Nick and Kari Say

The Artists of Secret Spaces
(An interactive installation at the Burchfield Penney Art Center)
Have a lot to say.

Secret Spaces
May 11 – September 9, 2012

Kari Achatz and Nick Napierala are art educators who have combined their art and teaching experiences with their own childhood memories to design an interactive installation Secret Spaces in the Useum™. Secret Spaces is derived from the belief in never losing the fresh, uninhibited childhood creativity that comes with imaginary play. As children, Kari and Nick remember dragging heavy chairs, gathering sheets and pillows, and arranging these components into carefully orchestrated blanket forts that served as their private escape. These magical secret spaces transformed the living room into another world. Visitors entering the Useum find themselves in a fantastical bedroom scene where guests are encouraged to write on furniture and investigate the installation that reveals hidden blankets and props. Guests are encouraged to build their own fort or spaceship and share a secret space with others by taking a photograph and adding it to the artist’s blog dedicated to imaginary play at the Useum.

As artists it is inspiring to see that Secret Spaces has inspired others. We found this wonderful gem in the Useum on Monday. We enjoy looking at all the beautiful doodles and writings about your Secret Spaces.

Secret Spaces was created for children of all ages! No matter how young or old you are, there is still something for everyone to explore. This beautiful little girl is 11 months old and enjoyed walking and playing in the Useum. She also happens to be the the daughter of Useum artist Kari Achatz.

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Preview Secret Spaces through this virtual tour. Come to the Burchfield Penney Art Center and experience it first hand through September 2012!

(Source: vimeo.com)

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Photo booth! Frame it up!

Working hard!

I missed my partner in crime tonight!!!! Kari was feeling under the weather, but I still had an excellent time meeting and interacting with all of you at the workshop tonight! Thank you all for stopping by, making some awesome props, and playing in the Useum! We hope to see you all July 13th for another fun packed night of family events!

Secret Spaces is for children and families of all ages. Thank you to Dawn and Chase for sharing your Secret Spaces fun, we are so glad you enjoyed it!

Thank You to EVERYONE to who is enjoying Secret Spaces. Here is an email Nick and I just received!

My kids LOVED the “Secret Spaces” exhibit in the Burchfield Penney’s “Useum.” They played for nearly and hour and wanted to stay even longer. They enjoyed finding the secret messages, building blanket forts (complete with an endless supply of clamps!) and using the flashlights to hunt for the hidden keys.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

Charlene