Celebrating traditions and tolerance through art.
Creating art together as a family and community this holiday (past Hanukkah and Winter and upcoming New Year season) allows parents, children, families and the community to be brought together. Bonding, having new creative, memorable experiences together and possibly gaining better insight on how each other is feeling or thinking are just some of the benefits of participating in arts and crafts activities.
Arts and crafts, for example, are a great way for youth to turn to their endless imagination all while doing something creative, productive and expressive
This is something Diana “MissDee” of Art Therapy OC had the opportunity to experience this past Hanukkah by leading the Girl Scouts of Orange County and their families at an interfaith educational community event. Diana is a former girl scout herself and often works with Girl/Boy Scout troops creating art (for events and to earn their badges) at her studio. So, it was very special to be again be a part of it for the second annual “Girl Scouts Celebrate Hanukkah” event, which was supported by so many in the community. It brought so much joy and fun to over 160 girls (not including over 120 parents) from across Orange County.
Doing art as a family or community also encourages quality time together and this past Hanukkah event was a perfect opportunity for that. It was a beneficial learning and educational experience with self-care and wellness time through art making.
Many thanks also to Caron Berkley and Lesley Finch for organizing, leading and educating the Girl Scouts, along with Shir’Ha-Ma’alot’s Rabbi Sarah. Everyone helped facilitate Hanukkah and the holiday traditions and activities they participated in. “Thank you also to the many other volunteers and organizers involved in this great program,” said Miss Dee.
Diana “MissDee” Shabtai of Art Therapy OC taught the participants more about the menorah by creating their very own personalized tile and mosaic glass craft art activity and experience. The participants made lovely colorful mosaic tile menorahs by simply using tiles, glue and bolts, colorful decorative gems and metallic markers to draw and design with. Interactive Hanukkah/Girl Scout theme coloring pages were also provided.
The Girl Scouts were all able to keep their artwork to cherish always and share/gift their art experience with others. It was also a memorable and valuable experience for the community and youth (of all faiths) to come together to celebrate and learn.
Learning that we all have common values… this was an opportunity to literally share and spread the light!
Art is a healthy way to spend time together and is one of the best bonding experiences. It allows for learning an entirely new skill together and for a healthy fun way to express through creativity. This was an opportunity for our youth and community to not only celebrate, but to come together by creating art together along with the intention and message of being kind and tolerant toward each other no matter what background/faith we come from. It was a beautiful example of how powerful, beneficial, and therapeutic art and creativity can be!
