Family tradition
is defined as aggregate of attitudes, ideas and ideals, and environment, which a person inherits from his/her parents and ancestors.
When my wife and I were dating as teens I saw something unique about her family. Her mom enjoyed expressing herself through arts, crafts and home decorating. She took time to teach her grandchildren how to throw a clay pot on the potter’s wheel and get different finishes with glazes. Sewing, crafts, water color painting and a host of other things were central to how she expressed herself.
Mary became very much like her mom and has always shown a flair for creativity with sewing, crocheting, knitting and decorating in general. She worked for 16 years as the Program Assistant for the art department at a university where she was able to encourage students and occasionally purchase a favorite work from them. We attended senior art shows throughout the year and have visited art museums when we have a chance.
One of our sons graduated from college with an Art degree and, along with his wife, are curators of an art gallery in Portland, Oregon. Another son graduated with a degree in Art and Computer Graphic Art so some of the influence went to that generation.
Last week we were able to encourage our 2 oldest grand children (6 1/2 and almost 7) to stay with us in the RV and attend a week long art camp at the same university. During this week they were exposed to age-appropriate concepts of art and were encouraged to experiment with different mediums. At the end of the week they had an art show and their parents got to meet the teachers and see the work the entire class had completed.
In all it has the makings of a nice family tradition.
