Last year I served as the Education Director at the Indiana Medical History
Museum.  The IMHM is housed in the "Old Pathology Building" (1896
construction) on the grounds of the former Central State Hospital -- i.e.,
the state's first mental institution.  School children frequently visited
the museum and learned about the history of pathology, changes in science
and technology, and, of course, mental illness.  You'd really be surprised
how receptive children are to these topics and how eager they are to
understand mental illness.  As Indigo wrote, "They'll see [the mentally ill]
if they make it out in public and downtown."  Based on statistics, I'd also
add that many of them see it in the home.  While "pinning the ear on
VanGogh" may not be in the best taste, working on some kind of programming
that addresses the issue of mental illness is possible and quite rewarding.
Keep it direct, simple, and honest.  Just remember that kids generally do
not want more of an answer than they've asked (adults do tend to
"over-explain" at times!).

Erin Kelley
Coordinator, Public Programs
Indiana Historical Society


>From: Indigo Nights <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Art Activities & Games suggestion
>Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 08:42:02 -0800
>
>While I concur with the concerns about pinning his ear
>on and mental illness, it can and SHOULD be explained
>to the crayon set.
>
>I have been explaining it to my two grandkids since I
>first took them to the Norton Simon when they were
>three and four.  There are a number of Van Gogh works
>there.  While we don't make a special emphasis about
>Van Gogh over the other great masters (my
>granddaughter loves the ballerinas of Degas), we do
>talk about Vincent Van Gogh, about recognizing his
>style of art, and that he cut off his ear.
>
>That prompts the question:  "Grandma, why did he cut
>off his ear?"
>
>The answer they receive is that he was very, very sad
>and confused.  Sometimes a mind breaks when it is too
>sad and doesn't work.  That sometimes beautiful work
>comes from people who are different and that everyone
>has value.
>
>Very simple.  Very matter of fact.  You get follow-up
>questions about why was he sad, which are sometimes
>remedied with I don't know, why do you think he might
>be sad?
>
>But you don't have to hide mental illness from a small
>child.  They'll see it if they make it out in public
>and downtown, and speaking about it frankly helps to
>alleviate fear that comes from suppressing the topic.
>It may also make them more cognizant of the concept of
>mental health for the years to come.
>
>But, I concur, pin the ear on Vincent is a little
>creepy.
>
>
>
>--- Katherine Bolinger <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > I had the same reaction. How do you explain mental
> > illness to the crayon set?
> >
>
>
>=====
>Indigo Nights
>[log in to unmask]
>
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