A VILLAGE TO CULTURE A CHILD

Having children does not have to mean cartoons and crayons for the next ten years of your life. In fact, finding ways to incorporate your child into a creative adult environment can prove to be very beneficial to them. A few months ago I brought my 5 year old daughter along to a small music and art festival, much to the surprise of a friend. My response came easily from my lips. "I bring her to these things because I want to raise her amongst artists and musicians, I want to raise her to be cultured and self motivated, entrepreneurial and philanthropic, with a style all her own and an appreciation of the new. Basically, I want to raise Olivia Busceme."

Olivia's father, Greg Busceme, is executive director and co-founder of The Art Studio Inc. and has been bringing her to art, music, and charity events for years. "It just felt natural to bring them with me, there are old pictures of me carrying both of [my kids] in my arms, and it was hard to find a sitter, and why not?" Olivia, who according to her father started organizing band nights at around age 14, grew up to be one of the most well known and respected figures in the local music booking industry and has served on numerous festival committees insuring consistently high quality entertainment. "She just had that public service thing about her, she can't help herself." Greg insists that Olivia would have found a place in the art and music world no matter what, but believes that the constant exposure she received as a child played a big roll in her development. 

There is no deficit on summer art camps, craft days, family centered festivals, and children's learning activities. And lists abound on things your kids can do to keep boredom at bay or grow intellectually. BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU? What kind of life are you supposed to live when you can never find a sitter on Friday night and that child just won't stay hushed in the movie theater? Your life can go on, you can still have a little fun, do fabulous things, and meet new people.

You may be surprised to hear that there is a lot out there that you have been avoiding this whole time, and didn't really have to. If you can talk yourself into relaxing about their non schoolnight bedtimes, there is an abundance of fun and excitement made just for you--the adult. And if you have to bring the kids along, no one here will give you any nasty looks. 

I recently spoke to some parent friends of mine to discuss some of their favorite places to bring the kids. Shanna Hawa is an indie model, artist, producer, and mother of two. Richard Tallent is an art photographer and father of a newborn baby girl. And Monica Cobb is a successful food truck operator, trained chef, caterer, and mother of two. These are some of our recommendations. 

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin

For some live music: The Logon Cafe/Pub
This cafe/pub is a great fan of more youthful and energetic bands, and even a sober karaoke. If you are tired of the two step, step into the Logon for a full blown dance party or just a bite to eat. Sit with the kids a little farther back from loud speakers and order them a french fry and rootbeer at the bar. This pub abstains from hard liquor in favor of craft beer and wine. And bar revelry typically reaches backyard family bbq levels at most. My only word of caution is to clear the area by ten, when crowds occasionally reach standing-room capacity.

For some fine art: The Art Studio, Inc.
Art receptions ignite visions of fancy old ladies looking down over their nose at oil painted flowers as they nibble complementary cheese cubes and twirl their fingers over their pearls as they repeat "I say, what wretched hooligans". The Art studio is anything but. Opening night of art shows is a huge social event and a great way to meet new people as you strike up a conversation about the work you behold. For more energetic children, avoid sculpture shows and artists with a propensity for explicit themes.

For a social lunch occasion: Lunch on the lake
The warmer season in Beaumont welcomes foodtrucks every Monday to the event center for a little taste of something new. Unlike larger cities, food trucks in a small city like Beaumont rely on word of mouth success and thus uphold a higher standard of health and sanitation in order to compete. Well dressed and sunglasses clad accountants, lawyers, artists, and thespians enjoy plates at a luxurious event center outdoor seating area along the lake. There is plenty of room for children to skip rocks along the water, or wonder over to the playground as you gossip with the girls or meet with clients. 

And a few more!

For Saturday Shopping: Saturday Morning Farmer's Market
Great educational opportunity and much less hectic than the super market. "Stop standing in the buggy!"

For Acting Fancy: Community Picnics at the McFaddin
Listen to some smooth live music at sundown and sip some wine on a checkered blanket in the grass with your loved ones.

For something different: Lunch at the Banh Mon
Chef Monica Cobb often brings her own kids along on summer days. They sale their art as dad and friends keep you entertained with live music.

For something chill: Beer Swaps by Slow Food Beaumont
A family backyard bbq atmosphere with room to run and play. Always at a new location and with new surprises. 

For some exploring: First Thursdays on Calder
Start at the Tattered Suitcase for live music, antiquing, and the occasional fashion show. Then on to Tacos La Bamba for special entertainment and authentic tacos, or on to fancy dining at Katherine and Company where outdoor seating removes the stress of telling the kids to settle down.

For a big party: The Grassroots Art Festivals (daylight hours only)
A hippy drum circle, an art sale, a bon fire, and live music mark this independently planned festival of magic and wonder.

For an easy night: Logon Cafe Movie Nights (check age ratings) 
Sit and eat a meal, dress in themed costume, enjoy a movie. Easy as pie. Which they have. 

Dreams for the future,

Betty