My daughter Amy loves to paint and craft. Every day she spends time in the craft room and comes home with an assortment of different creations. After class she proudly tells me that she made artwork that we need to collect.
Our little girl pronounces it as a combination of “heartwork” and “hardwork.” Even though I do correct her, I have to admit I find this pronunciation pretty cute. Isn’t it so true that art is actually both of those things combined… its hard work that comes from the heart!
But as any parent knows, all artwork isn’t created equal. We do get some beautiful art projects that are done with a bit more supervision from the teachers. These ones are proudly displayed on the fridge or pinned up on her board in her room. I find she really enjoys seeing her art out in the house and it brings us all a little smile on dreary days. When I get a new one to stick up I make sure to tuck the other one away safely for her record book (which I still promise myself I will get around to some day).
So, the question is, what do we do with the other artwork? Not all of them are worth saving for the record book, yet knowing how much heart and hard work she puts into her art, and seeing how proud she is of each of the art creations, I find it difficult to throw them out.
Do any of you have budding artists, and what do you do with all of the art that comes home from school?
By Lisa Trollip