Legos, according to Wikipedia came on the U.S. market in 1958, brought to us from Denmark. “Lego”, comes from the Danish phrase leg godt, means “play well.” How appropriate.
When this Grandma bought Legos for my children, creativity was supreme. Children were encouraged to make anything with Legos. Today, when this Grandma buys Legos for my grandchildren, there are sets that match super heroes, cities, vehicles, etc. and each set has a specific number of Legos of specific shapes and sizes to construct what is on the cover of the box. Yes, these are very educational, and teach how to follow directions, but, somehow, creativity is lost. . . . except, with an indulgent grandma, there are so many Legos in the house, that they are in large bin after bin, and creativity is restored!
There is now a large selection of containers and carriers we can buy for our grandchildren’s Lego collection. Click here:
There is even Legoland in Florida, which this Grandma will review after a visit with the youngest grandchildren later this year when it is cooler. I have heard there is no shade at Legoland and to go in the cooler months. Legos have come a long way.
If you travel to New York City with grandchildren who love Legos, plan to visit the Discovery Museum in Times Square. The Art of the Brick exhibition by Nathan Sawaya at Discovery Times Square is the world’s biggest display of Lego art ever! There are over100 works of art made out of millions and millions of Legos. Mr. Sawaya recreated many famous works and we were able to take our grandchildren around the world through famous artworks in Legos. Not only were our grandchildren mezmerized, we grandparents were mezmerized. It rekindled the creative spirit in us all. At the end of the exhibit, each child is given a Lego brick on which to write his or her name and given an opportunity to place it upon a work in progress. It is very exciting for a child to become part of the exhibit.
Click here for information and tickets:
There is some talk that the exhibit will travel the U.S. Watch out for it in your community.
Yes, Legos create art and now Lego art can also be made into decoration for a grandchild’s room. A fabulous artist is creating professional Lego Letter Art and other art using Legos, who will also do custom work to your request. She sells these through Etsy. Click here.
For those grandmas who want an art project to play with grandchildren, consider buying a wooden letter and glue from an art supply store and, supervising of course, let the grandchildren create their own Lego letter art. Or consider a collage or shadow box using an old shoe box.
Or, just sit with a box of Legos and create with your grandchild with
Joy,
Mema
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