this year!) Tickets can be bought online. While you're there, be sure to check out all the delightfully decorated cookie collections--we're obsessed!

The Guggenheim New York presents a special performance of Peter and the Woolf narrated and directed by designer Isaac Mizrahi (December 7-15, 2013). George Manahan conducts the Julliard Ensemble, and a special cast performs a new dance by choreographer John Heginbotham to bring this classic tale to life.

The New York Historical Society's annual Historical Train Weekend (December 14-15, 2013) celebrates the history of railroad with kids ages 3-6. Conductor Bob leads the event with storytelling and children are invited to make their own train engine or caboose. We're personally psyched to check out the exhibit "Batteries Not Included," which highlights nineteenth and twentieth century toys from the NYHS's permanent collection.

What are you doing to celebrate art, design, and the holidays with your little ones this year? Tweet us @kindermodern

GIVE BACK WITH RXART

December 9, 2013

One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is giving back to our communities in fun and creative ways. The RxArt Coloring Book, Volume 4 is an amazing collection of works by fifty-three contemporary artists created exclusively for coloring. Not only do 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the book benefit RxArt, the books will also be placed in pediatric hospitals and facilities across the United States for children to use and enjoy during hospital stays, which can often be very frightening.

RxArt is a non-profit organization that "transforms pediatric hospital facilities into comforting and engaging spaces through site-specific installations by contemporary artists." We love their therapeutic use of art to help transform healthcare in our country. Some of their projects have included a bright mural by Kenny Scharf at the Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatric Units at Kings County Hospital and the installation of large framed prints from Jason Middlebrook's Traveling Seedsseries at San Francisco General.

Check out their online store to support this truly transformational organization. In addition to their fab coloring book, we love this fierce puzzle created from Yayoi Kusama's Self Portrait, 2008.

Looking for other ways to give back with your holiday shopping? Check out the 2013 Give-Back Gift Guide from our friends at Moomah!

THIS WEEKEND IN NYC: ARTY HAND-PUPPETS WITH LA MAMA!

December 5, 2013

Looking for something different to do with your little one this weekend? Check out this super fun hand-puppet workshop from La MaMa with artist Jane Catherine Shaw, Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11:00am. The workshop will be held in the Ellen Stewart Theatre Lobby (66 East 4th St, 2nd Floor) and tickets are $10 per family. Tell us about your experience in the comments below or tweet us @kindermodern

THE TASTY SIDE OF ART BASEL: FROM ARCHITECTURE TO OBSESSIVE CANDY PLAY AT DYLAN'S CANDY BAR MIAMI BEACH

December 4, 2013

Miami Beach's Art Basel is showcasing some, literally, sweet architecture this week. Commissioned by the always fun and ever innovative Dylan's Candy Bar in Miami Beach, these incredible gingerbread houses go way beyond our childhood memories. Created by chef and stylist Caitlin Levin and photographed by Henry Hargreaves, these recreations of iconic art museums from all over the globe use everything from the traditional cookie walls to full chocolate bars and versatile Lego candies to painstakingly reproduce the famous buildings.

Our favorite has to be the sparkling sugar and licorice version of New York's very own Guggenheim Museum, designed by mid-century modern master Frank Lloyd Wright.

If you're in Miami Beach, be sure to check out this amazing feat in confectionary design at Dylan's Candy Bar on December 6, 2013 from 6:00-8:00pm.

BUBBLES, GIGANTIC BUBBLES

December 3, 2013

This enchanting video from filmmaker Joey Shanks andPBS Digital Studios brings us back to the simple joys of childhood. We loved watching these gigantic bubbles burst and can't wait to make some of our own next summer! Check it out below!

KINDER MODERN CURATES CHANUKAH & CHRISTMAS

November 25, 2013

kinder MODERN presents you with our Curated Chanukah & Christmas List to inspire the smallest of people and the greatest of collectors. Happy holidays from kinder MODERN, and here’s to more collecting in 2014!

Sophisticated gifts for kids can include precious objects, inexpensive paper items, and art made from interesting materials. We've noticed how quickly some toys can get moved to the back of the bin--why not invest in an amazing object your whole family will enjoy?

