Creative Things to Do with Family in Santa Fe
Parents are busy people, and sometimes it’s hard for us to think outside the box when it comes to finding new activities to do with our children. As a mom of two young boys, I understand this very well, and appreciate when friends introduce me to new things to do in town. So let me be that friend for you: have you taken a painting class with your family? If not, it is a unique, fun and engaging way to spend time together. Not only do art classes provide an outlet for creativity, but they also offer numerous benefits that would make it a worthwhile experience for everyone involved. Here are some reasons why you should consider taking a painting class with your family.
1. Break the Routine of Daily Life
Painting classes offer the perfect opportunity to break away from the mundane routine of daily life. We often get stuck doing the same things everyday: drop off at school, go to work, come home, make dinner, do homework, rinse and repeat. We can even get stuck in ruts on our weekends, relying on the same activities just because it’s easy. Doing something totally new together can break up that feeling of monotony.
Painting classes can also be a great way for your family to spark inspiration while creating meaningful memories that last a lifetime. Plus, making art is proven to have health benefits such as relaxing the nervous system and calming the mind. Taking time out from work, school, and other obligations to focus on art and creativity can be therapeutic for everyone. By adding variety to your life through painting classes, you’ll be able to find a balance between responsibility and enjoyment.
2. Improve Communication and Solidarity
Painting classes aren’t just for artistic expression, they also promote communication and teamwork. As everyone works towards a common goal, family members have to communicate with each other in order to achieve the desired outcome. This can lead to stronger bonds and improved communication outside of class as well.
For example, one family I worked with created a polyptych–five individual paintings that hang together as one cohesive piece. Family members had fun discussing how their individual designs and colors would uniquely complement each other. They debated, collaborated and laughed together as they created a unique artwork that is now hanging in their Brooklyn home. Surely this family remembers the experience painting together each time they walk past the pieces hanging in the living room.
Overall, the skills learned in painting classes can be translated into other areas of life and improve relationships beyond the art studio. Learning to communicate frustration, accept help, and feel supported are skills from which we can all benefit.
3. Create Long-Lasting Memories
Participating in a painting class is a great way to create lasting memories with your family. The experience of collaborating on a creative project together can be unforgettable and cherished for years to come.
Having something tangible to look back on, such as a painting, can serve as a reminder of the time spent together and the relationships strengthened through the process. Painting classes also provide the opportunity for families to try new things and step out of their comfort zones, which can lead to unique experiences that will always be remembered.
4. Strengthen Family Bonds
Painting classes offer a great opportunity for families to strengthen their relationships. By learning a new skill together, family members form strong bonds as they navigate this new experience together. Students must think creatively and problem-solve in order to achieve their desired results. This is an important life skill that can be applied outside the painting class, particularly when dealing with challenges or obstacles in personal and professional relationships.
I have witnessed family members support each other when the painting process gets tough, and these precious moments stick with people for a lifetime. This brings family members together and strengthens bonds in a unique and enjoyable way. In addition, family members might find they enjoy painting, and want to continue doing the hobby together, offering more opportunities for bonding.
5. Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence
Participating in painting classes as a family can also help boost self-esteem and confidence. Creating something from scratch and seeing it through to completion can be very empowering. When family members encourage each other throughout the process, it can further enhance their self-worth and belief in their abilities.
Additionally, creating art without worrying about being perfect or judged can allow for personal growth and self-expression, which is beneficial for everyone involved. Painting classes offer a no-pressure environment that provides room for creativity. This creates a positive atmosphere where individuals of all ages feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings about their artwork, thus boosting confidence levels.
Creating an original artwork is a fulfilling process that provides many opportunities for learning and growth. Experiencing this creative process together as a family is an excellent way to bond, build confidence, create long-lasting memories and return home with a physical memento that each one can be proud of. If you are looking for a creative experience in Santa Fe, check out the Family Keepsake Painting Class at Santa Fe Painting Workshops. Instructor Andrea Cermanski has a MA in Art Education, taught at the Santa Fe Public Schools for 18 years, and has 30 years experience painting. She teaches abstract acrylic painting to individuals and groups in her downtown studio, just one block from Canyon Road, and works with all ages and ability levels.
Here is a review from one of my families:
“Our family painting class with Andrea was the highlight of our visit to Santa Fe! Andrea is incredibly talented (check out her gallery!), and it was really neat to learn different concepts and techniques, see how she applied them in her work, and then try them ourselves. Her studio space is beautiful, and you really get what you pay for with her individual instruction. Our group had one experienced little artist and two clueless adults, and all three of us left with a beautiful painting – currently displayed on my mantle!”–Shannon L.
ABOUT ANDREA CERMANSKI
I am an artist out of Santa Fe, New Mexico who has been painting for almost 30 years. I love to teach first-timers as well as experienced painters who need a creative reboot. My work has been displayed in several galleries around the country, and I have a Bachelor’s in Art History, a Master’s in Art Education, and had my work in a show juried by Judy Chicago. The idea of getting more people painting makes me light up as I want to inspire more people to express their creative selves and tap into a place of joy and calm.
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