Finger paint, glitter glue, crayons, fun and healthy development are at the heart of Washington’s statewide “Nurturing Children’s Creativity” campaign.

For the next couple of weeks, people are invited to view the artwork of local babies, toddlers and preschoolers to see how fun everyday activities, like art, can help young children learn and grow.

Exhibits will be on display at locations throughout Clark County including The Sixth Street Gallery at 105 West Sixth Street in downtown Vancouver.

Supported by Born Learning™ Washington, the Nurturing Children’s Creativity campaign is part of a national public engagement effort designed to raise awareness and educate the public about why a child’s early years are important. Born Learning™ Washington is funded by Thrive by Five Washington, a statewide public-private partnership that champions positive early learning opportunities for all children, and the Washington State Department of Early Learning.

“Almost 60% of the children in our state enter kindergarten without the skills needed to succeed. Art experiences encourage children of all ages, even babies, to use their imaginations, develop their thinking and motor skills and explore using their senses” said Patricia Nierenberg, supporter of early learning. “Using art materials, holding pencils, using scissors, and knowing colors and shapes all lead to kindergarten readiness.”

“It may seem hard to imagine, but we will be depending on the babies and toddlers of today to be active members in our community. Those children who are encouraged to be creative today will be able to think through problems and issues in new and different ways tomorrow.”

The campaign encourages families to create art at home with their children. In addition to having fun with a child, parents or other relatives can use this opportunity to pass on family and cultural traditions.

Local children’s artwork and photographs documented the creative process as part of the Clark County Born Learning campaign. These pieces reflect art at different developmental stages and are meant to showcase art as a process rather than art as a product.

“We are excited at the opportunity to show art in action and the public our youngest Clark County artists – babies, toddlers, and preschoolers,” said Corina McEntire, Born Learning Clark County coordinator. “So much development occurs when a child creates art, and we know that development connects directly to a child’s learning and readiness for kindergarten.”

In addition to the public displays around the county, the Nurturing Children’s Creativity Art Exhibit will also be on display at a Born Learning Fair at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver on Saturday, June 14, with interactive projects on tap for children and adults.

Sponsored locally by SELF (Support for Early Learning & Families), Born Learning Clark County seeks to build a community that nurtures the full potential of our youngest children. For more information about Born Learning Clark County, contact (360) 750-9735 or visit   www.selfwa.org.