ART & OBJECT & DECOR:

Drooling for these incredible handmade people blocks; a collaboration between Andy Rementer, one of our favorite illustrators/artists, and Belgium based Case Studyo:
Case Studyo People Blocks / Andy Rementer / Age: 3 & up

What parent, at some point, doesn't think to put initials in their kid’s room? This metallic monogram takes it one step further with the hottest alphabet around in patinated fine silver: Neon Alpbabet / Study O Portable / Age: all

A playful pop of color in neon resin and marble, perfect for the display shelf:
Reality Pickup / Areaware / Age: all

This silver turtle box, would be perfect on a teenager’s night stand, desk, or on mommy's vanity: Turtle Box / Areaware / Age: 6 & up

We dig dolls of every era, but lean towards the modern slant. These Alexander Girard reintroduced items are lovely. Our gallery normally steers clear of the reissue, but this is a fun exception: Wooden Dolls (all of them!) / Alexander Girard / Age: 6 & up

Another really lovely doll and a futuristic one at that. The students of Bauhaus were so far ahead of their time: Futurist Doll / Age: all

With a face to cheer you, this up-cycled plastic pig is, hands-down, a fun favorite:
"Jerry" / Abyu / Age: all

Who wouldn't want this incredible piece of art in their kids space? Using found materials, clay, fabric, and paper mache', Souther Salazar elevates ordinary materials to the extraordinary: I Hope You Know Where You're Going / Age: all

A good place to huddle up and make some art: Kids Tent / ferm LIVING / Age: 3 & up

White, other-worldly, wonderful: we desire Jim Oliveira's totem sculpture in a kids or family space (these are many colors). New word: white-chic. We love Mondo Cane: White Totem / Mondo Cane / Age: all

Boys of all ages (and girls, too) will love this ode to the Mexican wrestler. Nothing more colorful or fierce than a Luchador: Lucha Libre Bank / Dora Caza / Age: 8 & up

PLAY & RIDE & INTERACT:

Building blocks are taken to an altogether fun level with the clock totem by Dino Sanchez. Love the faces . . . for great play or display: Totems / House & Hold / Age: all

A super fun historical and beat up toy, this tractor has been around since the 1960s. We dare you to destroy this ride-on by Community Playthings:
Ride-on Tractor / kinder MODERN

Chic paper costumes for year round imaginative play: Paper Costumes / Omy / Age: 3-8

We're addicted to blocks, because there’s nothing better than a mixed use kids’ item. Play or display, you decide: Blockitecture / Areaware / Age: All

As a super fan of Keith Haring’s art, what's cuter than sitting on it? :
Chair / Vilac / Age: 2 & up

Dominoes are a family staple. This set from Mertens-Kunst could not be more fun:
People Dominoes / kinder MODERN / Age: 3 & up

Renate Muller's incredible rhino therapeutic toy is a wonderful addition to any kids room for play or display. Get it at R20th Gallery: Rhino / Renate Muller / Age: all

Cathy McClure's mechanical works are evocative of children's toys, but are incredible and thoughtful sculpture. I want one!! There I said it: Tumble Time / Age: all

Everyone loves to rock, and we've seen grown-ups fall for this organic shaped French 'duk' rocker from the 1960s--it quacks us up: Duk Rocker / kinder MODERN / Age: 2 & up

We're a bit biased on this one, as there's not much Casati Gallery presents that we don't want, especially this Enzo Mari Pesce Puzzle, with a psychedelic 70s vibe. We would surely swim with the fishes for this one: Puzzle / Casati Gallery / Age: all

To display or sail? That is the question. (We personally say display.) Haptic Lab knows about catching chic air for sure:
Sailing Ship Kite / Haptic Lab / Age: 3 & up (with supervision)

Get the art going young . . . give a kid a polaroid and see if he makes a living! Ha! We’ve been using our instamatic to make amazing photo books since our boy was 3!: Instax 90 / Fuji / Age: 4 & up

Not much can top the fun on this toy camera lego: Nanoblock Camera / photojojo / Age: 8 & up

We love anything mini, and also super dig paper art. Combining both these items, this town is an inexpensive work of art. Robert Czajka knows what’s up: Paper Town / The Kid Who / Age: 4 & up

Alex Hellum for Kids on Roof rocked the cardboard art with this one. The Trojan Horse is so many good things: recycled cardboard, simple clean design lines, and animals:
Trojan Horse / Kidsonroof / Age: 2 & up

MORE KUSAMA!

