By Rodney Goodchild • Vernon Community Arts Centre
Creativity lives in all of us. Whether you’re a finger-painting toddler, a busy parent, or a grandparent with stories to tell, making art isn’t about being ‘good’ at it–it’s about what happens when we give ourselves permission to explore, express, and connect.
Visual art provides an outlet for emotion, a path to learning, and a space to slow down in a fast-paced world. And the best part? It can be enjoyed by everyone, at any age, together or apart.
Let’s take a look at how visual arts can benefit every generation in your family and how you can get started right now.
Creativity in Full Colour • Artmaking is more than just fun for kids–it’s how they explore, grow, and understand the world. Sculpting clay animals, painting bold shapes, or sketching their favourite characters all help develop fine motor skills, spark imagination, and build problem-solving abilities.
It also supports emotional expression. Not every child has the words to describe how they’re feeling, but give them some markers and a blank page, and they’ll often find ways to communicate through colour and form.
Parents can encourage this creativity with something as simple as a home art bin or by enrolling their child in an after school class or summer art camp. Many community arts centres offer age-appropriate programs where kids can learn new techniques and make new friends. You’ll be surprised how quickly they come home brimming with pride, with paint on their hands and stories to tell.
Permission to Play Again • Many adults set down their creative pursuits somewhere along the road of careers, parenting, and endless to-do lists. But research shows that even just a few minutes of creative activity a day can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost your mood. That small window of calm can feel like a deep breath for your nervous system.
Clay, in particular, has been shown to have therapeutic benefits. The tactile, repetitive nature of working with clay can help regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Applied Arts and Health, participants in ceramics workshops reported reduced stress and greater life satisfaction after just a few sessions.
Enrolling in a structured art class offers adults a chance to reconnect with themselves and rediscover joy. Look for a pottery class, a printmaking workshop, or even a one-night ‘Paint and Pinot’ event.
No experience is needed just a willingness to play.
Art That Keeps on Giving • Art isn’t just for the young–it’s for the young at heart. In fact, creative activity can be especially powerful for older adults. Studies have shown that engaging in visual art supports memory, boosts mental health, and helps maintain fine motor coordination.
But beyond the health benefits, art brings a vital sense of community
and that’s something seniors need more than ever. Loneliness and isolation are real concerns as we age, and creative communities can be a powerful antidote. Group classes, drop-ins, or even informal art meetups offer opportunities to connect, share stories, and keep the mind and spirit active.
In a now-famous Good Morning America interview, Jane Fonda shared her top tips for aging well, one of which was to take an art class. She called creative activity essential for staying sharp, engaged, and joyful. And we agree. Sketching flowers in your backyard or finally trying that watercolour class you’ve always wondered about, art can bring vitality and meaning into your life.
It’s also a beautiful way to bond with younger generations. Painting holiday cards with a grandchild, creating a collage of family photos, or sharing memories through art builds bridges that last long after the paint dries.
Making Magic Together • One of the best parts of visual art is that it doesn’t require everyone to be on the same page just at the same table. Families don’t need to be filled with artists to make creativity a part of their routine. It can be messy, joyful, silly and still full of meaning.
You can paint rocks to hide around the neighbourhood or host a family art show where everyone’s a star. Drawing self-portraits, making gratitude journals, or turning recyclables into sculptures–there are endless ways to get hands-on together.
Another option is to take a family art class. The Vernon Community Arts Centre offers many classes suitable for all ages, and if you’re looking for something truly unique, we’ll even help create a bespoke class just for your family. It’s a wonderful way to try something new together, learn new skills, and share laughs along the way.
Keep the Creativity Going • No matter your age, experience level, or comfort zone, art has something to offer you. It’s a gentle, joyful way to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
If you’re feeling inspired but aren’t sure where to start, the Vernon Community Arts Centre is a great place to begin. With over 350 classes offered throughout the year, (including summer camps, Pro-D day programs, and holiday workshops,) there’s always something going on.
With morning, afternoon, and evening classes, it’s easy to find a time that fits into your family’s rhythm.
Prefer to create at home? The Arts Centre also has a wide selection of art supplies available for purchase, so you can stock up on everything you need to keep the creativity flowing at your own pace.
So go ahead: pick up a brush, roll out some clay, or just doodle on the nearest napkin. You don’t need to be perfect, just present. Because when it comes to making art, the magic is in the doing.
Rodney Goodchild manages the Vernon Community Arts Centre, where they are passionate about creativity, connection, and community. The Centre champions programs that inspire families to explore visual art together, encouraging self-expression, lifelong learning, and playful discovery. For more information on classes, workshops, and events please visit our website www.vernonarts.ca.