Building Family Connection Through Art: Creative Family Workshops at NSD Community Schools
We’re happy to start our Spring 2026 ARTS on Campus partnership with National School District. This session, we’re returning to all 10 campuses and bringing back our Family Art Night workshops. The first two were held at Central Elementary and El Toyon earlier this month. Teaching Artist Zadé Helena and Program Assistant Andrea Moreno led the sessions, with support from Program Specialist Daniela Sebastian. These workshops kicked off our spring season with lots of energy. Families from both schools joined in, coming together across generations to enjoy art and create lasting memories.
Each workshop felt inspiring. For the first project, students explored the idea of a sanctuary garden, a place for rest and reflection. Using an oil pastel image transfer technique, everyone designed their own sanctuary, adding calming symbols like flowers, insects, nests, pillows, blankets, moonlight, and still water. This project encouraged creativity and self-soothing through color, texture, and meaningful symbols.
To get everyone in a creative mood, Zadé began the activity with a question: “Where do you feel most rested and safe? Is it under a blanket? In a garden? By the ocean? In the moonlight?” Students closed their eyes and pictured that place, noticing its colors, textures, and shapes. Then, in pairs or small groups, everyone shared one special thing about their safe space, which set a thoughtful and comforting tone for making art.
When asked about their experience, participants gave meaningful feedback. Many families appreciated spending quality time together, describing the workshops as “very relaxing,” a place to “express yourself” and “volar la imaginación!” One person shared, “After this workshop, I feel that doing art with my family supports our overall health and wellbeing.” Another said they felt “more confident about making art with my family at home.”
Families also suggested ideas for future workshops, such as kite-making, beaded jewelry, papier-mâché, drawing, and watercolor painting. These ideas show the community’s excitement to try new creative activities together.
“Families could slow down and imagine what sanctuary means in their own lives. Through meditation and art-making, students and caregivers explored ideas about rest, comfort, and protection, and it sparked really meaningful connection across generations.”
These events support our community school mission by working with families and community members to create safe, supportive spaces where students can thrive, families feel empowered, and communities grow stronger. The workshops gave families time to slow down, connect, and think about what comfort and protection mean to them. As teaching artist Zadé Helena said, the workshops let “students and caregivers [to] explore ideas about rest, comfort, and protection,” helping build important connections among generations.
We look forward to the rest of our workshops at both schools and to celebrating together at the ARTS Center in May. We’re excited for more creativity, joy, and community building through the arts.
