Things We Loved
A Family Afternoon at Art 101
By Sara Salam
As a parent, I am always looking for activities that allow my children’s curiosity to bloom and bring the whole family together—something more meaningful than just another trip to the mall or playground. Children see the world in bright colors and shapes, not in rules or lines. I wanted to share a moment with my toddlers where we could see the world that way together. I wanted an experience that was playful yet creative, where we could make a memory that would last longer than a moment.
I sometimes play badminton at the 71 Sports Club and one evening while cooling down after a game, I noticed the place next door—Art 101. Intrigued by the colorful splashes of paint on the café’s walls and windows, I did a bit of online research and discovered that Art 101 is a creative space where people of all ages can paint and make art in playful ways. So, I decided it might be the perfect weekend outing for our family.
From the moment we stepped into Art 101 it felt like a burst of energy. The walls were covered in bright, abstract art, cheerful music played in the background and there were bottles of paint in every shade. The staff were welcoming and explained the different types of painting experiences available—spin painting, pour painting, splash painting, and even pendulum painting. Each technique has its own magic. We could choose our colors, experiment with textures, and let our imaginations run wild. Before we started, the staff handed us soft slippers and light protective coats to keep our clothes safe from the inevitable paint splashes. The whole setup felt playful and easy—like we were stepping into a creative lab. They encouraged us to pick our own paints, which became part of the fun. My children wanted all the colors, but we eventually agreed on our top five favorite colors.
We chose spin painting. My son was just under three at the time and utterly fascinated by anything that rotated or spun—wheels, fans, tops, you name it. So the choice was obvious for us. In this technique, you place a canvas on a spinning wheel and pour paint over it while it turns. My children kept giggling as they splattered paint, creating something unique each time.
The experience at Art 101 was so special for us; not only for the novelty of painting or the beautiful art we created, but also for the way it brought us together. In a world where we are often distracted by screens and schedules, spending an afternoon laughing while making a joyful mess together felt like a small act of love. For us, Art 101 will always be one of those “things we loved”.
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