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Art Collection Education Haitian Studio at Home

Kohl’s Art Generation Studio at Home: Father Knows Best

Philomé Obin taught many young, aspiring artists, including some of his own children and grandchildren. Their paintings, and the paintings of countless other Haitian artists, were influenced by his work.

Three men sitting in chairs in front of a building
Philomé Obin and Antoine Obin, Philomé, Sénéque and Antoine Obin seated in front of the Cap-Haitian branch of the Centre d’ Art, 1970. Gift of Richard and Erna Flagg, M1991.144. Photo by Efraim Lev-er.
Philomé Obin and Antoine Obin, Philomé, Sénéque and Antoine Obin seated in front of the Cap-Haitian branch of the Centre d’ Art, 1970 (detail). Gift of Richard and Erna Flagg, M1991.144. Photo by Efraim Lev-er.

Artist Philomé Obin and his son, Antoine, worked together to complete this painting. In the work, you can see Philomé on the left, Antoine on the right, and Philomé’s brother, Sénéque, who was also an artist, in the center. They are sitting in front of the Centre d’Art in their hometown of Cap-Haïtien. Philomé opened this school and gallery as a branch of the Centre d’Art in Port Au Prince, Haiti. 

I wonder what the three men are talking about. Maybe they are chatting about some of the artworks they saw in the gallery, or discussing one of their own paintings?

Philomé Obin taught many young, aspiring artists, including some of his own children and grandchildren. Their paintings, and the paintings of countless other Haitian artists, were influenced by his work. What have you learned from your family?

When I was young, I often helped my dad fix things around the house. He wanted me to watch him so I would learn how to complete projects by myself. Though I’m grown up and have my own house now, my dad and I still work on repairs together.

What do you enjoy doing with your family? Draw or paint it! Fold a piece of paper, and then draw on the front to make the perfect Father’s Day card. Here’s what I made for my dad:

Young boy handing his father tools while he works under the sink

Post a photo of your artwork on social media, and invite us to check it out! Tag @MilwaukeeArt and use #MAMStudioAtHome.

Kohl’s Studio at Home activities are designed to be enjoyed with the whole family, regardless of age. Families can work together to learn new techniques and materials, and to explore creativity. As with all new things, provide your child the support and supervision that they need for their developmental level, practicing safe use of tools and materials. You know your kids best!

Brett helps two children with art-making

Brett Henzig is the Youth & Family Programs Educator. He manages the Kohl’s Art Studio, leads school tour workshops, and teaches Youth Studio Classes and Summer Art Camps. Outside the Museum, you’ll find Brett making art, rescuing injured wild animals, and spending time with his wife, son, dog, cat, and rabbit.

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