Momaha Magazine - September 2012

momaha.com

volume 3 · issue 9

September 2012

meet model rebecca culhane & her daughter logan

the fashion issue Trends that will keep up with your fast-paced life.

plus

A child’s introduction to the arts healthy recipes: kids’ fav foods

Scouting provides kids with advantages for their future, teaches leadership skills and makes a difference they won’t even realize for years. And with lots of fun badges to earn, Scouts learn the best part of success is the journey.

Start yours at www.BeAScout.org.

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Superheroes Aren’t Born,

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momaha where moms connect

vOLUME 3 · ISSUE 9 · SEpTEMBER 2012 momaha.com editor J O S I E LOZ A josie.loza@owh.com 402-444-1075

editorial director CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

designer A N A N DA S pA DT

copy editor AMY LaMAR

production coordinator pAT R I C I A “ M U R pH Y ” B E N O I T

on the cover

photo by Amy Lynn photography

content contributors

C H R I S W O L f g A N g , A N A N DA S pA DT, A M Y TO KO S , A M Y L a M A R , M Y R A K AT H E R I N E fR I T Z a n d C AT KO E H L E R

to advertise, contact KRISTINE BUHMAN kristine.buhman@owh.com 402-444-1442 MICHAELA HANEY michaela.haney@owh.com 402-444-1489

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2012 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved.

The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

FROM our MOMAHA.COM editOR

I

’m a firm believer that art is in the heart of every child.

And it starts with the first soothing sounds of a mother’s lullaby, to brightly colored toys and the comforting touch of a favorite blanket.

Early exposure to the arts lays a complex groundwork of mental, physical and emotional connections that opens the door to a lifetime of curiosity, learning, experimenting, problem-solving, understanding and creativity.

My 4-year-old daughter, Alejandra has recently decided that when she grows up she’s going to be an “artist chef.” I was tickled with joy when she drew a portrait of her in an art smock and chef’s hat. She also sketched her kid sister, Gabriella, 18 months, in a matching outfit.

I’ve encouraged the girls to “live, love and create.”

Music and art help us interpret our surroundings. They open our eyes and ears, develop us personally, connect us emotionally and give us a better understanding of the world.

This month’s magazine features ways that you can nourish your child’s love of the arts through her school’s art education and community programs as she matures.

You can also start talking to your children’s school art teachers; ask about art programs and how you can be helpful.

Talk to other teachers to see how they collaborate with the arts specialists. It’s important she know you care about your child and her love of the arts.

Alejandra’s self-portrait as an “artist chef.”

Chat with Josie each friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on momaha.com facebook.com/josie.loza @Lozafina pinterest.com/momahaowh

Find us on FACEBOOK to see pictures of new merchandise each week!!

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how I do It | Rachel MindRup

Mom turns genetic disorder into art More at MoMaha.coM

Meet local moms at momaha’s next play date at the Omaha Children’s Museum on Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

;-) Chat with Josie each Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. on momaha.com

Momaha editor Josefina Loza asks local parents in a weekly feature “How I Do It” to share how they juggle everything in life: work, family, money, free time, etc. Rachel Mindrup, a freelance illustrator and college professor who is also a mom to two boys, is the sixth in our series. Read more about this story on momaha.com.

O

mahan Rachel Mindrup had me in tears the first time I met her.

She’s a 38-year-old freelance artist and teacher who stays busy raising two boys — Fred, 5, and Henry, 8, with her husband, Jeff, an Omaha attorney.

We recently asked her about “Many Faces of NF,” an interesting effort to raise awareness for neurofibromatosis, a geMindrup netic disorder that causes tumors to grow along various nerves and affects the development of bones and skin. She draws and paints portraits of adults and children who have the disorder and those who have fundraised for medical research to better understand it.

Here’s what Mindrup had to say:

SQUEEZING IT ALL IN

I’m a freelance illustrator and full-time graduate student.

I teach part-time at Creighton University and Metro, and a community class at Joslyn Art Museum. I do all of my illustration work at home with the kids, and paint at night. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it lets me stay home with the boys. I could work a regular 9-to-5 job, but then I wouldn’t be able to take the boys to splash parks or visit Henry’s class to teach art.

“Reggie Sipping Coffee” by Rachel Mindrup

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS

Join Momaha’s book club. It meets Sept. 23 at 1 p.m.

The book is “On The Island.”

RSVP to jloza@ owh.com

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I do everything from children’s books to magazine illustrations. Right now, I’m working on a piece for the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. The illustration concept: How do you get people to donate their bodies to science look positive without sketching a bunch of body parts in jars?

