With school, summer camps, and so much more being turned into a digital format, it can feel hard to keep kids away from the screens. With help from CJ Mitchell, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis’ school programs coordinator, and Amy Jamison, owner of Amy’s Art Studio in Wentzville, we compiled a list of easy activities parents can try this summer.
1. Low-mess mosaics
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Typical mosaic projects use mortar and grout, which can be a little messy, however, Jamison says there are easier ways to achieve the same goal. First, take a base plaque (in any shape you want) and paint it. Then, use clear glue to attach glass stones and gems. Jamison adds glitter to the glue and puts it over the paint to add a more textured look. Jamison’s “Art-to-Go” kits, which can be purchased on the studio’s website, contain all the materials needed for this fun and simple project.
2. “Spray” painting
This quick activity is not what it sounds like, but it will get kids outdoors. First, mix water and food coloring in spray bottles. To intensify the colors, simply add more food coloring. Then, lay standard printer paper or canvas in the grass, take a step back and spray. The kids will end up with some abstract art to hang around the house.
“It’s a way to engage with your kids in a slightly different way as you talk about art, or about making art,” Mitchell says of the activity.
3: “My perfect place” collage
Do you have tons of old magazines lying around the house? Before taking them out to recycling, let your kids look through them and ask them to cut out images that represent their favorite activities, destinations, and more. Then, have them glue everything together to create their very own dream world.
Reminding children there is life outside the pandemic can lift spirits. “Everybody’s been stuck at home, and maybe you’re tired of being at home, so [think]: Where is that place you would love to go? Or, if you could create a place, what would it be?” Mitchell explains.
4: Rock painting
When it comes to rock painting, the options are endless! Jamison found Outdoor World Emporium sells bags of flat rocks for a reasonable price, however, they can be purchased at most hardware stores. As seen above, kiddos can paint rocks to resemble their favorite animal or even their favorite place.
5: Create-your-own crayons
Mitchell recommends this activity as it’s a great way to repurpose old art supplies. Simply take used or broken crayons, break them up into smaller pieces, and place them in a silicone muffin tin. Then, place the muffin tin in the oven and turn the heat to a low temperature, around 150 degrees, and bake until the waxes melt. Last, let the crayons cool and pop out your new crayons. By combining different colors of crayons, kids can custom make their new supplies.
For step-by-step instructions for more art projects, visit CAM’s Art at Home webpage. Jamison is still selling Art-to-Go kits on her website, which include instructions as well as all the supplies needed to make paintings, mosaics, and more.
