Workshops & Groups / Caregiver and Me Art Group
Caregiver and Me Art Group
A joyful hour of side-by-side art-making and play for young children and the grown-ups who care for them. Little ones explore color, texture and process art while you create and connect together.
About this workshop
Caregiver and Me is a hands-on art group for young children and the parents, grandparents and caregivers in their lives. Each week you'll create side by side, explore new materials together and share an hour of play with no screens and no pressure.
The focus is on process art: open-ended making where there's no right way to do it and no finished product to worry about. Children get to squish, paint, stack and explore at their own pace, while you get a calm, creative hour together.
These are wellness workshops led by a Create Balance art therapist. They're not therapy sessions.
What a session looks like
Arrive and settle
Find your spot, say hello and ease into the room together.
Explore the materials
A short introduction to the day's materials and a simple invitation to create.
Create side by side
Children and caregivers make, mix and play at their own pace.
Clean up and share
Wind down together and take a moment to notice what you made.
Why process art helps little ones
Builds connection
Creating side by side gives you and your child focused time together.
Supports self-expression
Open-ended art lets young children show what they feel and notice, without needing the words.
Strengthens small hands
Painting, tearing, squeezing and gluing all build fine motor skills.
Encourages curiosity
With no right answer, children are free to experiment and try new things.
Dates and registration
Every Friday, 9:00 – 10:00 AM. Each series is 5 weeks. Register for the full series through Hinsdale Parks & Recreation.
Winter 2027
- Jan 22
- Jan 29
- Feb 5
- Feb 12
- Feb 19
Spring 2027
- Apr 2
- Apr 9
- Apr 16
- Apr 23
- Apr 30
Registration isn't open yet. Get notified when it is, or browse Hinsdale Parks & Recreation programs.
Your facilitator
Margaret Engel
Margaret Engel is a clinical therapist and art therapist at Create Balance Counseling. She works with teens and adults and brings an affirming, person-centered approach to every group. As an art therapist, she uses creative opportunities to support insight, self-expression and the kind of processing that doesn't always need words.
Common questions
Does my child need any art experience?
No. This group is designed for young children who are just starting to explore art. Process art is about trying things, not getting it right.
Do caregivers take part?
Yes. Caregivers create alongside their child, so plan to join in and get a little messy too.
What should we bring or wear?
Just yourselves. All materials are provided. Wear clothes that can get messy for both of you.
Can we drop in for one session?
No. Registration is for the full 5-week series, so children can get comfortable with the group and the space.
Is this therapy?
No. Caregiver and Me is a wellness workshop led by a Create Balance art therapist, not a therapy session. If you're looking for support for your child or family, you can schedule a free consultation with our team.
How much does it cost?
$210 for Hinsdale residents and $250 for non-residents for the 5-week series. Registration is through Hinsdale Parks & Recreation.
More workshops
Looking for one-on-one support?
Our therapists offer art therapy and talk therapy in Hinsdale and by telehealth.
Get notified when registration opens
Join our newsletter for registration reminders, new workshop dates and seasonal wellness ideas.