And so, the onslaught of Christmas has begun. And with the charge of all things holiday comes the barrage of toy commercials encouraging kids to beg for the newest blinky-lighted, roboticized plaything—or the latest Rock Band installment (why learn an actual instrument when you can spend just as much time playing a simulated one?). Remember when toys were simple? When kids used to go outside? Neither do we. But perhaps we can gain some insight on that distant past with “Mexico: Festival of Toys,” an international traveling toy exhibit. From the Papalote Children’s Museum in Mexico City, this collection of toys feature traditional artisan toy-making techniques and the beauty and colorful characteristics of folk art. It might be a nice break from all the consumerist Christmas crap thats going to be hitting you over the head for the next month.
Nov. 26-Jan. 3, 10 a.m., 2009
