Cardboard Tube Telescopes

Last week, students visited two exhibitions and Maria’s studio at Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts. 

The experience proved to be deeply fulfilling as the children not only gained insight into how an artist works, but had the chance to immerse themselves in multimedia exhibitions, leaving a lasting impression on their young minds. 

The best part was taking turns peering through Maria’s hand-carved alabaster telescope. Inspired by Galileo's first telescope and commissioned by Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, A Starry Messenger presents a composite image sourced from satellite surveillance images that is visible when looking through the telescope lens. 

Back at Hudson Guild, students crafted their own telescopes and even created tiny images to view through the lens. 

They loved the challenge of finding the right balance of the telescope’s three legs. All they need are safety glasses and they’ll be ready for the eclipse!

One student sketched all of the artworks she saw at EFA, including a rotating chicken sculpture and cat plushies in Running Joke and Maria’s telescope.

It’s safe to say that the field trip left a lasting impression on our students! 

Maria's work at Hudson Guild is supported by the Emergency Arts Education Fund, which provides free arts education to NYC school communities whose art programs have been decimated by recent budget cuts.

Children’s Museum of the Arts’ three Residents Artists are currently implementing ambitious arts curriculum at each of our partner sites throughout New York City: Hudson Guild in Chelsea, Sid Miller Academy in Crown Heights, and Children’s Workshop School in the East Village. Come spring, our residents will showcase their students' work through exhibitions and installations across the city. Learn how you can support the work of our residents here.