My Traveling Sketchbook: A Walk Through Amsterdam

As the Netherlands' capital, Amsterdam is an extremely historic and artistic city- visited by nearly 3.5 million travelers a year. The views of intricate architecture, canal system, street markets, and bike travel left me breathless. With only two days to explore, I decided to ditch sleep (push through some serious jet lag), and begin to explore the city's exquisite character and charm. 

Known for beautiful canal houses and architectural charm

Our hotel of choice: HotelNotHotel

As an artist, I cannot tell you how grateful I am that my fiancé researched and found this unique place to stay. Each room in the hotel isn't like any other "hotel room" you've stayed in before- they are all created by designers who allow you to experience a stay unlike any other. Our room entrance was a hidden bookcase, like something you see in a James Bond movie. ( I had to memorize the books on our shelf, just to be sure I was pushing open the right door) Others include an actual tram car, crows nest, or printed house.

Front entrance of Hotel Not Hotel. They even offer bike rentals! (Which you'll want to do, it's perfect for exploring the city.)

Each room is very little over 100sq feet, but the rest of the hotel is created to function as one large living room. The downstairs is filled with great nooks and comfy spots to read a book, fill a journal, listen to some tunes, or indulge creativity. The restaurant bar is as unique as its name, "Kevin Bacon" (yes, the actor) The all-around quirkiness of this place is exactly why we fell in love. AND- the community showers/toilets are extremely clean, which is always a plus.

One of the intricately designed rooms- an actual tram

Breakfast is served at the Kevin Bacon restaurant  

The entire upstairs is styled as a public library, and the room entrances are "hidden" doors. 

After checking in to our hotel, we grabbed coffees and headed to Vondelpark, one of the most famous parks in the Netherlands. This park is loved by both locals and tourists, filled with joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, families, and dog walking. We were amazed by how many dogs roamed free- well trained and always returning to their owners. Many locals would strike up conversation and encouraged a game of fetch with their furry friends. How could you say no?! On top of the beautiful 47 green acres, there are also beautiful sculptures, gardens, and an open air theatre. 

Being the chilliest part of our trip, we had to stop at a local market and purchase scarves. Grabbing a coffee to go often kept us warm, and encouraged the 15+ mile walk/bike ride each day. EVERYONE rides bikes in Amsterdam, it is a favorite means of transportation for locals; and has me wondering why the United States isn't as "travel savvy" as the Netherlands.  

There were too many great restaurants and local cafés to name! One little spot that stuck out the most to me was "Jacketz"- home to the best baked potatoe my lips have ever touched. A quaint atmosphere and a unique twist on dinner is what you'll find in this small corner restaurant. "Jacketz" offers 1lb potatoes with numerous fillings and toppings (I chose the chicken salad and garlic sauce)- and I guarantee you won't be able to finish! 

The inviting upstairs seating of "Jacketz" restaurant  

Many trips, I try to stay far from museums or large tourist attractions- but there are some I can't resist! Example: The Vincent Van Gogh Museum. My favorite artist of all time; the one I have studied and idolized since I was a little girl. And let me tell you, this iconic display did not disappoint. As most museums, you are unable to take photos in undesginated areas. But this museum is filled with work all through out van Gogh's lifetime, hundreds of letters to his brother Theo, and family history/biography. 

Incredible fine art galleries to explore

Amsterdam is absolutely, without a doubt, a city for artistic inspiration and historical significance. Until next time.

Next, catching our 7am flight to Prague.

Stay Tuned

xo S

Fostering Imagination Through Art

Since I was a little girl, the " art room " had always been a safe haven for me.

Whether it was cutting with my first pair of scissors in kindergarten, or working into my first set of pastels as a senior, there is no doubt that I grew into my own skin because of the art classroom.  

Many of us artists are a product of that one special teacher, mentor, or experience that lead us to believe that we actually are good enough, that it is possible to follow our dreams. At some point in our life, there was someone who whole-heartedly wished and worked to see us blossom into the artist we are today. Can you relate to this statement? Was it an educator who pushed you to your greatest potential? If so, wonderful. If not- though that was a discouraging experience, YOU can be the reason this changes for another young artist.

Four year old student experimenting with texture in watercolors

Art education is so imperative in a young child’s education, whether they grow up to be the next Picasso or a lawyer. With many of the budget cuts appearing in public schools, fine art programs seem to be the first to go. The fine arts represent much more than just a paintbrush or sketchpad- it empowers children with a voice. A chance to be heard, to become confident, and to truly embrace who they are. As art educators, we have the ability to promote freedom of the imagination, develop critical thinking and fine motor skills, build a sense of community, and create self-esteem. Though they are building knowledge in fine art techniques and history, in the end, they walk away with much, much more.

Five year old student learning to draw through observation

Since graduating, we the art educators have witnessed, first hand, the positive effect and significant role the fine arts can play in any child’s life. Children with behavior management issues that use the artistic process as a therapy tool to improve outbursts, Special Education students who thrive and look forward to that hour each day, at risk students who have been abused or neglected wearing a smile on their face because of the design they created, victims of bullying empowered with confidence after finding their voice in years of art lessons. Their stories are real. We, as grown artists, are real. So what allows budget cuts and superintendents the right to take these moments, these life dreams, away from any child before they even know that they exist?

We, as artists, have the ability to change the outcome. To reach deep into our own creative passions and share the magic of the creative process with these little minds. Many believe that no child should endure a childhood filled without magic and imagination, so what entitles anyone to strip them of the arts?

Artistic growth does not need to end between your own paintbrush and your own mind. There is unfounded, ever-evolving growth in teaching the creative process to a young developing mind, heart, and soul. When we choose to open ourselves to the concept of reaching and teaching others, it has no choice but to also change our lives forever. I promise you, the look on a child’s face after they hold a paintbrush for the first time or the excitement after they successfully build their own coil pot- those moments, will open your heart and change your artistic practice. Both you, and your students, will be fulfilled.