legoKids and contemporary art. I usually like to keep them separate, saving gallery-going for me-time moments. But I was more than happy to have these two worlds meet during the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art’s newest program mini MOCCA, a series of hands-on exhibition-related arts and crafts workshops for kids.

We participated in the first of the four-part project inspired by the current exhibition Douglas Coupland: everywhere is anywhere is anything is everything. His paintings, installations, found materials and Lego (yes!) are fascinating whether it’s from an adult or kid point-of-view.

The Sunday morning drop-in sessions are all about kick-starting the kids’ imaginations. Arrive at 9 a.m. and you and your youngsters receive a brief tour of the exhibition. The artists and art educators are super at engaging the kids on the theme-of-the-day and leading them through to the execution of the project.

We did a Canadian-inspired collage –what kid doesn’t like scissors and the go-ahead to cut up books? Here is what is coming up next.

TRIP TIPS:

Getting there: MOCCA is located on Queen West just east of Ossington, easily accessible by car or TTC. There are a few parking spots in front of the gallery. On Sundays, street parking along Queen Street West is free until 1 pm.

Low-down: Free drop-in (no need to RSVP; $5 suggested donation.) Recommended age is 4- to 12-years-old and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the workshop. No touching in the galleries. Really into the exhibition? Head to the Royal Ontario Museum where more of Douglas Coupland: everywhere is anywhere is anything is everything is on display until April 26, 2015. The exhibition is on display at MOCAA until April 19, 2015. Douglas Coupland’s “gum head” is at Holts on Bloor St. W. The public is encouraged to stick their own gum to the sculpture. Learn more at www.couplandto.ca

Mark your calendars: What is a sketchbook for? led by crafter and artist Steph Hung on March 22. More in the mini MOCCA series.

In the hood: If you need some outdoor run time, head east to Trinity Bellwoods Park. A little bit farther east and south another Coupland installation – Canoe Landing Park. On our to-do list (with reviews to come), a couple of west end locations with family-friendly offerings — for our hungry kids in TOw: Bluegrass Brunch at the Dakota Tavern and more art activities for the artists in TOw: Artscape Youngplace.

DETAILS:

www.mocca.ca
952 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario
Tel: 416.395.0067
Email: info@mocca.ca
@MOCCA_TO
www.facebook.com./MOCCAToronto

For more information about mini MOCCA contact Michael Vickers mvickers@mocca.ca, 416.395.7436