TAKING ON MANY FACES …

I met a guy named Reggie Bibs, who has neurofibromatosis and started the Just Ask! Foundation. When you first see Reggie, he has these tumors all down the side of his face. In 2006, his brother died from the condition and Reggie decided he wasn’t going to hide in his apartment anymore. He started wearing a T-shirt that said “Just ask.” That inspired me two years ago to start the “Many Faces of NF” project. I’ve painted 52 portraits to date. People all over the world — from Belgium to South Africa — have asked for a portrait. So I do them as long as they have neurofibromatosis or have raised money for research.

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CHIROPRACTIC: IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR

While many adults will consider chiropractic treatment for their own health care, they often don't realize how beneficial it can be for kids. Parents seeking more holistic ways to safeguard their children's health will be happy to learn that chiropractic care can be just the thing for some common childhood afflictions − such as ear infections, colic, constipation, and headaches, among many others. Chiropractic care is a way of keeping healthy and being at your best; for better sports performance, improved flexibility, better posture, and a higher resistance to disease.

CHIROPRACTIC AT ALL STAGES OF LIFE Chiropractic care is beneficial for all ages, stages, and walks of life.

From pre-natal patients – helping expectant mothers during and postpartum - to infants soon after birth. The birth process may be one of the most traumatic events of our lives; luckily we don’t remember it. The resulting irritation to the nervous system can be the cause of many newborn health complaints, including colic, unexplained crying, poor appetite, breathing problems, and ear infections. Then comes crawling, baby’s first steps and all the tumbles and bumps of a toddler’s life. Next is heavy backpacks (carried improperly), sports and other activities, posture and continuously growing and changing bodies, which are all stressors of the every-day life of being a kid. Chiropractic during these periods of rapid growth will help prevent a range of spinal or other health problems later in life. “It’s

easier to build strong children than repair broken adults,” as the saying goes.

Adults, young and old, can experience a range of aliments or injuries where Chiropractic can be beneficial. Auto or work accidents, headaches, low back pain, sciatica and herniated/bulging disc can all be debilitating or painful.

Along with Chiropractic care, Spinal (DTTS) is a highly Decompression Therapy (DTS) soluution for those effective, non-surgical, solution everyything” to who may have “tried everything” activitties. regain their daily life activities.

THING EXPERIENCE SOMET SOMETHING REMARKABLE Chiropractic care is gentle and safe, and adjusting techniques are m odified to fit modifi unique spinal a child’s size, weight and unique problems. Parents of children who are regularly adjusted often report that their thaan other kids children seem healthier than hyggiene is an their age. Proper spinal hygiene heaalth. Just as important key to better health. denntist to protect proteect ct your child should see a dentist yoour child see a her smile, so too should your chiropractor to protect her spine. thhe scientific Chiropractic is based on the fact that your entire body is controlled by your nervous system. Misalignment off painnless but can the spine can often be painless muscless, energy, brain affect your nerves, muscles, discs, bones, function, internal organs, discs, posturee, and overall tendons, ligaments, posture, nervees that affect heath. Consider this: nerves throuugh the spine; the entire body travel through alignmennt of the spine therefore, proper alignment Itt’s no wonder benefits the whole body. It’s that Chiropractic is the most popular healthccare in the form of alternative healthcare United States.

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Chiropractic is it to be a place you feel comfortable to bring your entire family and refer your friends. He spends quality time with each patient on every visit, and will design a treatment plan that is unique to each family member. Natural Life Chiropractic accepts most forms of insurance and offers family plans chiroppraactticc for those with little or no chiropractic insurance coverage.

14440 F Street, Suite 109 Omaha, NE 68137 Dr. Monte Hinze, D.C. www.OmahaNaturalLife.com 402.505.4148

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Intro to the Performing Arts BY chris wolfgang

S

tephanie Jacobson took her 3-year-old son to his first play this summer.

“It was put on by 8-year-olds as part of a summer camp here,” says the director of youth production at the Rose theater. “I thought it might make it interesting for him to see other kids on the stage.”

Was she nervous about expecting a toddler to sit through a live performance at a theater?

“He’s a very squirrely boy,” Jacobson says, “but we talked about it for a whole week before the play.”

The pair discussed when they would go, what they would see and how they would act.

“I would ask him, ‘Do we run around or talk while the people on stage are talking?’ and ‘Can we clap just as loud as we can after they’re done?’”

