Family Art Day

June 21, 2025

Adobe Park, Castro Valley | Presented by HARD Arts Program

I designed and produced a suite of engaging, family-friendly art stations for Family Art Day, a free outdoor community event focused on creativity, imagination, and nature. Working closely with HARD’s teaching artist team, I developed six interactive projects designed to inspire all ages—balancing artistic exploration with accessible materials and drop-in ease. I also coordinated visual identity, signage, and safety considerations for the event.

Hands-on stations included:

  • Cyanotype Tote Bag Station – Participants created botanical prints on tote bags using sunlight, leaves, and other natural materials. I designed the workflow to allow prepping under a pop-up tent, minimizing premature light exposure while keeping the process kid-friendly and tactile.

  • “Little Assistants” Clay Creatures – A sculpture station using air-dry clay, encouraging kids to create imaginative brush or pencil holders shaped like animals, mushrooms, or flowers.

  • Animal Art Station – Participants could collage whimsical paper animals using cutouts, plates, and found materials, or draw at easels using playful prompts. Finished pieces could be taken home or added to a collaborative gallery wall.

  • Felt Flower Plushie Station – A soft sculpture project where kids stitched and stuffed vibrant felt blooms, promoting motor skills and creativity.

  • Pet Rock Adoption Station – Children selected and named a pet rock, then created a cozy cardboard habitat and filled out a custom “adoption” certificate.

  • Collaborative Art Garden – Two ongoing group projects invited guests to:

    • Plant a Wish: Draw or write what they hoped to grow in their community.

    • Cardboard Garden: Build large-scale flowers, plants, and creatures to add to a collective garden installation.

Additional Highlights:

  • Pop-up treats from local vendors YoYo’s Botaneria and Beard Papa’s.

  • Open-air format with shade tents, community vibes, and flexible participation.

  • All materials and activities were provided free of charge.

Family Art Day exemplified community-engaged artmaking that is joyful, inclusive, and rooted in place. It was a joy to lead the creative direction and collaborate with HARD’s incredible arts educators to bring it to life.

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