The Fargo Public Library hosts two events for babies to engage in art and creativity at the Dr. James Carlson Library and the Main Library. “Artsy Babies” is an opportunity for babies ages 4 months to 24 months and their parents or caregivers to dive into art.

According to a statement released by Fargo Public Library, the programming is meant to “introduce your little one to a world of colors, textures and smells through the process of art,” and to not be afraid of getting messy.

Fargo Public Library said the events are a chance for babies to come in and do different arts, including painting, collages and more.

The Library said this kind of programming is popular with parents and caregivers, as it gives them the opportunity to come in and care for and interact with their child without having to worry about setting anything up and dealing with the mess and clean up.

For parents and caregivers, it allows them to bond with their child during a learning experience without the pressure of having to worry about the logistics of such an event, therefore allowing them to focus on their child during those moments.

The events are designed to create an opportunity for babies to learn and grow through creative activities. Babies and young children learn through interaction with the world and through their senses, which leads to greater cognitive development and creative capacity.

Art education and activities have shown to improve motor skills, build appreciation for numeracy, accelerate brain development, build up the creative side of the brain and improve a child’s self-esteem.

To the Library, art is an important tool in developing well-read children. Creative activities and experience are precursors to greater literacy and improved writing skills.

Educators explain that art encourages fine motor skills, neural development and problem-solving abilities, and that it can be used effectively to teach and understand other key subjects such as reading, writing, math and science.

Therapists say art is valuable because it allows children to process their world, to deal with sometimes scary emotions in a safe way and because it gives them critical sensory input.

Kids engage in art because it’s a fun activity they enjoy, while parents express that art is vital to their families because it keeps everyone engaged and happy and helps with the sometimes difficult transitions of the day.

The Fargo Public Library hopes this programming will continue, doing anything it can to encourage learning for everyone, both young and old.