There is something extraordinary about watching a child experience art for the very first time.

Their eyes widen with wonder. They notice details that many adults overlook. They ask questions that are innocent, imaginative, and sometimes surprisingly profound. They aren’t concerned with an artist’s résumé or the value of a painting. Instead, they ask, “How did you make it?” “What made you think of this?” or “Can I touch it?”

Those simple questions often lead to the most meaningful conversations.

That is exactly why For the Love of Art Fair exists.

Our mission is simple: to inspire, educate, and ignite art in the lives of others. And we believe that mission begins with our youngest visitors, the next generation of artists and art lovers.

Art Through a Child’s Eyes

One of the greatest joys of producing For the Love of Art Fair is watching children of all ages experience original art.

Many of our artists take the time to engage with young visitors. A sculptor may invite a child to gently feel the texture of a piece, explore its form, or notice how the artist created it. A painter may talk about color, movement, or inspiration. Children aren’t simply looking at art. They are experiencing it.

And then come the questions.

Children ask the most exquisite questions. They are curious without hesitation and look at the world through a completely different lens. Their questions aren’t the typical adult questions about price, technique, or where something would look good in their home. Their questions come from imagination and discovery.

And sometimes, those questions remind the adults in the room to look at the artwork differently, too.

Ron Rendall with Liam and Logan

Meet Liam and Logan

A beautiful example of this is Liam and Logan, who have been coming to For the Love of Art Fair with their parents, Sarah and John, since they were just three and four years old.

Now five and seven, they are growing up with art as part of their lives.

Watching them return to the fair year after year is a wonderful reminder that children don’t have to wait until they are adults to become art collectors or artists. Their appreciation begins with exposure, curiosity, and conversation.

When Curiosity Becomes Collecting

Over the years, Liam and Logan have developed their own favorite artists.

One of their favorites is sculptor Bill Kolok. In fact, their family now owns two of Bill’s pieces, and their parents’ purchases were influenced in part by their children’s curiosity and connection with the artist. Bill didn’t simply talk to the boys. He got down on their level, literally getting on his knees to show them his work. He explained that his sculptures were made from materials like stone and wood and encouraged them to feel the different textures. For Liam and Landon, art became something they could experience, touch, question and understand.

Their second favorite artist is Ron Rendall, whose unique wood sculptures of fish immediately captured their attention. Inspired by their love of Finding Nemo, each boy now has a fish sculpture of his own hanging in the family’s fish-themed bathroom. What began as a child’s fascination with a movie character became a connection to an artist, and ultimately, something they could call their own.

Another favorite is ceramic artist Jennifer Meeker, who encouraged the boys to engage with her unusual ceramic vessels, which have a realistic, mushroom-like appearance. By inviting them to touch and explore the textures and forms, Jennifer turned looking at art into an interactive experience.

Bill, Ron and Jennifer each found a different way to reach Liam and Logan. They inspired their curiosity, educated them about materials and artistic processes, and ignited an appreciation for art that has already influenced their family’s collecting.

And perhaps most importantly, these artists showed that children can be part of the art world right now. They can be young artists. They can be young collectors. They can ask questions, touch materials, discover their favorite artists and even influence what their families bring home.

Liam’s love of art has already begun to take a very personal direction. Art is one of his favorite classes, and he is starting to explore the possibility of becoming a sculptor and a painter himself.

Think about that for a moment.

A child who first encountered artists and their work at For the Love of Art Fair is now beginning to imagine himself as an artist.

That is how the next generation begins.

It begins with a child seeing something that sparks an idea.

It begins with an artist taking a few minutes to answer a question.

It begins with a parent saying, “Let’s go see what the artists are doing.”

And sometimes, it begins with simply allowing a child to stand in front of a sculpture and wonder.

A Mini Museum Where the Artists Are There to Talk

We like to think of For the Love of Art Fair as a mini museum where every exhibit comes with its creator.

Unlike many children’s activities at events, we don’t need face painting or games to make art exciting. Our goal is to connect children directly with the people who create it.

Instead of reading a small plaque beside a work of art, a child can look at a sculpture and ask the sculptor, “Why did you make it this way?”

They can see a painting and ask the painter, “How did you make that?”

They can touch the texture of a sculpture, when invited by the artist, and experience the physical qualities of the work.

That personal connection can turn an ordinary visit into a lifelong memory.

Awakening Creativity From the Very Beginning

Even the youngest children, those who are only two or three years old, are beginning to develop their own perspectives.

They are discovering color, shape, texture, movement, and form. Their minds are beginning to make connections. Their imaginations are awakening.

We may not know exactly what those little minds will become, but we know that giving them opportunities to explore creativity matters.

Today’s curious toddler could become tomorrow’s sculptor.

Today’s child asking questions could become tomorrow’s painter.

Today’s young visitor could become tomorrow’s collector.

And perhaps, years from now, that child will remember the artist who took the time to talk to them.

Creating the Next Generation of Collectors

We also believe that inspiring the next generation isn’t only about creating artists. It’s about creating art lovers and collectors.

Children who grow up understanding that original art is something they can experience, talk about, and eventually own may develop an entirely different relationship with art.

They learn that art isn’t something reserved for museums, wealthy collectors, or adults with sophisticated knowledge.

Art is for everyone.

A child doesn’t have to know the difference between Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism to appreciate a beautiful painting. They don’t need to understand every technique to be moved by a sculpture.

They simply need the opportunity to experience it.

A five- or seven-year-old may not walk into an art fair thinking about becoming a collector. But give them an artist who takes the time to kneel beside them, answer their questions and let them experience the work. Something can happen.

They begin to see themselves as part of the art world.

And that’s what we want to provide.

It Starts With a Conversation

At For the Love of Art Fair, our artists don’t simply display their work. They share their stories, their knowledge, and their creative journeys. Through those conversations, artists educate and inspire our patrons. And sometimes the youngest people in the room are listening more closely than anyone realizes.

That’s what makes this experience so special.

A child walks into the fair simply looking at art.

They may walk out seeing themselves as an artist.

Or a future collector.

Or simply someone who understands that creativity has a place in their life.

For us, that’s the real meaning behind our mission:

Inspire. Educate. Ignite Art in all lives.

From the youngest child discovering the texture of a sculpture to the seasoned collector searching for that special piece, there is a place for everyone at For the Love of Art Fair.

Because the next generation of artists and art collectors isn’t someday.

They’re already here.

We just have to give them the opportunity to see, touch, question, imagine, and fall in love with art.

If you’re looking for a way to share that spark with the young people in your life, we’d love to see you this February at the South Bend Century Center. Bring your questions, bring the kids, and meet the artists who are always happy to talk. You can also read what other visitors have experienced at the fair.