Earlier this week I told you about ProtoSPARK! the creativity and learning playground coming to south Dallas in 2015. Last night, the Princess Cupcake and I attended their kick-off event at their offices in Southside on Lamar.
Let me tell you, if even ½ of the vision they have for this initiative comes to fruition, it will be an amazing place for our area youth. From hands on art stations to free play climbing areas, this long-ignored part of the old Sears and Roebuck catalog building will be brimming with smiling youngsters and developing talent.
We toured the space in all its construction glory and even without anything in it, the kids were enchanted with the promises of things to come. Even the door hints to the magic that will await them inside.
As part of the event, SPARK had art projects for everyone. You could try your hand at making a butterfly from recycled soda cans, or jump into the birdhouse decorator challenge.
The Cupcake was all about the birdhouse. I told her about the competition a couple days before the event and indulged her with a to trip to Michaels Stores to plan her vision. She picked out her supplies and planned her design.
“This is just like Cupcake Wars, Mommy.”
A little bit.
With an hourish to complete her creation, I was the designated assistant. Being a veteran Destination Imagination competitor, she doesn’t tolerate adult interference any longer. (Sigh) I’m simply there to make sure she doesn’t blister herself with a glue gun.
And this is it. Tah-dah!
Her interpretation of a birdhouse that won’t “scare” the birds. (And her video)
“It doesn’t matter who wins, Mommy. It’s about having fun. But I REALLY want to WIN!”
She was so intense, I was sweating the results and what life lesson we might have to discuss on the long drive home.
Alas, I can save that conversation for another day. She was awarded the “Best Birdhouse Designed By A Child.” She’s pretty shy in situations like this, but check out that grin.
It was a huge confidence boost for her, (well-timed as we’re struggling a little with language arts at school) and played right into the mission of SPARK to foster self-esteem and greater problem solving skills through creativity.
I invite you to watch SPARK develop by liking their Facebook page — and the Cupcake’s birdhouse so she can win the People’s Choice Award, of course. All the amazing birdhouses (seriously, they’re all great) will be on display around Dallas to help increase awareness of SPARK! and some will be listed in silent auctions to raise money to bring this creative dream to life.
For more information on SPARK!, visit their website at SPARKDallas.org.
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