Pine cones, flower petals, wood sticks and leaves were among the many “paint brushes” utilized by young artists at the recent Summer in the Park: Nature Made Art class at Deep River Park in Merrillville. The session was one in the Lake County Parks’ educational summer series programs offered to area youngsters.
“This (event) is a super way to show our kids that being outside can be both fun and educational,” said Dottie Harris of Hobart, as her two grandchildren prepared to hunt for their drawing supplies. “It’s never too young to get them introduced to what’s in nature, outside of their own backyard.”
More than two dozen class participants strolled through the park, clutching their brown paper bags to be filled with whatever items nature would provide.
After Parks employee Dyan Wheeler-Quilter welcomed the crowd, she gave instructions on the day’s schedule.
“We’re here today to have fun painting with nature,” she told the participants. “You’re free to walk through the park and pick out some items to use with your drawing project, but please don’t disturb the landscaping. Those areas are off limits.”
Marin Ray, 9, of Hobart found a variety of wood sticks, miniature tree limbs, and leaves as she walked through the park.
“These are my favorites,” she said, as she stuffed the wood sticks in her paper bag. “This (drawing) is going to be fun.”
Sarah Felicelli of St. John and her son Joseph, 6, went a little off the beaten track after they chose his drawing tools — they paused at the park’s large pond.
“I know we’re supposed to find things in nature to use, and I found a frog,” Joseph said, with a laugh, as he spotted a small creature hopping through the water. “But I know I can’t take him back.”
Merrillville grandmother Dee Hernandez brought her three grandsons to the drawing class.
“Every weekend, the kids enjoy being outside, even if its cold or rainy,” she said. “Today’s craft is an opportunity for them to learn about their environment and have fun at the same time.”
Lake Station grandmother Susan Regnier, whose home is located on Deep River, accompanied her daughter Jessica and granddaughter Lily as they searched for their ‘natural’ items.
“I always brought my kids to the programs at this park, and I wanted my granddaughter to have those same opportunities,” she said. “It’s important to begin a love of nature at an early age.”
Valparaiso mom Michelle George agreed.
“I love this park,” she said, as her daughter Lily, 11, chose paint colors for her masterpiece. “It’s important to teach our children to appreciate what we have here in nature.”
Lake County Parks offer year-round activities and events for all ages at all of their seven locations — Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, Lake Etta County Park, Lemon Lake Park, Oak Ridge Prairie & Oak Savannah Trail, Whihala Beach Park, Stony Run County Park and Deep River Park.
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For more information, call (219) 947-7275.
