African Cosmos: Stellar Arts

More than 70 works of art from the African continent are on display at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, a major exhibition from the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian. Lightning, rainbows, the sun, moon and stars serve as inspiration throughout the collection.
The Carlos museum is one of my family’s favorites and we visit often. My 7-year-old daughter, Micah refers to this museum as “the mummy museum” based on the rare opportunity to see mummies in Atlanta. 
The new exhibit explores the historical legacy of African cultural astronomy and it’s infusion with traditional and contemporary arts. It marks the kickoff of The Creation Stories project hosted by Emory University in collaboration with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Georgia Humanities Council. This yearlong series will explore the questions of origin and creation that have inspired artistic expression since the beginning of time.
Upon entering the exhibit, I was a little concerned that it might be too mature for Micah, however the intricate details of the artwork and sculptures captivated her from start to finish. Smithsonian books in the gallery are available for use during the visit and to my surprise, I found Micah and a friend, Isabella, using a book to research  specific pieces that they found interesting.  
This museum experience literally became a scavenger hunt for ancient pieces that fascinated the girls and inspired their own artistic interpretation. Micah has already planned our next visit before the exhibit closes on June 21. 
– Caren Davis Lightfoot

If You Go

African Cosmos: Stellar Arts
Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, 571 S. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta. 404-727-4282; carlos.emory.edu
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.; closed Mon. and university holidays. Exhibit closes June 21.
Cost: Adults, $8; ages 6-17, $6; younger than 5, free. Free admission from 1-4 p.m. on March 5, April 30, May 7 and June 11.
Family Programing in March:
The Coming of the Night. Enjoy a story time of Yoruba creation myth from West Africa that explains how the cool darkness of the night came to be. March 7 at 10 a.m.
Tibetan Sand Painting with Children. Observe the Tibetan Monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery at work on the sand mandala of Avalokiteshvara and children can create their own personal mandala. March 27 from 5-7 p.m.