“Can we start painting now? Please!!! NOW!” – this is what I hear when kids enter the room that is set up with easels, canvases, brushes, paints and all kinds of interesting looking materials. They keep pulling my smock and they can’t wait. This is what I love about kid’s art parties –this craving to dive right into it. They literally get hungry when they see all the colors lined up, it is almost like a pawlow-reflex. Painting on canvas with good quality paint is for many of them a very unique experience. They feel that their art is valuable and valued. Even those kids who usually don’t show a lot of perseverance for art at home respond to a whole group of kids around them that is focused and eager to paint. The kids enjoy witnessing the painting process of their peers, their ideas, their inventions. They get stimulated to experience different techniques and painting styles. The other day a 7-year old girl said to the child next to her: “Abby, you are inspiring me.” All the adults around her were cracking up and couldn’t believe their ears. This little girl found the perfect expression.

My goal as the instructor (or as we call it: the creative inspirant) is to find the right balance between 2 poles: to give the kids that little bit of structure/instruction that helps to boost the final result and to give them plenty of freedom to allow their beautiful phantasies to evolve. And instead of the usual goodie-bag each kids brings home the proof of his or her amazing creativity to proudly share with their family.

What a creative and fun way to celebrate!