CARLSBAD — Libraries are supposed to be quiet, but a new exhibit at the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden near the Georgina Cole Library invites visitors to make some noise to help strengthen early literacy skills, among other benefits.
The Percussion Play project features seven kid-friendly musical sculptures that encourage discovery and can also help stimulate literacy skills.
“Making music is one of the five tenets of building an early literacy foundation,” said Jennifer Benson, a Carlsbad librarian.
She added that the five skills that best set the stage for literacy are reading, writing, talking, singing and playing.
“When you come out to a place like the Sculpture Garden, it’s an opportunity to do so many of those things,” Benson said.
Suzanne Smithson, library and cultural arts director, told The Coast News that the Sculpture Garden was always designed to feature a rotation of exhibits every couple of years. However, most of the exhibits have been static displays of physical art.
“We’re excited to have something kinetic and interactive,” Smithson said. “This is something that works for all ages, especially kids.”
The Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation was the sole sponsor of the exhibit, contributing $45,000 to bring the concept to life, according to a news release.
Percussion Play is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Smithson said the musical elements can also improve mental health in adults, including mood and memory.
“There’s a lot of benefits for art like this,” she said.
Smithson said she was struck by the discovery process during the opening event on March 18 and during subsequent visits to Percussion Play. Kids pull, tap, and study the various pieces of interactive art in hopes of making noise.
“It’s fun to see how people explore and learn to make the different sculptures make music,” Smithson said.
