In the lower level of the Grinnell Area Arts Council on Monday, Dec. 2, the Messy Mondays for Tots program lives up to its name. Felt, markers, pom poms, and ribbons fill the room, along with smiles and laughter from preschool-age children eager to show off their art skills.
Georgia Gregson, 3, is perhaps too eager about using scissors when she slices off part of her skirt, but she isn’t daunted by the setback. “Cutting” is her favorite part of Messy Mondays, she says.
Youth education coordinator, Lauren Emge, started Messy Mondays in November 2023 to provide a program for a different age range than the Art Council’s Studio 6 program, which is for kindergarten to sixth grade students.
Emge said that three to four children and adults usually attend the weekly class.
“We have a core group and it’s been really nice to get to know these little ones,” Emge said. “We have a lot of fun and it’s the cutest thing. Even though it’s small, I think it’s valuable.”
The program has helped the kids learn to enjoy art through a wide range of projects, including painting, beading, and a simple sewing project.
“I’ve tried to do a little bit of everything, keeping in mind how much they [the kids] can do and how much the parents are going to be helping,” Emge said.
For the Messy Mondays program, the Arts Council asks for a $10 donation from families to cover the cost of supplies. Emge said that donations to the Arts Council, such as recyclable supplies like egg cartons and paper towel rolls, are appreciated.
“We really accept whatever we can get,” Emge said. “We also have people bring in old art supplies, like yarn that they’re not using anymore, and things like that are so valuable to our programs. Those supplies do get really expensive.”
Teri Johnson has been taking Georgia to Messy Mondays since last year.
“She really, really enjoys it. She loves it,” Johnson said. “This is a special time for Nana and her.”
Emge said that she enjoys the fun atmosphere of Messy Mondays.
“I really just want it to be a fun activity that people can come do with their little kids,” Emge said. “It is a lot of grandparents that come and it’s nice to be able to do something fun together but also to be able to work on developing creativity and different skills. I’d love it if this program could grow.
