It's February (yep, that's it...that's the sentence). Although January was cold, dark, and felt like it dragged on....and on and on and on, it is still somehow hard to believe we are already in February. But, here we are, thinking we have finally financially recovered from Christmas, only to realize we blinked and its time for another consumer fueled holiday where we beat ourselves up for buying the boxed valentine day cards rather than making boo baskets or whatever they are calling it these days. Valentine's Day does NOT need to be a day of over-the-top candies and flowers and colossal-size stuffed animals that become an extra body in your house. Yes, some people's love language is receiving gifts, but I truly believe the ABSOLUTE BEST way to show someone you love them is to spend quality time with them. Quality time is going to look different for every kid, spouse, friend, etc., but one way I like to spend time with my kids is by exploring some creative activity; art, baking, dancing, building, etc. Obviously I love art, and whole-heartedly believe in the benefits of art-making. However for me, it is bigger than just the social and emotional benefits. Art is a way for me to connect with my kids in a different setting than our normal sports-induced, academic-fueled, weekly dialogue. Creative time provides opportunities to ask questions, explore new ideas in a safe environment, and also allows us all to let loose, make messes, and be silly. Is it sometimes easier to Netflix and chill? ABSOLUTELY. But, I also know they will remember building forts for snowball fights more than watching a movie and eating popcorn. So, this Valentine's Day, step outside of your comfort zone, and try spending some time creative time around the table with your family....cookies next to crayons are always highly encouraged!
Here are 5 Artists to Explore this Valentine's Day:
- Alma Thomas was a female, African-American painter who developed her own form of abstract painting. She began her career as an Art Teacher before turning in to a full-time artist.
- Wassily Kandinsky was a Russian Painter that painted during the Expressionism and Abstract periods. He is most known for his abstract works of shapes, colors, and lines.
- Jim Dine is an American Pop Artist. His work includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and photography, often of hearts, bathrobes, Pinocchio, or tools.
- Keith Haring was an American Artist whose animated Pop Art works emerged from the NYC graffiti scene. His work often addressed social and political issues using flat images of people or objects, filled with a solid color and black outline.
- Chris Uphues is a Contemporary American Street Artist that creates colorful murals of hearts, fruits, and other joyful imagery in a comic style.
I hope you find some time this week to make one of these simple love-themed projects with your kiddos. We would love to see them on our social media accounts if you do :) Remember, it doesn't have to be an over-the-top, fancy pants, glitter explosion project to make an impact. Crayons, copy paper, and your UNDIVIDED ATTENTION is plenty to those little love bugs. Happy (creative) Valentine's Day from us to you!
