Kids+Art Blog

July 27

Written By Amy Scheidegger

As a parent and life-long artist, I have always marveled at the boundless creativity and imagination that children possess. From doodling whimsical creatures to crafting colorful masterpieces, their artistic talents fill the world with wonder. 

My own experiences as an artist, however, led me to a disheartening realization – children with special artistic talents are often taken for granted. A child’s artistic abilities are often only acknowledged and valued when they are producing art for someone else's needs. Artistic exploitation extends to adulthood, when young artists choose to make a living with their skills.

June 27

Written By Amy Scheidegger

I have been an artist since I was 2 years old, drawing bears in overalls all over my sketchbooks (and walls), and now writing and illustrating my own children's books. 

Since having my daughter in 2019, I have learned more about the importance of letting my child lead the creative moments in our house instead of me interjecting and taking over because I’m a professional artist. I needed to give her the “Right” encouragement. But what is the “right” encouragement? 

May 22

Written By Amy Scheidegger

Have these thoughts ever crossed your mind? “I’m only worthy if I’m contributing something? I’m only worthy if someone needs me?”

And while it’s nice to be needed…kids also NEED to grow up knowing they are worth love, attention and friendship even when they aren’t being productive or useful to someone else.

I grew up a gifted artist and experienced the “being popular when something artistic was needed, then all but disappearing afterwards” kind of bullying. Most children with some sort of talent, whether it’s in the visual arts, performing arts, sports, or academics, have or will experience being asked to “perform” their talents for both peers and adults at the drop of a hat.

May 8

Written By Amy Scheidegger

I am a life-long artist, artist advocate and current children's book illustrator. For 6 years, I headed an organization called Artistic Rebuttal whose purpose was to convince those in government that the arts were worthy of tax dollars - using the art and voices of children and emerging artistic professionals.

In those six years, I learned that most children participate in art making without being taught - showing us that creating is an integral part of humanhood and acts as a method to learn and imitate our surroundings. A toddler’s ability to recognize differences in colors and shapes is foundational and could mean the difference between safety or harm.