By talking up the excitement and focusing on what her son could do instead of just what

16 SEASON TH

was frowned upon, Jacobson ensured that his first theater experience was a success.

For other parents wanting to introduce their children to the performing arts, Jacobson has age-appropriate tips for toddlers all the way up to high-schoolers.

For the very young, she suggested arriving at the theater early and finding a seat on the aisle.

“Maybe set a coat down over your seats and then take them on a little tour. Find the bathroom, or see if there’s a place to get a snack afterward.”

For the high school crowd, the Rose offers programs such as Teens ‘N’ Theater. These programs allow participants to dive into the intricacies of a performance, including acting, writing, directing and lighting.

The Rose specifically caters to children, but there are several Omaha venues that promote a child’s enjoyment of the performing arts.

check out these shows this season for that very first foray into the theater: 1. “DiarY of a worm, a spiDer, anD a flY” Sept. 7-23 Like most of the Rose’s shows, this story about three friends growing up together clocks in at around 60 minutes. “Only a few of our shows go over 75 minutes,” Jacobson says.

Best-suited for ages 4 and older, the play is free for theater members or $18 a ticket. All shows at the theater include interpretation for the hearing impaired. 402.345.4849.

2. sYmphonY spooktacular Oct. 21 The Omaha Symphony has a Family Series of concerts especially for the young and young at heart.

This Halloween special is one of

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the series’ four child-oriented events, and it even includes trick-or-treating.

Tickets: adults, $32; children, $26. A family four-pack for $99 is also available.

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3. “Shrek the MuSical” Oct. 23-28 Nothing beats being familiar with a story before you see it as a play. Your family’s favorite ogre sings and dances this fall at the Orpheum Theatre. Also check out Omaha. broadway.com to find out when other child favorites such as “Billy Elliot” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King” play at the beautiful downtown theater this season.

Tickets start at $25. 402.345.0606.

4. “a chriStMaS carol” Nov. 16-Dec. 23 Who could argue that Christmas is the most magical time of the year for theater? The Omaha Community Playhouse annually presents the classic Charles Dickens tale as one of its special events. (This excludes the show from the Playhouse’s many discount deals. For other shows, look into Whatta

Deal Wednesdays, Lucky 7 tickets for students only, or Twilight Tickets.) Tickets start at $35 for adults and $24 for students.

402.553.0800.

5. “the Magic Flute” Feb. 22 and Feb. 24 If your child has been involved in any way with one of Opera Omaha’s many educational programs (either at school or with the opera company itself), he or she is entitled to attend a final dress rehearsal of any play for free. Any student, even college-age, with a valid ID can get a $10 ticket for a show. Music director J. Gawf says, “The Magic Flute” is particularly newbie-friendly because it will be presented in English. It is a full three hours long, however, with one intermission. He recommends it as appropriate for middle-schoolers and up.

402.346.4398.

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for high-schoolers.” He says, “It takes a certain level of maturity to handle the subject matter of the courtesan. You can’t let yourself get hung up on that.” This show will be in Italian and is three hours long. Regular tickets are $49, but a student ID entitles the bearer to a $10 ticket. A student participating in any of the opera’s educational programs can see a final dress rehearsal for free. 402.346.4398.

7. “legally BloNde the MuSical” Sept. 14-Oct. 14 Teens who enjoyed the movie and its sequels will no doubt experience a thrill at the Omaha Community Playhouse when the cutely smart lawyer comes to theatrical life this season. This show is eligible for several discounts, including Whatta Deal Wednesdays ($10 tickets on the first Wednesday of a show); Lucky 7 tickets (a valid ID gets a student into an opening weekend performance for $7); or Twilight Tickets (half off the ticket price when purchased the day of the performance). 402.553.0800.

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Mom, musician, model – in that order We caught up with Rebecca Culhane via phone at her home in Mitchell, S.D. Rebecca is a “super folky” singer, model and mother of Logan, 7, and Quinn, 4.

Where in omaha have we seen you? r: I walked in Omaha Fashion Week for designer Tiffany Headley last year, and I will be walking for three designers this year. I was on the cover of the spring issue of Inspired Home Omaha, and there was the commercial for Rapid City, South Dakota tourism. I was the spokesperson.

You were on “american idol,” right? r: Yes, two years ago; season 10, I think. I auditioned online and flew out to LA to continue the process.

I made it to Hollywood, and they made it clear that you had to remember all the words (to your

song). You can’t forget your words.