November 22, 2013

Yayoi Kusama is one of our all-time favorite artists. We blogged about her amazing obliteration room installation here. If you are in NYC and looking for a fun place to go with children of all ages, check out her newest exhibit, I Who Have Arrived In Heaven, at the David Zwirner gallery. This awesome exhibit includes two infinity rooms--one filled with fantastical polka-dotted tentacles ("Love is Calling"), and a second, more reflective space, both literally and figuratively, containing thousands of twinkling lights ("Infinity Mirrored Room--The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.") The gallery also features twenty-seven of Kusama's bold and joyful new paintings and the video installation Manhattan Suicide Addict. We can't wait to experience it for ourselves!

David Zwirner is located at 519, 525, and 533 West 19th St. in Chelsea and is open Tuesday-Saturdays 10am-6pm. The exhibit runs until December 21, 2013.

Have you visited Kusama's infinity rooms? Tell us about your experience in the comments below or tweet us @kindermodern

CENTURY OF THE CHILD TOYS

November 21, 2013

Anyone who knows Kinder knows we were enthralled by last year's Century of the Child exhibit at MoMA, and that fascination extends to the gorgeous toys created to complement the exhibit.

Some of our favorites making it onto our holiday shopping list include this Playplax building set, inspired by Patrick Ryland’s 1966 piece. Art you can play with? Yes, please.

This funky wolf pull toy (Keith Haring, 1988) would make a fun addition to a child’s imaginative play and is cool enough to earn the right to display space on a shelf for years after the child outgrows it.

I know a couple little guys who would adore the bright Streamliner Rally Car (Ulf Hanses, 1985) with its two removable passengers.

This wooden monkey (Kay Bojesen, 1951) may not be cuddly, but is still a sweet friend for any child.

Have you visited the MoMA shop recently? What did you pick up? Tweet us @kindermodern

100 FOR 100: GREAT CHILDREN'S BOOKS / NYPL

November 19, 2013

The New York Public Library has released their 100 Great Children's Books over the past 100 years list. This fascinating collection includes books for all ages, from joyful picture books for little ones to compelling coming of age stories for tweens. Their Library shop is offering special discounts on themed book sets--perfect for the holidays! 100 Great Children's Books was published in conjunction with the exhibit The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter on display now through March 2014 at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This masterfully curated exhibit explores children's books not only as teaching tools, but also as clear windows into a society's culture, folklore, and future.

Tell us about your favorite childhood read in the comments below or tweet us @kindermodern

PAPER ARTISTS

November 18, 2013

Paper artists and their ability to transform the simplest of mediums into complex and animated art forms is by far a continued interest of ours.

Matthew Sporzynzki's sculptures have graced the pages of Real Simple magazine since 2005. His paper interpretations of everything from food to fashion give the viewer a new perspective on the home and illuminate the beauty and joy in everyday objects and experiences. Check out more of his work in these delightfully curated galleries from realsimple.com. Sporzynski works in New York City with his company Couturier de Cardboard.

Brooklyn-based artist Elaine Pedlar brings paper to life in a different way. As the owner of Dumbelle, she invites families into her studio to color and create hip, modern paper dolls. Each of her three doll templates, May, Sunny, and Katie, have a unique story and style, but it is up to the individual artist to give them color and personality. Pedlar also has a line of coloring pages that are intended to engage the whole family, and then be displayed as art in the home. Head to the Dumbelle website to plan a visit with your little ones.

While we love Dumbelle's whimsical, modern take on the paper doll, we are fascinated by "Paper Dolls" by Pam DeLuco of Shotwell Paper Mill, who used this iconic "toy" to explore women in the U.S. military. This collaborative project began with a collection of twenty personal stories written by women who have served in the military over the past forty years. These stories were illustrated by Annemaree Rae and printed on paper made from the women's actual uniforms. Many of these service women featured came to the San Francisco paper mill and participated in the creation of the paper and the setting of the type. The stories, uniforms, and creative experience together make a multi-layered anthology that connects these women of all ages and branches of the military, and allows them to share their poignant stories with the greater world. The book is available as a handmade limited edition or a commercially printed trade edition.

Who are some of your favorite paper artists? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @kindermodern

RODGER STEVENS: PLAYFUL, SOPHISTICATED SCULPTURE

November 15, 2013

We are obsessing over Brooklyn-based artist Rodger Stevens and his collections of playful, yet sophisticated, wire sculptures. Although he has been commissioned by design and fashion greats, including Stuart Weitzman and Jonathan Adler, we love the idea of one of his mobiles hanging over baby’s crib. And after the crib is gone? We see it moving to grace the family’s living space, or remaining in the child's room to feed a growing imagination. Stevens is inspired by his own family and their dynamic home.