Last week, our local art museum held a opening reception for a new photography exhibit.

The date was saved on my calendar, and I had made plans to enjoy the exhibit alone.  I wanted to savor each and every photograph, without interruption.  I know how personal photography is – how each and capture is a moment saved in time.

My plans changed unexpectedly, and I found myself visiting the opening photography reception with my three daughters and my nephews.

I fully expected them to run through the exhibit, screaming and not realizing that others were trying to enjoy the photographs as well.

But to my surprise, they walked slowly, savoring each image. They asked questions, and stopped to read the captions. They were truly interested in the exhibit.

I began to realize how important it is to expose children to photography exhibits, and the arts in general.

As we walked through the halls, I explained what to look for, what to notice in photographs, and they pointed out things that I had not noticed, details that I overlooked. I realized that if they were not with me, I would missed out on their point of view.

As a mother, I realize how hard it is to bring your children to museums and how much work is involved.

But it is so important for them to visualize that photography is an art. That photographs can tell a story.

Photographs deserve to be framed and displayed, and I now realized that they finally get it.

As we were leaving, an older couple stopped me. They wanted to be sure that I knew how important it was for children be exposed to exhibits such as this.  I smiled and thanked them for their kind words.

I am so glad that I brought them, that I have planted a seed of discovery and appreciation for photography and the arts.

The next time you visit a photography exhibit, be sure to bring your kids, your nieces or nephews, or family friends. Exposing them to the arts will be a gift to you as well as them.