Discovery Gateway is presenting a new exhibit created by third-grade art students from Rowland Hall Lower School, in Salt Lake City, Utah, from May 1-31, 2015, in the museum’s Beverley Taylor Sorensen ArtSpace for Children. The exhibit opening reception will be on Friday, May 8, from 6-7 p.m.

The Colorful World of Henri Matisse features the work of aspiring artists who have been focusing on the French master, creating mixed-media artworks under the direction of art instructor Kathryn Czarnecki. The exhibit has inspired students to explore art through paintings, paper cutout designs, and three-dimensional gold fish tanks, with many students also collaborating on various pieces.

In honor of the exhibit, Discovery Gateway’s Little Masters Art classes taught Fridays at2 and 4 pm will also focus on Matisse and his influence in the art world.

“The Colorful World of Matisse is a delightful exhibit because it shows children’s creative interpretation of Matisse’s work,” explains Kate Thomas, Discovery Gateway’s Arts Educator. “His work is a wonderful choice for children to study because it is so playful and energetic, and the Little Master’s class will help children connect to the rich cultural world of art history. They will not only learn artistic principles, but will learn to think critically about their own art by examining other artists work.”

Henri Matisse is considered to be one of the most important colorists of the twentieth century. He was known for his paintings, his bold use of color, and the paper cutouts he made late in his life. Born in 1869, in Northern France, Matisse didn’t study art until after he became ill and his mother provided him with a paint kit to help pass the time while recovering in the hospital. Later in life, Matisse became ill again. This time, he decided to substitute cut paper for paint. He called it, “drawing with scissors,” and was able to achieve the precise balance and effect he strove for in his paintings.

“Art at Rowland Hall’s Lower School is a creative and academic endeavor, taught by a professional artist,” notes Linda Tatomer, Assistant Principal. “Students learn the history of art and artists, integrate content from other curriculum studies, and learn to use various media and techniques to express themselves and their unique voices and perspectives.”

The Colorful World of Henri Matisse runs May1-31, 2015, in the Beverley Taylor Sorensen ArtSpace for Children at Discovery Gateway (444 West 100 South, Salt Lake City). The exhibit is included with regular admission and is open Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and on Sundays from noon-6 p.m. For more information, call (801) 456-KIDS (5437) or visit www.discoverygateway.org.

About Rowland Hall St. Marks School

Rowland Hall, located in Salt Lake City, is Utah’s oldest independent day school for children from preschool through twelfth grade with a student body enrollment of 930. Its mission is to prepare students to be productive and ethical citizens through a college preparatory program that promotes excellence, not just academically, but also personally.

About Discovery Gateway: The Children’s Museum of Utah

Discovery Gateway: The Children’s Museum of Utah is located in downtown Salt Lake City at 444 West 100 South and is a contemporary discovery center offering 60,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on fun. The engaging workshops, programs, and exhibits invite the whole family to create, learn, and play together. It is the mission of Discovery Gateway to inspire children of all ages to imagine, discover, and connect with their world to make a difference. For information, call (801) 456-5437, or visit at www.discoverygateway.org.