LA HABRA : Art Workshops Keep Hands, Imaginations Busy

Parents watched from the sidelines Wednesday at the Children’s Museum as children trotted between tables, pondering what kind of ornament to craft, which color to choose and whether they should add yarn to their artwork.

While little hands folded together paper dreidels and sifted through buckets filled with markers, adults took a breather from a hectic holiday weekend at the museum’s seasonal drop-in art workshop, offered throughout the week.

“They’ve got a week and a half of their vacation left, this is a good way to keep them busy,” said a sighing Lucy Price, a West Covina mother of four.

The workshops began the week before Christmas and will continue through New Year’s Eve. Between 130 to 150 children mill through the workshops, reveling in cutting out Santas and coloring menorah pictures, museum officials said. The Children’s Museum at La Habra is at 301 S. Euclid St.

Although Christmas has passed, art enthusiasts said holiday decorations, like sample reindeer puppets, cutout stockings and posters celebrating Kwanzaa, help children use their imaginations.

“This is a good opportunity for children to develop their creativity,” said Ted Flink, a Hacienda Height resident baby-sitting for friends. “While their mom and my wife are out shopping, I bring them here. This is much better for me and them both.”

Some decorated cutout Christmas trees with glittery stars and mini-bears. Others stocked up on homemade ornaments for next year.

“I love art,” said a shy Alex Gillespie, 5, from La Habra Heights.

She showed off her snowman ornament to her mother, who said the creation will be an addition to Alex’s collection of handmade decorations.

“I’ll put this in her box of artwork,” Beth Gillespie said, “and we’ll hang it up on our tree next year.”