January 31 is National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day, and while I know that is certainly a long holiday title, it is one worth celebrating with your own little artists. Art can look like a variety of things, ranging from painting to performing, so I have compiled a list of a few ideas to observe this holiday with your child.
The first way you and your child may want to choose to celebrate this holiday is through reading! Reading and literature on its own is an art form, but this list includes several books that celebrate and highlight different types of art and artists. Here are some biographies/works of pioneers in the art world that will inspire your child (and hopefully you as well):
Matthew Burgess’ “Drawing on the Walls” follows the life of Keith Haring as he fights to make art publicly accessible.
“It Began With a Page” written by Kyo Maclear will help children learn about Gyo Fujikawa’s use of illustrations to bring people together.
“Playing at the Border” by Joanna Ho shares Yo-Yo Ma’s experience playing at the US-Mexico border.
Patricia Hruby Powell’s “Josephine” uncovers Josephine Baker’s journey in making the arts and our world a more inclusive place.
“Poetry for Kids” introduces children to the verse of Emily Dickinson with this poetry picture book.
For younger artists: “Artists” by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara of the Little People, Big Dreams series features a diverse spread of artists including Frida Kahlo and David Bowie.
Your child may prefer to express themselves through movement or singing. The library’s Music and Movement videos may be a great inspiration for them. Here are a few of my favorites for this holiday:
- May There Always Be Sunshine
Help your child sing about some of their favorite people, creating a song that is uniquely theirs. - All the Raindrops
Work with your child to swap out words to create a song about their favorite foods. - I Can Feel the Rhythm
Use body parts and movements to discover rhythm.
View local art with your child right here in mid-Missouri. Check out this guide to Columbia’s Public Art Gallery, featuring the location and backstory of each piece. You can view this gallery online or stroll through the city at your own pace to check out these works of art. This list includes one of my favorites, Cypher, which inspires me every day on my way to work!
To view art in a faraway place, take a virtual trip to the MetKids website to learn more about the art housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can explore a map of their galleries, hop in their ‘time machine’ to view art by period and more!
There are many, many ways to inspire your heart with art — use these ideas for you and your little artist as much or as little as you may like to find your inspiration!
