This is a time to be creative with how we engage with each other, especially our kids. As parents, we are an innovative bunch. Now is the time to embrace our ability to create … with our children!
If your looking for inspiration? Here are a few ways families are using art to build connections.
Create space for making
Carve out a space in your Home for your children to work and create there art because our children have a right to a space in our home and, let’s be honest, they already take up most of the home anyways.
To make the space even more special create a dedicated spot for them to unleash their imagination and make art. And, it’s okay for these spaces to seep into the rest of the house.
Be inspired by the Masters.
In art school we learn from the Masters; we study their techniques in museums and in the classroom. Our kids can learn from looking closely at artwork, too. Try using the book covers and tracing them to give your kids a headstart.
Invest all of this time in a long-term project
Everything is slowing down. We have more time at home with our children. You can use this time to invest in longer-term projects like constructing sculptures, painting large works or creating a book. Giving our kids time to collect materials and formulate plans is a wonderful way to ignite imagination and cultivate creative thinking.
Turn old artwork into a collage
Are you using this extra time to clean out your house? Are you irritated by clutter, but find it impossible to throw out your childrens’ doodles from years ago? Give the art a new life and turn them into a collage! You can use the time assembling the pieces to talk to your kids about the artworks or the times when they were created. All of those magazines lying around are great collage content too!
Art as an extension of in-home schooling
Art is fabulous for motor, sensory and emotional development. Art can be an extension of their schooling too. With school cancelled, you can incorporate any theme the teacher sends into an art activity.
Explore new art tools
You don’t need supplies from a Art Supply store like Dick Blick in your home to create art because products in your home can be a tool to make art!
Have old credit cards? Spread paint on them and use them to paint with. Fetch leaves from the yard and incorporate them into your pieces. Melt crayons with a blow-dryer or make marbleized paper with shaving cream.
Make art for someone else
Give the art a bit more meaning and purpose by asking your kids to make a postcard for a neighbor, nurse or first responder. What a wonderful surprise for someone to receive in their mailbox!
Art is not just a replacement of screen time. Art forges mental, emotional and physical connections. Use this time to nourish your children’s development. No one has to make a masterpiece. Let it be messy, unexpected, silly and wondrous! Be open to the possibilities!
This time shall pass and when it becomes a part of our memories, we’ll want to pull out photos and videos of these sweet, creative moments. You can save and share your Artwork with friend and neighbors.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
