(Berkeley, CA) June 1, 2005, Berkeley, CA—
There is only one thing children can’t touch at the hands-on children’s discovery museum in downtown Berkeley – the fine art. This month an original Roger Goldenberg painting titled Shel Game, The Big ‘O’s vs. The Missing Pieces will be permanently installed at Habitot Children’s Museum as a vehicle of inspiration and imagination for the pre-school set. Goldenberg’s paintings have been installed in a dozen children’s museums on the East Coast. Habitot is the first museum on the West Coast, children’s or otherwise, to exhibit Goldenberg’s work thanks to New England philanthropist Tom Haas. The piece will be unveiled at a reception on Thursday, June 9 from 5:30-7pm.

In the words of Roger Goldenberg, his paintings “…invite connections between the viewer, the paintings, and their environment. Viewing becomes an active experience.” The jigsaw puzzle shapes, cutouts, and resulting shadows characteristic of Goldenberg’s work are particularly appealing to children. And what child won’t think of cake frosting with all that impasto pigment? This is art they can relate to. Boston Globe art correspondent Cate McQuaid declares “the energy is pure cartoon fun.”

New Hampshire resident Tom Haas approached Habitot earlier this year about the possibility of a gift of fine art. Inspired by his son Tommy’s reaction to Goldenberg’s art, Haas was moved to want to share Tommy’s experience with other children. Haas believes that fine art can be used in the forum of children’s museums to inspire young visitors to use their gifts of imagination and to encourage them to develop their spirit of creativity. Goldenberg agrees and adds that he hopes the painting will broaden children’s exposure to art, deepen their understanding of art, and build their confidence in boldly using their imaginations.

Habitot’s executive director, Gina Moreland, saw the benefits of including fine art in the art studio environment and is eager to install the painting. “Young children are natural artists – they exhibit an uninhibited and energetic style that has an entirely contemporary feel. Roger’s painting reflects a childlike creativity that will resonate with the thousands of youngsters who make art in our drop-in Art Studio each year.”

Habitot Children’s Museum was founded in 1992 by local parents and educators to address the intellectual, creative, and social needs of preschool-aged children. The mission of Habitot is to nurture and enrich the lives of young children, their families, and the adults who care for them by providing an environment for early childhood learning and exploration, parenting education, and community outreach. Visits to Habitot help young children understand their world, encourage curiosity, and engender a lifelong love of learning.

2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley, CA 94704 www.habitot.org

Hours: Monday 9:30-1:00 Friday 9:30-5:00
Tuesday 9:30-5:00 Saturday 10:00-5:00
Wednesday 9:30-1:00 Sunday 11:00-5:00
Thursday 9:30-7:00 (closed Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Admission: $6 children, $5 adults, members and children under 12 months free