Why (and How!) to Establish Family Art Night in Your Household

The team-building benefits of intentional, collaborative arts (and a DIY project to try!)

by Ashlee Collins, Petway Teaching Artist Fellow in Visual Arts 

 

The Power of Creating Together

 

It’s easy for families to become caught up in busy schedules, screens and daily responsibilities. But amidst the chaos, there’s something deeply grounding about sitting down together to create. Practicing art as a family isn’t just about making something beautiful, it’s about weaving connections — slowing down and building trust, confidence and resilience in one another.

Growing up in a big family, I experienced firsthand how art could bring us together. Whether we were writing songs, choreographing dances or crafting holiday decorations, these shared creative moments became treasured memories.

My parents and relatives didn’t just hand us materials and send us off to create; they sat beside us, participated and nurtured a love for artistic expression. This intentional practice of making art together shaped my passion for creativity and ultimately led me to become a teaching artist.

 

Why Collaborative Art Matters

 

Art is often seen as an independent or solitary activity, but creating together has its own unique magic. In my role as a teaching artist, I like to introduce collaborative projects at the beginning of the school year, such as challenging students to create origami swans that we then combine into one piece. The process teaches patience, perseverance and teamwork, and we end up with something that reminds students of that moment of connection every time they enter the classroom.

The same principles apply at home. When families create together, they build shared experiences that foster deeper relationships.

Collaborative art also helps us be present. Too often, we focus on a perfect finished product, but the true value lies in the process: learning, laughing, making mistakes and supporting each other. Art isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection.

 

Simple Ways to Make Art a Family Tradition

 

You don’t have to be an artist to start a family art tradition. The key is intention.

Here are a few simple ways to incorporate creative bonding into your routine:

• Family Sketchbook: Keep a shared sketchbook where each family member can add a drawing, doodle or note whenever they feel inspired.
• Art Night: Set aside a weekly or monthly family art night, just like a game night. Try painting, sculpting or even chalk art outside.
• Themed Challenges: Pick a simple theme (for example, “We’ll only use black markers”) and let everyone create something unique.
• Handmade Gifts & Cards: Instead of buying holiday gifts or greeting cards, make them together — it’s meaningful to recipients as well as the maker, and teaches kids the joy of making something for someone else.
• Seasonal DIY Projects: Use nature as inspiration! Try leaf printing in the fall, snowflake cutouts in winter or gardening in the spring.

 

The Lasting Impact

 

When we intentionally create together, we do more than just make art — we build a culture of connection in our families. Art teaches patience, encourages playfulness and allows us to slow down in a world that constantly urges us to rush. By embracing these small creative moments, we cultivate values that will shape our families for years to come.

So pick up a paintbrush, grab some paper or sit down with your child to doodle. The masterpiece isn’t what you create, it’s the time you spend together.

 

 

 

Try This: DIY Fairy or Gnome Gardens

 

One of my family’s favorite projects was making fairy gardens. This activity blends creativity with nature and offers endless possibilities for personalization.

Materials:

• Medium-sized planter pots (enough for everyone in your family)
• Gardening soil
• Flowers or plants of your choice
• Acrylic paints and brushes (optional)
• Miniature decorations (moss, marbles, small figures, bird houses, etc.)

 

Steps:

1. 1. 1. If decorating your pots, paint them in advance to allow drying time.
      2. Fill each pot with soil, leaving a space for plants.
      3. Plant flowers and cover roots with additional soil.
      4. Arrange miniature decorations to create a fairy or gnome scene. Get creative — arrange a farm scene or choose a color theme to build around.
      5. Place in a sunny spot and enjoy your creation!

 

 

 

This story is part of a new series of articles featuring CAP Teaching Artist Fellows. They’ll share monthly insights from their years of experience in arts education, personal stories that impacted their careers as artists and educators, and ideas for families to incorporate more creativity into their everyday lives.

In March, we’ll learn from Joshua Stone, Teaching Artist Fellow in Strings. To be notified when the next story is live, sign up for our email list today.