Babies at the Castle: Eyes as Big as Plates

Caregivers and infants up to 18 months are invited to experience the surreal photography of Finnish-Norwegian artists Riitta Ilkonen and Karoline Hjorth in the exhibition Eyes as Big as Plates. The exhibition presents whimsical portraits of people in harmony with nature and invites moments of wonder, curiosity, and connection while exploring ideas of identity, belonging, and place.

In the exhibition, ASI educators will guide caregivers and babies through each stop offering simple, age-appropriate activities that encourage looking closely, noticing details, and responding together. Caregivers carry infants at eye level and leave strollers behind, creating an up-close experience with each artwork that supports shared attention and early visual exploration.

Each thirty-minute tour offers a unique experience. Because not every stop can be included, the October tour may feature different works of art and different activities than the July tour, giving returning visitors something new to discover. The program continues with 15 minutes of sensory play in the Castle before it opens to the public, extending the experience beyond the gallery through hands-on exploration designed for caregivers and babies.

Additional information:

• Admission is included, allowing participants to explore the exhibition, the Turnblad Mansion, the Family Gallery, and ASI’s outdoor, fenced-in spaces after the program.
• Advanced registration is required.
• ASI educators determine whether to run or cancel programs based on registration levels on the Friday before the scheduled prgoram date. Please register by Friday, October 16, if interested in attending.
• The experience encourages caregivers and babies to slow down together, observe closely, and respond to what they see. Through this shared looking, the tour fosters curiosity, imagination, and early developmental growth in a setting designed for connection.
• Advanced registration required.