This Summer 2024 has been a frenetic adventure in staying connected with family—late-night FaceTiming, road trips, and pushing yourself to be upbeat and present, even when your energy is running on empty. Finally, one Friday, Grandma managed to hit the pause button on all the chaos and gather the kids at everyone’s favorite spot: the dinner table. With their go-to snacks (I’m pretty sure it was just Takis—blue Takis, red Takis, Takis, Takis, Takis; that’s all they want these days, lol), she organized a paint day to get them away from the screen-driven world we live in. As they gathered around the table, they had two tasks this year: first, agree on a color to use for their handprints in the center of the page, and second, fill in the whitespace however they liked (no further details given). With paint and brushes (selected by Ema) at their disposal, they were all set for a burst of colorful self-expression. When I got home from work later that day, I was greeted with their artistic creations and their excited descriptions. Great job, Grandma!

Amare

This year, Amare described his painting as "clean, simple, and not high maintenance," and his artwork perfectly matches that vision. Centered around a bold splash of purple, his piece features a lively mix of sunshine, clouds, and music notes. While the style remains consistent with last year's straightforward approach, the choice of elements brings a joyful and optimistic touch. The sunshine and clouds suggest a balanced, positive outlook, while the music notes reflect his ongoing appreciation for the arts. Amare’s painting continues to embody his clean and expressive style, blending simplicity with vibrant creativity.

Alana

Alana’s painting offers a rich tapestry of emotional insight and personal growth. The swirling mix of colors encircling her hand showcases her evolving emotional landscape, with a heart at the center symbolizing her core feelings. Her inclusion of basketballs and sports elements highlights her active lifestyle and competitive edge, skillfully blended with a more reflective expression of her inner world. The pink and blue stars, seamlessly merging with the surrounding hues, reveal her ability to integrate personal interests with a nuanced emotional perspective. This vibrant harmony between her dynamic passions and introspective thoughts captures Alana’s journey toward deeper self-understanding, illustrating her growth in balancing various facets of her personality.

Ema’s artwork is a vibrant explosion of imagination and familial affection, reflecting her young yet perceptive nature. Her painting is brimming with dance outfits, ballet poses, and cheerful symbols, perfectly capturing her lively spirit and close family ties. The energetic mix of music notes and colorful scribbles highlights her playful creativity and keen observation of her cousins’ artistic styles. With a sun shining brightly and a whimsical depiction of her dad sporting a mustache, Ema’s creation stands as a heartwarming celebration of childhood joy and the deep connections that enrich her world. Her work beautifully embodies her ability to blend personal interests with the love and influence she absorbs from her family.