You just knew that they were going to do a montage of people forgetting their words and sure enough, I was assigned Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” which I had never heard before. I completely blanked on stage. I think I’ll try out again. I want to get further than I did last time.

Would you try out for any other singing shows? r: I’ve heard that with “The Voice,” they focus more on your voice than your style or anything else about you.

I want to keep my modeling separate from my music, so I like that it would be about more than my image.

How did you get into modeling? r: I contacted Amy Lynn to shoot a video for me a couple of years ago. We got in a car wreck after the shoot and formed a really strong friendship going through that. That started the whole thing. I started doing more shoots. The Internet

has been so helpful. If I didn’t have Facebook, I wouldn’t have many of the jobs I’ve had. tell me about the shoot (pictured here) you did with your daughter, logan. r: The shoot is about a mother who has better things to do and is lost in this world of fashion. It would be easy to get caught up in that and not focus on your kids, but it’s funny because it is the opposite of how I am with my kids. Logan would say, “OK, Mom, now pretend you don’t care.” Logan had just so, so much fun. Amy said, “Do what Logan is doing!” Quinn was supposed to be in it, too. She got her hair done, but once she got in the heat she was, “Peace out.” Luckily Grandma was there to help out.

What do your daughters think of all the things that you do? r: Let me ask them! What do you think of modeling?

Quinn: Good. I think it’s pretty exciting! logan: I thought it was pretty fun. I learned how to model. r: They don’t really think anything of it because it’s like, “Good for you! Let’s play Barbies now.” She (Logan) was a little nervous. I told her that I used to feel that way, too.

It’s awkward to have a lens pointed at you.

I was bawling my eyes out because after Logan saw me at Omaha Fashion Week last year she told me, “Mom, I want to be just like you when I grow up. I want to model and act and sing.” I think they are proud of me, and that makes me happy.

Do you think your girls will follow in your footsteps? r: If they get to the age where they want to pursue the modeling, I would be very careful about that.

I would let them do it, but I’m so against “Toddlers & Tiaras.” That show makes me sick. I don’t want to warp their little minds.

I stress to them every day that it’s not how you look on the outside; it’s about who they are on the inside.

Have they ever asked funny questions about what you do? r: They hear a lot of stuff from friends at school. In second grade, “American Idol” is a big deal. They really get it, separating acting from real life. They get that it is acting and it isn’t real. They’re smart girls.

amy lynn photography

fashion model rebecca culhane and her daughter, logan, 7, pose in a photo series shot around downtown omaha and council bluffs. culhane balances being a musician, a model and a mom.

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So do you look fabulous at all times? r: That’s funny. I’ve been talking about this with my friends a lot lately. I am 27… and a lot of my style is indie – well, I’m a musician – I look like a bum sometimes.

Going to Omaha has been helpful — there is such an appreciation of fashion there. I’ve been learning about fashion a lot just working with people in the industry. I’m working on dressing more like a grownup now.

-Compiled by Ananda Spadt

about the shoot Styled by Sara Lorsung Tvrdik, Hair and makeup by Mikala Vandenbroucke.

Get the looks Hotel Deco XV (left) On Rebecca: -Mint dress and earrings from local boutique Hello Holiday (hello-holiday.com).

-Black wicker bag and shoes are stylist’s own.

On Logan: -Dress is from Second Chance Antiques in the Old Market.

-Socks from Target.

-Shoes from JcPenney. fountain (facing page) On Rebecca: -Dress is from Vintage Omaha (etsy.com/ shop/vintageomaha).

-Necklace, handbag and gloves from Hello Holiday.

-Sunglasses are Karen Walker Eyewear.

-Shoes are Miu Miu (stylist’s own).

On Logan: -Blouse and skirt from JcPenney.

-Socks from Target.

-Saddle Shoes are vintage (stylist’s own).

-Hat from Second Chance Antiques. briDge (on tHe coVer) On Rebecca: -Dress, scarf and brooch from Hello Holiday.

-Bag and shoes, stylist’s own.

amy lynn photography

On Logan: -Cape from Second Chance Antiques.

-Jumper and shoes from JcPenney.

-Socks from Target.

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fall fashion

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Three Trends to Fall For

t was a long, hot summer.

With the kids back in school, it won’t be long until we’re piling on sweaters, hats and mittens. Thankfully, there’s a golden season called autumn.

Antsy for something new right now? Pile on the accessories.

Your go-to pieces: extralong strands of necklaces in brushed silver or gold; superchunky collar necklaces; and wide cuff bracelets.

