Circus impressions

The circus has an undeniable appeal for kids. It’s also a subject that fascinates artists. With its color, daring and explosive fun, the circus has always been a theme that intrigues and inspires artists.

This is evident at Nassau County Museum of Art’s MiniArt Museum for Children. Its latest exhibit, “Under The Big Top,” is something sure to intrigue young visitors.

In “Under the Big Top,” NCMA presents an interactive exhibition that features reproductions of circus art by Seurat, Léger, Prendergast, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Chagall, and others. These reproductions are showcased alongside displays that guide families through explorations of circus skills, endangered animals and memory games using circus characters and activities. The Clown College station includes wall panels that assist children to master the skills involved in pantomime, juggling and creating a clownish costume. Roomboxes include miniature circus animals; wall titles assist visitors in identifying which are endangered.

NCMA offers Family Sundays each weekend, with a docent-led walk-through of the main exhibit, at 1 p.m.; followed by supervised art activities for the family at 1:30 p.m.