Tis the season to be jolly! This month, let’s look at some festive works of art as we celebrate the many reasons to be joyous this season.

 
When I’m in the galleries, I like to use my imagination and come up with a story I can tell with the works of art that I find. With so many celebrations occurring right now, let’s pretend we are throwing a party.
 
Gaston LaTouche, The Masquerade Ball – Grand Opera House, Paris, 19th-20th century, Gift of Mr. Chapman H. Hyams, 16.1
 
 
This painting The Masquerade Ball – Grand Opera House, Paris by Gaston LaTouche always puts me into a celebratory mood. All of the revelers in their beautiful outfits make me want to jump into this scene and join the party!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John Singer Sargent, Portrait of Mrs. Asher B. Wertheimer, 1898, Museum purchase in memory of William H. Henderson, 78.3
 
 
 
 
 
 
If I were to attend this party, what would I wear? In the next gallery, I find one of favorite paintings Portrait of Mrs. Asher B. Wertheimer by John Singer Sargent. I like to imagine what it would be like to wear a dress like this—soft silks and dripping with pearls. I’d be party-ready in a frock like this!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
William Cripps, Epergne (Tiered Centerpiece), 17961, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Hills, 96.440
 
 
 
 
 
 
What if I were hosting this party? Of course I’d want to use only my finest serving ware. This incredible Epergne (Tiered Centerpiece) created by William Cripps would have been the talk of the party. Imagine the beautiful displays of fruits, flowers, and other treats arranged on this centerpiece!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What better way to end a fancy party than with fireworks! Learn how to make your own firework paintings below!
 
Firework Paintings
 
Supplies:
2-4 toilet paper rolls
Scissors
Black paper (white would also work)
Acrylic paint (preferably lighter colors)
Plates or other flat surface for the paint
Small paint brush
 
Make 1-2 inch cuts all around the bottom of each toilet paper roll, then fan out the cuts so that it resembles an exploding firework.
Put different colors of paint on your plate or other flat surface. Make sure to leave about 4 inches between each color.
Dip toilet paper roll in the paint. Cover the fanned out parts thoroughly.
Press on to the paper to create your firework! Repeat with different colors as desired.
 
For fun New Year’s Eve ideas for kids, click here.

By Elise Solomon.

December 19, 2017

If you liked this blog post, check out Elise’s article “Feeling Thankful at NOMA“