Visiting The Netherlands, Public Art

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

We are on a trip to Holland to visit family, explore small towns and visit museums and art galleries.

We've been here for just over a week, and now (as with previous visits to this country), we are struck by the absolute abundance of public art.

Whether walking through a community, driving on a roadway or passing through a park, art - mostly sculpture - can be found at almost every turn. Some pieces are controversial, others are widely loved. But whatever your opinion, there's no denying that in The Netherlands, art is not an afterthought, it is simply part of everyday life.

Below is a compilation of snapshots of public art we've seen while traveling in and around Harderwijk, Zeewolde, Swifterbant and Biddinghuizen.

More to come...

Kids & Creativity: Halloween Ghost Pops (art you can eat)

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

Cooking with kids is as creative as painting with kids. And, you can eat your masterpieces!

The other day, while flipping through Alive Magazine, we came across a terrific recipe by Amie Watson. We decided to modify it slightly and give it a try, using items we had around the house. The littlest one was thrilled. Of course.

The ingredients are few and the directions are simple.

What you need:

• Bananas
• Shredded coconut
• Yogurt
• Chocolate chips (or raisins)

What you do:

Cut the bananas in half and insert a homemade ice pop stick in each one. (Or, you could use a toothpick, shishkabob stick or Popsicle stick).

Dip the banana pieces (one by one) first into the yogurt, and then into the coconut.

Embellish with chocolate chips or raisins.

Place in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.

Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Here's the original recipe: http://www.alive.com/recipes/view/1141/freckled_vanilla_ghost_pops

Here's how to find Amie Watson: http://www.multiculturiosity.com/about/