Family Day: Make Some Noise

Explore the Smart’s newest exhibition Theaster Gates: Unto Thee & create handmade instruments from everyday materials, with a special musical performance by artist and musician Joe Rauen. Families will transform tools and toys, boxes, bits & more into objects that hum, drum, clang and chime!

Joe Rauen is an artist and musician who makes playable musical instruments from everyday items. His creations include The Suitcase Bass, The Tennis-Racquet Banjo, and The Electric Shovel Guitar. He is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and a grant recipient from the Indiana Arts Commission.

"Make Some Noise" 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 The Smart Museum of Art.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Smart Museum of Art, 5550 South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, United States