ArtBEAST in Sacramento

I am so excited to have found ArtBEAST in midtown, an open studio art space for kids to explore, make art, make a mess, and have fun.  It's also a nonprofit establishment, with ALL proceeds going to Tubman House, a local transitional living program offering coursework, childcare, community support, and counseling to help young homeless parents and their children get back on their feet.  What a noble and worthy endeavor that makes me feel that much better about coming here. While Caedmon is having a blast, I also know that we are making a small contribution toward a greater good.  

And Caedmon definitely had a blast.  

In the courtyard, he was free to play with water, among many things.

I loved this giant wind chime-esque construct that offered raucous clashes and clangs with each satisfying swat of the pole.  Still, I wondered... are we just teaching Caedmon to hit things with sticks?

 Lunch break!  We paused in our play to munch on the lunch I had packed.  In the background, on the left, you can see the sand pit area where kids can transport sand in different containers and pour it through hanging sieves and funnels.

Inside, different rooms invited children to paint on easels, sculpt with clay, crinkle crackly paper, and bake cookies and partake in high tea on play kitchen sets. On the top floor, there was an infant area that was gated off from the rest of the older kids, allowing for safe play for the littlest ones.

A mini ballet barre offers stability...

an opportunity to make funny faces...


and when no one is looking, a comforting snack.

Caedmon loved climbing up this plush jungle gym...

and sliding back down on his tummy.

Even Dad had fun!

Here, Wayne made a game for himself by tossing boiled wool balls into a basket across the room.  (There were no other kids in the area.)

In the basement, there was a stage complete with costumes, along with puppets, a fort, a tin spaceship, and musical instruments, including a piano and guitars!  Yes, it smelled a little like pee down there, but .... it's okay?

While Caedmon was too young to fully enjoy most of the activities at ArtBEAST, I think he still had a rocking good time. This is definitely a place where he can creatively grow, and I am so, SO excited that we have a venue like this in Sacramento!  We'll be back most definitely!