This Fall, we're introducing new tools to cARTie kids...

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We're always inviting the children we serve to explore our art museum bus with different tools, or instruments to support their close looking and engagement. We find that children appreciate having a tool in hand; it gives them an extra boost of confidence whether they end up using the tool extensively or not. We often use magnifying lenses, clipboards, post-its, art materials, and other manipulatives to support children's museum experiences.

This Fall, we're exploring a new kind of tool to tap into our social reasons for visiting museums. Indeed, research shows that we visit museums to support our well-being, satisfy our curiosities, AND connect with others. So, as we think about the kinds of tools that mirror the ways we engage with museums, we turn to imaginary friends and cARTie characters to open up provocations for conversations.

Enter: cARTie's mascots, Artie and Martie.

Artie and Martie have become beloved characters aboard cARTie. Over the past year alone, they've gone on so many art museum adventures aboard cARTie that we wound up with four new cARTie-original children's books recounting their explorations. cARTie kids have come to really enjoy learning with/through Artie and Martie.

So, this Fall, we're printing and laminating Artie and Martie figures for cARTie kids to bring with them aboard cARTie. Their invitation is to show Artie/Martie around and point out details that remind them of confidence and bravery. We're excited to see where these new tools take us...

In this cARTie @ home blog post, we invite you to download your own Artie and Martie characters to print/laminate and use on your next museum adventures. With Artie/Martie in hand, can you help your child(ren) gear up to be tour guide(s)? What will your child(ren) point out to Artie and Martie? Can they show Artie/Martie how to look up close at a certain work of art? How about far away? What details are important to consider? What does the artwork make your child(ren) think about?

We can't wait to hear all about your latest museum adventures, aided by Artie/Martie! We encourage you to take photos of Artie/Martie in action, post on social media, and tag @CTcARTie :)