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Consider creating a space in your home for a collaborative collection of found treasure! A miniature shelf, an old printer’s drawer like this one, even a jar would work. You make your collection specific or broad. This collection is anything goes as long as it fits in the shelf space. Can you spot the treasure by one of our favorite Prairie Arts Center artists, @mowassell ?

Children love tactile experiences. This is a fun way to create the look of a true sand painting without having to buy colored sand. Not to mention, it’s less messy! This sweet turtle is an artifact from 1978 when a young art teacher to be was only 7 years old, proving that some good ideas last! Pro tip: use acrylic or tempera to get full saturation and choose a rougher grain sandpaper for visible texture. For more art activities and prompts, visit our Creative Classroom.

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Journal Prompt - On Mondays, we begin again
It always feels like a fresh restart on Monday. The week has not revealed itself, the previous week is in the past and we are moving forward. What is your routine on Monday, is it going back to work or is it an early morning run? Do you drink more coffee on Mondays, because it's Monday and not the weekend? Do you make new promises to yourself on Mondays? Do you blast The Bangles, "Manic Monday" on your way to an appointment? On Monday, we begin the week begins again. Small steps moving us forward.

If your children already enjoy painting with watercolor, introduce these two simple techniques to change it up a little and give their work some texture. The plastic wrap creates an effect that looks like stones underwater or panes of glass. The salt creates puddles and splatters that are rimmed with concentrated color. For larger puddles, use a larger grain salt. Both of these techniques add an air of excitement and anticipation to the drying process.

Replace a boring pencil cup in the house with a fun art project! This whimsical, big-eyed owl is upcycled from a tin can, jar lids, and bottle caps. Pro tip: give your tin can two coats of paint and make sure you sand down any rough edges around the lip. We were so excited with the results, we plan to make more to organize our kids’ studio! Alternative to a pen holder, you could punch holes in the bottom of the can and use it as a planter. For more art activities and prompts, visit our Creative Classroom.

Journal Prompt - I have witnessed kindness ...
This week's prompt has me thinking about ways we show kindness during this COVID19 time period. I want to remember those kindnesses. It's an excellent reason to WRITE something down to remember later. Here are just two examples of the kindness that I have witnessed. Every Sunday one of our instructors sends out this message "It’s letter day Sunday! If you or someone you know could use a pick me up or encouragement just comment or PM me and I will send them some snail mail." Who doesn't love to receive snail mail?! Or how about when a friend or coworker brings you your favorite drink on a hot day for no other reason then the person wanted to make you smile!? Pure kindness comes in small gestures that can have big impacts, especially during difficult times. Check out more journal prompts on our creative classroom page.