Ack. What a jerk! And reading Andrea's post regarding the High makes me mad too. How are kids supposed to learn how to "behave" in public unless we take them out in public. My Lydia is almost 11 and we've always taken her to museums. Now she is one of the best behaved, respectful "kids" in public that I know of. Luke is 5 and still needs restraint...but he knows how to look at talk about art. People always comment how well-behaved and knwledgeable the kids are when it comes to museums.

I say fight the power (the "power" being Chuck Close in this case!) and take the kids again. Better yet, invite Andrea to come along ;) The more- the merrier. I'd join you if I was in the neighborhood!

what!?!? this is outrageous to me. and I saw that chuck close segment on sesame street recently too! wow, that's so wrong. and I'm sorry you had to experience that... because I know what it's like to be somewhere with your children and not feel welcome. but to be TOLD that... I'm not sure how I would've reacted.

I love the high and I realize that this is a chuck close thing (and man, I was really looking forward to checking that exhibit)... BUT I've had a real problem with the toddlers' program at the high in the past. I've not yet taken ezra but used to take ava faithfully, every thursday (back in the day). I was soooo excited about the program, thought the guided activities leading up to the actual art-making were great... but the problem was always when we walked through the museum. I mean, we didn't come there to just go straight to the art room and make something. we came to look at colors and shapes (or whatever the theme was for the day) and THEN make art. but we were always followed so closely that I felt uncomfortable... like the security guards were breathing down our necks. and I know it's their job and all, but wow. and do you know the howard finster section? the folk art pieces with the bicycle and the marbles and gems embedded into concrete in the floor? FORGET ABOUT IT. ava loved that part the most and we had to start avoiding it because it was just to hard for her not to touch. which is why I wonder about toddler thursdays. kids are explorers, they love to touch, to feel. surely, they know this down at the high. something needs to change, I'm just not sure what.

okay, so don't get me wrong-- I still love the high, love to take the kids there, think family art programs are super-important... AND would still love to meet up with you there soon...! but your experience echoes what I have felt so many times visiting... a real contradiction of sorts that deserately needs to be addressed.

Mr. Close hates just about everyone as far as I can tell. I was once on a security detail to pick him up from the train station to recieve his complementary doctorate from the art school. and he was as unpleasant as could be. But, he is also in a wheelchair and may be in great pain.

What an outrage! If the guy is going to display his work in public, then it's..um..in public! And last I checked kids were citizens, too! And if he has a personal aversion to children, then he needs to get over it, because some day these kids are going to be grownups. This is seriously WRONG!

we went to this exhibit with the kids on saturday. the high has a family audio tour with the exhibit, and there were numerous kids around. perhaps it was just chuck himself that did not want to meet with kids?

wow. just confirms the old adage that sometimes people suck. even (or especially?) renowned people.

a coworker of mine, after i described your situ @ the high, suggested you send the above foto to chuck's ole ass:)

crush the scowdrel!!! kate, like i mentioned tell me how long the chuck close exhibit is around and i'll come down and watch e & j for an afternoon while you go and check the giant hating kids man's art out. wha da ya sa?

The blog pix are a great commentary for the story. Is that Chuck Close in the painting scowling at the kids?
Just don't get yourself arrested........

Dad

oooooooooooh, I'd be so livid! There is pretty much nothing I can do without my kids, so I totally feel you!!! Go get em!