Honor someone you've lost, someone you miss, or someone important through art.
Registration required. This workshop is intended for children ages 8-12, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
We all experience loss, whether a person or pet has passed away, a friend has moved to a new city, we've changed schools, or we've left behind an old beloved neighborhood. Join us for an art workshop where you can create a piece honoring someone or something important to you—a family member, pet, friend, et cetera. Whether you'd like to commemorate someone who has passed away or reference someone you don't see as much as you'd like to, all are welcome.
Participants will need to bring a photo of their person or pet to recreate. We'll use a transfer technique to get the subject of your photo onto your paper, so there's no need to stress about your drawing ability. This process makes it easy to create a beautiful and expressive portrait, no matter your skill level. Participants are also encouraged to bring items that evoke memories of their subject—objects, symbols, lyrics, or anything that reminds you of who you're referencing.
You don't need to be an experienced artist; all that's required is an open heart and a willingness to create. All other materials provided.
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2026 A Novel Idea Youth Edition
Hope in the Valley is a middle-grade novel exploring grief, friendship, family, and growing up in a community facing a housing crisis.
Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret space: the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street. But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new—maybe affordable—housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice—and the strength to move on—in order to give her community hope.
About the Author
Mitali Perkins has written many books for young readers, all of which explore crossing different kinds of borders. Her goal is to make readers laugh or cry, preferably both, as long as their hearts are widening. She lives and writes in the East Bay.
Learn more about A Novel Idea
Questions? Contact elsah@deschuteslibrary.org, 541-312-1062
AGE GROUP: | Middle School Age | Elementary School Age |
EVENT TYPE: | Children's Program |