Kenneth Cole shirt dress, $99.50; Anne Klein chain link and pearl necklace, $85, and matching bracelet, $42; Jessica Simpson brushed metal pendant necklace, $55; Kenneth Cole New York long-strand necklace, $55. All from Dillard’s Oak View.

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See more men’s fashion in the September/October issue of Inspired Home Omaha magazine.

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fall fashion

Dapper Dad

M

daniel muller for inspired home omaha

Men’s Trends • Double-breasted jackets and coats • Skinny black ties • Leather bombers • Plaids in shirts and sport coats • Velvets in sport jackets and loafers • Leather oxfords and suede chukkas with neon laces • Patterned socks

enswear designers are putting a fresh spin on old favorites. And our man on the move isn’t selling himself short on fashion-forward styles as cooler weather picks up momentum. Whether he’s in a roughing-it state of mind and ready for adventure, or he is gearing up for another multimillion dollar business deal, he’s got it together.

Hugo Boss plaid jacket, $695, and Hugo Boss plaid shirt, $175, both from Post and Nickel; Nudie Jeans. raw denim jean, $179, Denim Saloon; Leathertrimmed canvas tote, $175, Artifact Bag Co.; Grumman American Tiger, courtesy of Roger Leise, owner and pilot.

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easy MeaLs

have a Laugh

I

recently was invited to participate in the U.S. News and World Report STEM Solutions Summit in Dallas.

The acronym stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.” The summit brought together top business executives, politicians, education experts and “thought leaders” to solve what many are calling a crisis: the lack of skilled workers. While U.S. unemployment remains high, thousands of jobs go unfilled because companies can’t find workers with the necessary skills.

I somehow graduated from a major university (go Big Red!) without taking math or science classes. And yet as I walked from booth to booth filled with robots, Legos and science experiments, as I listened to panels of speakers, I began to understand the passion for STEM. I thought about a science book we have at home, “Totally Irresponsible Science” by Sean Connolly, and how I needed to buy more baking soda and test tubes and start having science at home. Every day.

I listened as speakers talked about the “parent trap” — basically, intimidated parents — and I thought, “Not me! We will do science! We will do math! And we will … uh … FIND someone to help us do technology and engineering!”

And yet, I’m not only a parent — I’m a musician; I’m an artist. I’ve taught Kindermusik for the past 12 years. I teach piano and I’ve led choirs.

My children are in piano and dance. Though they could be better about practicing, the arts will be a part of who they are.

I believe in arts education, and I believe the research that shows taking it out of our schools doesn’t work. Omaha is blessed with a vibrant arts community and what it offers to our children.

On the last day of the summit, I took in one last panel discussion. To my surprise, the actor Tim Daley of the TV show, “Wings,” was on the panel.

He said, “I’m not in favor of STEM. I’m in favor of education. I’m in favor of STEAM … putting the arts in STEM.” Think about it: It’s all connected. To what end is the technology of television, movies, iPods, iPads, etc., if there is no music no actors artists or creators? We need orators to tell the story.

We need writers to write it. So an astronaut flies into space. Incredible. But who can describe it?

Who can sing of the “bombs bursting in air”? The artists.

STEAM. Looks to me like Tim Daley is a “thought leader.” (And I thought that was just some made-up term.) myra katherine fritz

Myra Katherine Fritz has two children and lives in Fremont.

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Healthy, homemade versions of kids’ favs Compiled By Amy lAmAr Macaroni and cheese and French fries. My kids would choose these popular kid’s menu items for every meal if they could. But now you can have healthy versions of these kid favorites at home.

The macaroni and cheese recipe certainly takes longer to prepare than the storebought version, but have you ever wondered what is in that dried cheese packet?

Milk protein concentrate, sodium tripolyphospate and Yellow 5 are among the ingredients.

Your kids may never go back to the fast-food variety of fries after tasting these baked sweet potato fries. Try different dipping sauces instead of ketchup.

Amy LaMar is a stay-at-home mom of Zoey, 7 ½, and Elliot, 5. She is also a freelance editor, writer and proofreader.

HealTHier Homemade mac & cHeese 1 (16-ounce) package whole wheat elbow macaroni 2 tablespoons butter 2 ½ tablespoons allpurpose flour 3 cups low-fat (1%) milk

T’s sweeT PoTaTo Fries 4 sweet potatoes, cut into large sticks like French fries 1 tablespoon water 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon lemon pepper 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place the cut sweet potatoes into a microwavesafe dish with the water.

