A Summer Arts Adventure

Written by Emily Akin

Summer vacation is almost here. That means longer days, no school, and more time for family fun. Treat your family to a summer of wonderful adventure. Explore the arts indoors, outdoors, at home, or on vacation. Delightful new experiences, and possibly undiscovered talents, await you.

Gifts From God

The arts contribute to spiritual development. The Book of Genesis says, “In the beginning God created…” We are made in God’s image and reflect His nature when we are creating. Is it surprising, then, that we use poetry, music, art, and drama to worship Him? God has given us many creative ways to express ourselves and to share our experiences with others. Especially in light of recent tragic events, we all need new outlets for those feelings.

Recent studies have shown that the arts, music in particular, enhance children’s mental development. The whole family can benefit because participation in the arts teaches the value of teamwork and the discipline of working toward a goal. Many of today’s parents grew up in an education system that emphasized science and math, while the arts curriculum received little or no attention. If you are in this category, don’t worry. It’s never too late to start enjoying art!

First, observe artists in action, either through live performances or through recordings and videos. Then find ways to get involved yourself. Here’s where the fun really begins. Do a little planning and organizing, but don’t approach this like it’s a chore. The exact nature of your family’s arts activity doesn’t matter. Just be determined to do something arts-related regularly this summer while you have the time.

Outdoor Arts

Concerts, arts and crafts shows, and pageants are great ways to introduce your family to the arts. If the event is outdoors, dress is usually casual, and the admission is often free. Check your local or regional newspaper for arts events. Look for live performances of bands, orchestras, choruses, and small groups in a variety of styles. Consider trying something new, something beyond the ordinary.

Visit street fairs or arts festivals so you can see paintings, sculptures, and other media. Artists usually man their own booths, giving you a chance to talk with them about their work. Sometimes the artists are actually working on their craft so you can see them in action.

Indoor Arts

Museums and art galleries are perfect for wet weather or hot, summer days. If you don’t have museums and galleries in your area, you can find a wealth of resources to assist you in your arts adventures at the public library. Even small public libraries will have books, tapes, and/or videos to help your family explore the arts. Most libraries also offer Internet access so you can search for information on the Web. You can find stories about artists, samples of their work, and how-to information to help you do it yourself. Public radio and television stations offer arts programming on a regular basis.

If you have small children, assemble art supplies for your home and encourage your children to use them to express themselves. Tell a story or listen to music and then let the children illustrate what the story or music says to them. Incorporate the arts into your family devotionals in a similar manner. Songs, poems, and pictures can enhance your family devotional time.

Arts Vacation

If you are planning to travel this summer, see what opportunities might be available along the way. This is your chance to attend concerts or visit art galleries and museums in larger cities. Visitor’s bureaus offer free information and events calendars through Web sites and toll-free phone numbers. My favorite events Web site can be found at www.culturefinder.com. There, you can find out what is going on in a number of major cities.

No plans for an extended vacation? No problem. Look for arts events within a day’s drive from your home. Many events are scheduled on weekends so you could make a one-day trip or an overnight excursion. Again, check with visitors bureaus or chambers of commerce to find out what’s available.

Your summer fun can be the beginning of a lifetime of shared adventures. You’ll chart a course for future creative and spiritual growth that will bring your family closer together. Think of it as a treasure hunt, because someone may uncover a talent that would have gone undiscovered without your summer arts adventure. And the bonus – observing and creating things of beauty can bring glory to God. I think it makes Him smile and say, “It is good.”

Emily Akin is a freelance writer, church organist/choir director, and former music teacher from Union City, Tennessee.

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