Draw a Forest

Don't you just sometimes want to get away. We love visiting the forest. Let's draw one for fun! Julia – one of our museum volunteers – shares a simple drawing that showcases the serenity of a forest. We hope it inspires some creativity as you draw from your...

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Paint on paper plates

Do your kids want to paint, but you don't have a canvas?  No problem. Try painting on paper plates! Getting started Materials: Paper plates Paint (preferably washable) Paintbrushes or sponges Paper towels Cup with water (for cleaning brushes) Newspaper or table cover...

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Make an origami dog

Let's go into the i.d.e.a. Museum archives and create some origami of dogs! The activity we're sharing comes from our It's a Dog's Life exhibition from Fall/Winter of 2016-17. Instructions and tips for this activity below. Or watch the video: ...

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Draw a Sun

Let's draw a vibrant sun to brighten your day! Julia – one of our museum volunteers – shares how she imagines adding some personality and color to the sun in her latest drawing. We hope it inspires some creativity as you make your own vibrant sun at home. ...

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Draw a fish

Let's draw some fish for fun! Julia – one of our museum volunteers – shares her latest drawing of two cute fish to offer some inspiration. We hope they make you smile. Gather your tools! You'll need:...

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Draw a fairy

Love fairies? We do! Their homes are part of our atrium garden, which is getting an update now. Did you know art is a great way to reduce stress? Learn more via VeryWell Health. Julia - one of our museum volunteers - shares a drawing of a fairy to help brighten our...

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Make desert flowers

Got plastic? We have an art project for you! What’s special about this particular project is that is is part of a collaborative flower mural right outside the front doors of the i.d.e.a. Museum! So next time you’re in downtown Mesa, we hope you stop by and attach the...

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Scavenger hunt binoculars

Let's make personalized binoculars (or "desert-oculars") for use in a desert-themed scavenger hunt. Monica, one of our Gallery Educator at the i.d.e.a. Museum, shares this art activity that you can do at home as a part of the Mesa Family Take Out Night, supporting our...

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Create a desert sky silhouette

Amber, one of our gallery educators at the I.d.e.a. Museum, has another fun desert-themed project for you. These easy art projects for your family are part of a special Wednesday initiative: Downtown Mesa’s Family Takeout Night. Our project today is a desert sky...

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Decorated tree branches

Noelle, one of the museum's gallery educators, kicks off our #TogetherInTheDesert July video series. This is part of the Mesa Family Take Out Night initiative to support downtown Mesa restaurants and create art with City of Mesa cultural institutions. Project FYIs...

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Colorful collage inspired by Eric Carle books

How many times have you read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳 or 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘋𝘰 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘚𝘦𝘦? Or maybe you're little ones love other Eric Carle picture books. Children and adults are drawn to the colorful collage technique he uses to create his characters!...

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Mesa Recycles Craft: You Rock!

Show your dad some love this Father's Day by letting him know that he totally rocks!  This easy and fun activity - from our friends at Mesa Recycles - can be made with several items that you may already have at your home. This project may seem familiar. That's because...

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