Cook in the microwave for 5 minutes on full power.

Drain off liquid and toss with Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, salt, pepper and olive oil. Arrange fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake for 30 minutes, turning once, or until fries are crispy on the outside. 4 servings.

2 cups shredded lowfat cheddar cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs 1 pinch paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux.

Slowly add milk to roux, stirring constantly. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and sauce is thick, about 3 minutes. Place macaroni in large baking dish and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and stir until butter is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread over macaroni to cover. Sprinkle with paprika.

Bake in preheated oven until cheese sauce is hot and bread crumbs are browned, about 30 minutes. 4 servings.

Recipes and photos courtesy of allrecipes.com

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from momaha.com

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How do you quench the thirst of a budding little artist?

G

rowing up, I had a flair for the dramatic. In the fifth grade I played Oliver in our school’s performance of “Oliver Twist.� Later I loved being part of the one-act plays in high school. Now as a mom, I am looking for ways to foster my daughter’s creative side.

From the time she could hold a crayon, she loved has to draw and color. Her drawings are always strangely detailed for a child artist. It’s no surprise that Wednesday is her favorite day – it’s art day at school. Anything she can use to create, she loves from clay to rocks, to scraps of fabric.

The rest of the family has caught on to her colorful panache as well. She received three art kits for Christmas last year, and she has been busy trying to make masterpiece after masterpiece ever since.

Unfortunately, I do not share her artistic abilities. If a project goes beyond coloring in the lines, I am lost. Don’t get me wrong, I’m crafty, but crafty and artistic are two different things. I can teach her crafts, but don’t ask me to show her any drawing technique other than what could best be described as “abstract.�

She has art class at school, but I wonder if the instruction she receives is enough to quench her little artist thirst, and I’m not sure how to help her take her passion to the next level.

It’s not like dance or sports, or even music where lessons and coaches are as close as the nearest YMCA. But I should have known that in a city like Omaha, it wouldn’t be too difficult to find something for a young artist.

It looks like this fall we will be signing up for art lessons. Not only will my budding artist learn new techniques, but she’ll also have the opportunity to see the many works in the galleries at the Joslyn Art Museum to see the outcome of those different techniques.

And who knows? Maybe someday other children will walk through those same galleries and see a masterpiece by my little artist. cat koehler

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Cat Koeler is married and has two children. She works full-time.

Read her column Mondays on momaha.com.

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An investor should consider the Plans’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. The Program Disclosure Statement, at www.NEST529Direct.com or www.NEST529Advisor.com, which contains more information, should be read carefully before investing.

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15

get organized

Untitled by Regan Tokos

Myriad of Masterpieces How to handle the endless supply of artwork your kids bring home

D

BY AmY Tokos

o you live with a budding artist? You know, the one who always has a picture for you to hang on the refrigerator? The art...and the artists are mighty cute, but you can’t keep all the art so what do you do with it?

Let’s begin with the end in mind. What is your plan for the art in 15 years? 20 years? Hmm, have you decided? Are you going to hand all the artwork and schoolwork over to your adult child in a big box. If you are, then here is a little insight ... she probably won’t want it. So, you need to have a plan to help honor, store and preserve the work.

1. Honor tHe Artwork

2. Store tHe Artwork

3. PreServe tHe work

Have a place to immediately post pictures. This can be on the fridge, or you can use a clothesline with clothespins in the child’s play area. Bulletin boards also work well. You can even find hinged frames that open up easily so you can put artwork in and take it out very easily. Any of these will work. Just pick which one will work best for your home.

Have short-term storage available to store everything you want to keep. This can be a drawer, shelf, under-bed box or plastic bin for quick deposits of artwork.

Plan to clean this out once a year – I like to do it over the summer while school is out. Set a goal of keeping 10 items for each school year. Yes, I know that isn’t a lot, but if you collect their artwork from 3 years old to 15 years old, that is 12 years of art. Multiply it out and you have 120 pieces of art and/or schoolwork. That should be a very good representation of your child’s school years.

One of the easiest ways to preserve a child’s artwork and schoolwork is to make it digital by scanning or taking a picture of each item. Now this doesn’t work for everything, but it does work for a lot of the items. After you preserve it, you can make things like photo books and calendars. You could also upload all the pictures to a digital frame for a grandparent’s gift. Photo books are great to use for your child’s graduation. Throw in some pictures of your child and their schoolwork, add some scanned award certificates, and the photo book will be a memento they will want to keep forever.

16

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