FIRST WORD
The Art of Creativity
I PJ Feinstein
Managing Editor
pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com Facebook
@WashingtonFamilyMagazine​ Twitter
@FAMILYMagDC Pinterest
@familymagazine Instagram
@washingtonfamilymag Email us
Let us know what’s on your mind.

info@washingtonfamily.com t’s been a really, really long time since I was
an elementary school student, but I can still
remember two pieces of artwork I made in art
class. One was a drawing of a city street using
one-point perspective. The other was a vase of
flowers done in pointillism.

I may not have used perspective drawing
or pointillism in any of my post-elementary
school endeavors, but what I learned in art class
has stuck with me all these years. And I’m not
talking about technique; I basically have zero
artistic ability. Instead, art helped me hone
important skills like critical thinking, problem
solving and perseverance that I needed in order
to succeed in the classroom—and beyond.

March is Youth Art Month, and we’re celebrat-
ing the visual arts in a variety of ways throughout
this issue. First, we’re exploring the benefits of
arts education in school and sharing tips on how
to store and display all of the masterpieces your
kids bring home. We’re also excited to showcase
your children’s artwork within our art story.

Thanks to all of the parents who took the time to
share with us their kid’s creativity. (Next month,
we want to see photos of your young athletes, so
get your cameras clicking!)
Also in this issue: Teaching your children
how to properly wash their hands (it’s still
flu season, after all) and promoting positive
body image in girls and boys. Amy L. Freeman
writes about the challenges of having a twice-
exceptional child and Jennifer Marino Walters
weighs the pros and cons of language immer-
sion programs. Plus, we meet Suann Song,
a mother of two who founded the local
stationery company Appointed.

We’ll be sharing more children’s artwork
on our social media channels throughout the
month, so keep sending us photos of your kids’
colorful creations. I can’t wait to see what your
little artists have dreamed up! ■
WashingtonFAMILY.com 7