This weekend, I took my kids to the "Sensory Overload" exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum. In the past, I've found that they appreciate Pop Art (they love Warhol's "Campbell's Soup" painting), so I speculated that this exhibit -- featuring Op Art -- would be a hit, too. This time, Mom was right.

At 4 and 5, they really related to this show because they understand and still enjoy identifying simple geometric figures whether in a book or on the wall ("Look, Mom, a square!"). They also really dug Nam June Paik's "Ruin," which is a tower of strategically placed old-timey televisions displaying a series of images.

Most of all they appreciated Erwin Redl's "Matrix XV," featuring strands and strands of dangling LED lights in an otherwise dark room. We visited this installation three times.

I found it humorous and fitting that they got into a show called "Sensory Overload" because most of the time I go into sensory overload just from hanging out with these incessant talkers who at this age almost constantly ask questions, make "funny" noises and sing songs. (I'm hoping that Levi will stop singing Christmas carols any day now!)

The only thing about the show that disappointed my kids is that it replaced some of the other art pieces they enjoyed in the past, like that creepy talking doll head under the chair.

If you're thinking about introducing your wee ones to the Art Museum -- or simply want another winter getaway option for kids of any age -- this is an awesome show for the whole fam.

"Sensory Overload" runs until October 2009.