Keeping Kids Creative

 With National Keep Kids Creative Week being recognized in communities across the country during September, Valerie Norris, owner of The Art Bin in downtown Sparta and former school psychologist for White County Schools, took time to explain some of the benefits of letting children create works of art, childhood masterpieces, or even just creative messes as they learn and grow.

“Art is very important to a child’s development,” Norris said as she also explained that art not only helps develop the right side of the brain but it also helps build important skills that benefit a child’s development. “Art helps build communication skills, problem solving skills, social and emotional skills, and fine motor skills.”

She went on to say that creativity and art are inexpensive ways to help a child develop so many of the important skills they will need to be successful in school as well as socially.

“A pencil and paper will do, but the possibilities are endless!  Paper, cardboard, markers, paint, glitter, glue, tape, scissors, and clay are all great items to use to create.  You can guide your child through a structured project or just let them come up with their own ideas,” she said.

Norris suggested multiple modes of creative outlets, including having children make birthday cards for loved ones, saying that children of all ages will enjoy crating and giving a special, heartfelt gift.

“Trust me, you will be amazed by what they come up with!” she said.

Norris saw a need for more creative outlets for children and adults, and this prompted her to open The Art Bin, a unique creative experience in Sparta, in 2018.

“I wanted to create a space where my community could come get away from it all for a few hours and leave with something they made that they could be proud of,” she explained. “I try to provide a welcoming Christian atmosphere. I love meeting new friends and seeing what my customers are able to create.  I’m amazed by the talent I see.”

Norris offers a special time each week just for children to express themselves, and she said that she has been excited to see how many of Sparta’s children are taking the opportunity to get creative.

“I love kids, and I love that so many of them enjoy coming to The Art Bin,” she said. “Kids Paint is a great way to let kids express themselves creatively.  Children of all ages, and even adults, love it.”

During Kids Paint, which is offered on Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. and on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., (and more often during the summer), Norris provides children a canvas with a drawing already sketched on it as well as all of the paints, brushes, and other supplies needed to create a childhood masterpiece - and memory.

“I’ve got a large selection of kid-friendly pictures traced onto canvases.  The kids choose one they like, and I provide them with everything they need to paint their picture.  They love to pick out the colors they want themselves,” Norris said. “They need to know there is no wrong way to do it, and I provide lots of praise to build their confidence.  When a child believes in themselves, they are not held back by self-doubt and are free to create art they are proud of.  And I’m proud of them, too!”

While the main focus at The Art Bin is acrylic painting, Norris also teaches step-by-step in which she paints along with her customers to show them what to do to get the look they are aiming for. She also offers pouring classes and mosaic classes, and, while canvas is the most popular painting surface, Norris also has wooden shapes, jewelry boxes, and a variety of surfaces that are waiting for a budding artist to claim.

“Art is so very therapeutic. It’s a way to release emotions that are bottled up inside and a way to escape the problems you are worried about for a while.  I am always willing to donate my space to any group (grief, addiction, cancer) of people who meet regularly to help each other cope with similar issues,” Norris said. “You don’t even have to paint if you are just looking for a space to meet, but I feel like [painting] would be a great way to spend time together doing something relaxing and therapeutic while supporting one another’s healing journey.”

While Norris said that her schedule changes weekly due to private parties, she is available most days to accommodate any size group up to 20 people. Additionally, she offers birthday parties for up to 15 guests, as well as offering mobile services in which she brings the supplies to a home or office to host a class or party and even has rental packages in which a customer can rent the supplies to take home and bring them back the next day.

“All of the services I offer are listed on my Facebook page under services, as well as on my website, with prices and a detailed description of each service,” she said. “Every Sunday, I post the events (or times I’m open) for the week on Facebook, as well as on my website under events. I have times I’m open for walk ins, and I’m always happy to save a spot for you and your people.”

While September focuses on Keeping Kids Creative and Norris loves to see kids expressing themselves through art, she loves to see parents joining in or adult groups taking the time to express themselves as well.

“Art is important at any age. Life can be stressful and painful. We all carry that stress and pain around with us, and it effects all aspects of our lives,” she said. “Art is the perfect way to release some of those emotions, as well as escape them for a while.  It is almost impossible to dwell on the problems in your life when you are pouring your heart into a work of art. Making time to explore your creativity on a regular basis can be very good for your mental and emotional well-being.

Anyone looking for classes, open paint times, kids paint, or parties are encouraged to reach out to Norris through her Facebook page, or email her at theartbin.sparta.tn@gmail.com. She can also be reached via text message at 931.981.9333 and a list of services and classes can be found at theartbin.org