Sometimes the universe sends us a message. The most recent (for me) is this graphic from the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It’s a strong reminder on why I created Girls That Create and believe in its purpose with my entire heart. I’ve been trying to figure out how to financially support Girls That Create with an online platform. Several weeks ago I was chatting with a dear colleague who suggested I look into setting a Patreon account. What is Patreon? They’ve put together a great video to explain. Basically Patreon allows you to directly support Girls That Create on a monthly basis at predetermined giving levels (tiers). Based on the tier level you support, at the end of every month (and in some cases every three months) your support is rewarded with special offers that only those giving through Patreon receive. As written on the Patreon page, “Our platform provides thousands of creators the opportunity to create on their own terms.” Right now there are 200,000+ creators on Patreon. In a nutshell, if you like the content appearing on Girls That Create and want to see the project grow – become a Patron. If you feel strongly about balancing out representation in mainstream media and seeing more women in leadership positions in the arts – become a Patron. If you want to help artists and inspire the next generation of artists – become a Patron. You can stop being a Patron at anytime. Click HERE to see the different tier levels, they …

Often creatives love coloring outside the lines. Other times there’s a sense of calmness that comes from staying within them. Whichever mood your girl is in, here are seven unique coloring books to share with her. And remember, it never hurts to have coloring as an option when it’s time to shut off screens. Seven Unique Coloring Books  Zolocolor! 96 pages of shapes, googly eyes, and more; all waiting for coloring inside, out, around, and over the lines. Edie Harper Coloring Book This book contains 20 of Edie Harper’s paintings. Kiddos can imitate the color schemes Harper chose for her final works or create entirely new ones.   Jungle Paradise You will find both popular jungle animals and beautiful nature quotes throughout this book’s pages. The Art Coloring Book Dozens of painters can be found in this coloring book, which also has white space for new works of art. The Night Voyage On the eve of her birthday a girl goes on a magical journey to distribute gifts around the globe. Although The Night Voyage is categorized as adult, I think an older child (over eight) who loves coloring will be swept away by its beautiful pages. The Coloring Book This book motivates readers to use colors imaginatively. It also makes them to think creatively as they respond to unique challenges on every page. Color with Mom: A Coloring Book to Share For those who want to settle down side-by-side with their child for some coloring. Each part contains two images of the same theme, like fresh fruits and frozen treats. …

Ever since reading the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I always found the idea that a simple wardrobe could be an entryway to another world fascinating. Imagine my delight when my oldest daughter and I saw a travel show snippet about a fantastical slide whose entry point began in a laundry room dryer. At the bottom of that slide was a world unlike any we’d ever seen. The woman who slid down shared she was at Meow Wolf, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My daughter looked at me and said with 100 percent assurance, “We are SO going there”. This month her wish came true. What Exactly is Meow Wolf? First, you need to understand the Santa Fe location is just one chapter in the Meow Wolf story. Meow Wolf started in 2008 as a small collective of artists who could not find their way into the “traditional” art world. At their very first meeting everyone put two words into a hat. They then picked two random words out and got “Meow Wolf.” The group’s goal was to create immersive, multimedia experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of storytelling. Through many ups and downs (well captured in the documentary Meow Wolf: Origin Story), these determined artists brought several brilliant exhibitions to life on their own terms. Then, with the help of longtime Santa Fe resident George R.R. Martin, Meow Wolf took over a vacant former bowling alley, transforming it into a multi-use art complex. House of Eternal Return  Today Meow Wolf Santa Fe …